"Car Insurance" [Archive] - Australian LS1 and Holden Forums

TheRealMadMax

11-08-2008, 11:51 AM

Mate, Just Cars are designed for people who can't get insurance elsewhere - High Risk drivers/vehicles.

I have compared their Policy (PDS) to many other insurers and they offer the least amount of cover for the most amount of money.

Try shopping around, they all give quotes over the net, or over the phone. Shannon's is popular amongst this crowd, however if you haven't modified your car, you may want to consider a mainstream insurer (NRMA, Suncorp, etc)

Farlig

11-08-2008, 11:55 AM

make sure your happy with the excess. i refused to go with them due to the ~2,000$ excess, since they concider a hsv a "plus" vehicle.

I'm happy elsewhere with my $250 excess, when you have to claim its bad enough its an emotional loss, but when the premiums are so high, they shouldn't financially rape you too with excess.

tim_k

11-08-2008, 11:59 AM

Depending on age, driving history and modifications, AAMI are pretty good. I set up a policy whereby the premium is halved but the excess is triple (on an HSV no less - some companies won't touch these). I can afford the excess if I do stack it but I'm playing the odds that I won't be at fault.

From memory I think Just Cars is underwritten by AAMI and is designed as "last resort" insurance

benniemc

11-08-2008, 12:19 PM

Yeah, Just Cars is apart of AAMI.

I've got my VY SS insured with RACT for $750p/y, pretty good value for an RAC!

If your over 25, try your states RAC, or Shannons.

I've heard that Just Cars and AAMI are a pain in the arse to get money out of when it comes to the crunch.

tim_k

11-08-2008, 12:22 PM

I've heard that Just Cars and AAMI are a pain in the arse to get money out of when it comes to the crunch.

I've not had this problem, hence why I'm still insured with them

benniemc

11-08-2008, 12:28 PM

I've not had this problem, hence why I'm still insured with them

My mother in law had some issues, and switched, and I have a friend involved in a hit and run (someone rear-ended her) is till fighting with AAMI to get her car fixed even though she has full comp!

I guess it comes back to individual experiences! :)

mmmfreegoo

11-08-2008, 12:31 PM

I used to be with RAC buy I had 1 prang after 12 years of driving and now they have put my excess up a $1000 from $250.

With Excess, do you pay that up front to get the insurance or do you only pay the $1000 or whatever the case may be if you have a crash?

tim_k

11-08-2008, 12:40 PM

With Excess, do you pay that up front to get the insurance or do you only pay the $1000 or whatever the case may be if you have a crash?

Excess is only paid when you make a claim. If you're not at fault, and your insurance company successfully claims your repairs from the other party, then this is refunded back to you

mmmfreegoo

11-08-2008, 01:00 PM

Ok Thanks Tim K. After doing some ringing around I found SGIO to be ok but the policy is higher but excess lower. Just have to veigh up Policy vs excess with the companies I guess.

Man I hate having crashes, it just stuffs everything up.

Thanks to everyone for their help

tim_k

11-08-2008, 01:02 PM

Man I hate having crashes, it just stuffs everything up.

I think everyone would agree with you on that one. Other details to consider include choice of repairer, warranty on repairs and "extra fruit" like a loan car while yours is getting fixed

BennyMac

11-08-2008, 01:12 PM

If you stare at the name of "AAMI" long enough it becomes "ARSEHOLES"
Gee i wounder if Justcars would be any better?

Ben

KenOath

11-08-2008, 01:59 PM

Insurance is definately not all the same. You really do get what you pay for. Always check the policy and if you can have someone confirm, in writing, answers to your questions then better for you. Also check with your prefered smash repairer or someone repairer locally if they will do work for the insurance company that you go with. I had a drama with a couple of repairer who wouldn't even look at my wife's car when she smashed it cause of who it was insured with.

Roly

11-08-2008, 02:02 PM

lots of smash repairers will do work for anyone except AAMI.

From memoery AAMI also like to use 2nd hand parts for the repairs if they can.

LS1-5.7

11-08-2008, 07:09 PM

Best to get in touch with a broker as they'll get the best deal that suits your circumstances.

chillicatqld

11-08-2008, 07:17 PM

Stay clear.. unless you like your car being "auctioned" online when/if you have an accident. It will get repaired by the cheapest bidder at whatever standard they have.
Talk to most repairers.. they won't even touch AAMI jobs... as mentioned above.

Alister

11-08-2008, 07:27 PM

I've been with Just Car Insurance for nearly three years now (by the way, its an extremely well known company that has been operating for ages now). Three complaints:

1. "Agreed Value" magically drops every year with the same percentage decrease that market value does.
I bought my VX Calais LS1 for $15 800 in 06. When I told Just Car Insurance the amount they didn't believe me. I was badgered with questions about the vehicles condition, even "Why is the vehicle so cheap?"
They insured me for $15 800 fair enough but then it dropped to $15 000 the next year, and then $13 000 the year after. This pissed me off as I couldn't replace the vehicle if it was written off.
(see positives)

1. Expensive and additional excesses:
"Plus" vehicle excess - what a joke, they charge you extra because they believe your vehicle is more likely to be involved in an accident. This is on top of the standard and age excess too.)

2. Policy changes are just carried out without proper notification:
They recently raised the standard excess and age excess without notifying me. The only reason I noticed it was that I saw it when the renewal came around. Now if i'm at fault, I have to pay $2500. It was $1700 before.

3. Replacement parts
Another change that was rushed in with minimal notification. They can use second hand and aftermarket parts to repair your car.

Positive
1. Agreed value - when I added mods to my policy (VY Senator front etc), I complained about how my agreed value was way below marketing value and not fair as I couldn't replace the vehicle if it was written off. To my surprise the guy actually did something and bumped it up to $17 135 with my mods for about $75 extra a year. Probably helped that he was interested in my car as he used to own a VX Calais as well.

2. Cheap price for younger drivers.

sld86

11-08-2008, 07:38 PM

ive been with them now for about 4 years and have had 3 licence suspensions in that time. got my renewal notice last week and it was only 1070 including the turbo kit on a 06ve ss manual with a 22yo driver,never really had a drama with them

towieguy24

11-08-2008, 08:16 PM

[QUOTE=Alister;1302863]I've been with Just Car Insurance for nearly three years now (by the way, its an extremely well known company that has been operating for ages now). Three complaints:

firstly, most insurance companies are based on a 'portfolio underwriting' system which is a computer generated system that automatially reverts the agreed value to the current market value at renewal. This gives the Insured the chance to increase or decrease it as they see fit. This is why you recieve your renewal notice a minimum of 21 days before the actual renewal date. There is no way they can stop the computer system doing this, so it is up to you to ring them at every renewal.

With regard to excesses, the higher the risk, the higher the excess the insurer will apply. For example the usually have young driver excesses, but they also have 'inexperienced driver' excesses which re for people over 25 (30 in some cases) that have held their licence for less than 2 years. You may be able to reduce your premium and excess by making your car less of a risk to the insurance company, changing things like where the vehicle is kept, security systems (alarm, immobiliser, tracking device) and how much the vehicle is driven.
When an insurer changes part of theier Product Disclosure Statement / Policy Wording, they are legally obliged to send you a copy. So it is in your best interest to have a read when you recieve your renewal to make sure you are aware of any changes. If you are not happy, shop around, you would be surprised.

mmmfreegoo

11-08-2008, 09:21 PM

lots of smash repairers will do work for anyone except AAMI.

From memoery AAMI also like to use 2nd hand parts for the repairs if they can.

Won't even try and ring them, thanks for the advice.

Anyone heard of the company 'Real Insurance'? I have seen them advertising on TV lately and and after doing a quote are pretty darn good and the cover seems good too.

Once again any comments, complaints, compliments etc in regards to Real Insurance?

Thanks

I've been with Just Car Insurance for nearly three years now (by the way, its an extremely well known company that has been operating for ages now). Three complaints:

1. "Agreed Value" magically drops every year with the same percentage decrease that market value does.
I bought my VX Calais LS1 for $15 800 in 06. When I told Just Car Insurance the amount they didn't believe me. I was badgered with questions about the vehicles condition, even "Why is the vehicle so cheap?"
They insured me for $15 800 fair enough but then it dropped to $15 000 the next year, and then $13 000 the year after. This pissed me off as I couldn't replace the vehicle if it was written off.
(see positives)

1. Expensive and additional excesses:
"Plus" vehicle excess - what a joke, they charge you extra because they believe your vehicle is more likely to be involved in an accident. This is on top of the standard and age excess too.)

2. Policy changes are just carried out without proper notification:
They recently raised the standard excess and age excess without notifying me. The only reason I noticed it was that I saw it when the renewal came around. Now if i'm at fault, I have to pay $2500. It was $1700 before.

3. Replacement parts
Another change that was rushed in with minimal notification. They can use second hand and aftermarket parts to repair your car.

Positive
1. Agreed value - when I added mods to my policy (VY Senator front etc), I complained about how my agreed value was way below marketing value and not fair as I couldn't replace the vehicle if it was written off. To my surprise the guy actually did something and bumped it up to $17 135 with my mods for about $75 extra a year. Probably helped that he was interested in my car as he used to own a VX Calais as well.

2. Cheap price for younger drivers.

Just with 'Just Car Insurance', when I asked them for a quote the first thing they asked for was about mods. The guy was shocked when I said it was standard.

Toddler78

11-08-2008, 10:29 PM

Im with just car insurance at the moment. My renewal has just come in, has anyone noticed the premium has gone up whilst the agreed value has come down:bawl:
I have been with them for 6 years now (3 for my monaro and 3 for my commodore) The reason is manly price as they have been by far the cheepest, wilst the excess hasnt been that bad, this year it has gone through the roof though. I hadnt been able to get insurance before due to having a "high risk car" under 25.

I made one claim with them (crashed and wrote off my commodore) took them 3 months to the day to pay me out and this was only after I went to the insurance obusman and they gave me legal advice, claim was settled that day.
I wouldnt like to make a claim with them again though.
I just got my renewal as said above
for 2003 Monaro rating 1 with no driving accident history in the last 3 years rating 1 premium is 1204 annual with $400 std excess + $1500 vehicle excess+$1000 theft excess:rofl: with agreed value of $33,250.
(as far as they are concerned car is standard)

just got a quote from RAA online quoted for same conditions rating 1 for life $1200 odd dollars with a $400 excess or $1000 odd dollars with a $1000 excess. insurance is due in two weeks time, looks like I am going with RAA

cant get a quote from shannons online

SSBarney

11-08-2008, 10:45 PM

lots of smash repairers will do work for anyone except AAMI.

From memoery AAMI also like to use 2nd hand parts for the repairs if they can.

Every insurance company allows repairers to use second hand parts if the car is 2 years old.

Stay clear.. unless you like your car being "auctioned" online when/if you have an accident. It will get repaired by the cheapest bidder at whatever standard they have.
Talk to most repairers.. they won't even touch AAMI jobs... as mentioned above.
AAMI try to bluff you into taking the car thru their auction system, " they even cheauffer u home":confused:
However what they dont tell you is you can still get two local quotes, take them to the central centre and it will be assessed and the local guy can fix it.

TheRealMadMax

12-08-2008, 08:36 AM

Every insurance company allows repairers to use second hand parts if the car is 2 years old.

Where did you hear that? I can assure you it is not the case.

Where possible, most insurers will use new OEM parts. It is in their interest to do so. OEM replacement parts ensure manufacturer consistency with safety and design, resulting in less likelyhood of a bad repair, or worse, a failure resulting in injury of the insured.

Only when new OEM parts are not available will an insurer use used or aftermarket parts, e.g. GREY IMPORT VEHICLES and really old cars. Manufacturers are required to maintain a spare parts surplus for all vehicles sold new in Australia. This ensures that repairs can get their hands on what they need.

A better statement would be "most insurers use NEW parts 98% of the time". If your car is a grey import, then you can expect second hand parts, as replacement OEM parts are not normally available in Aust.

FITZY777

12-08-2008, 10:06 AM

G'day mate (and Todd)

As posted in a previous thread

I recently changed my Insurance to LSV - Lumley Special Vehicles (through Donnellys brokers) as CGU would not insure a modified car and Shannons would not touch without a locked Garage.

CAM
HEADERS
EXHAUST
MODIFIED AIR INTAKE

$500 excess
Driver 30yo or over.
Rating 1 drivers (me and missus athough she wont drive now that it is cammed !)
Lifetime maximum No Claim Bonus Protection
1 Free windscreen per year
$42k agreed value for the 04 VZ CV8 (65,000kms)
Choice of repairer
First option to purchase write-off
Accomodation etc if car damaged etc etc

$884.36 p.a.

I though that was pretty bloody good.

KenOath

12-08-2008, 10:14 AM

from memory i think that Real Insurance is undwritten by Hollards which is a foreigh insurer with a licence to operate in Australia. With the Agreed Value option on any insurance it is always your obligation to make sure that the sum to be insured is correct. Do what i do and that is to go to a dealer every year to get a valuation on your car. Best option if you have low klms and look after you vehicle.

TimmyG

12-08-2008, 10:44 AM

Well i have a vt S with exhaust extractors k&n lowered and 19's and the only one willing to insure me is just car i went to my local (brocor spelling?) an hour later said sorry we cant find any1 that will insure u try just car. I tried shannons and they came back unable to quote online. So im still looking around for some1 because im not to sure about this just car company.
Oh and i've never had an accident in my life i thought that might give me some brownie points with companies but apparently not lol.Can someone please point me in the right direction to who might lol. sorry to hijack your thread mate.

Cheers
Tim

Toddler78

12-08-2008, 11:38 AM

SharkBiscuit

12-08-2008, 01:42 PM

i just organised insurance with AAMI after realising the MASSIVE :eyes: excess that I'd be up for with Just Car. Premiums were similar for an un modded VZ Monaro but a few grand difference in the excess. AAMI also offer a $50 windscreen replacement option and that sounds almost easier than cleaning it :).

i specifically asked about new or 2nd parts and was told new parts only but that's just talk, haven't gone through fine print though.

IMHO Just Cars = last option.

Also, notice that AAMI would only insure for a minimum value about 10k more than I paid, yep, got a good deal but makes it hard to compare to other companies who want you to justify if a car is 'worth' more than you paid.

sk0690

12-08-2008, 01:56 PM

Have anyone heard or experienced with Budget Direct ???

iloveholden

12-08-2008, 02:17 PM

Toddler78

12-08-2008, 02:21 PM

phillbreeze

12-08-2008, 02:26 PM

I read a post a while back that mentioned www.ecarinsurance.com.au.
I did an online quote and they were WAAAY cheaper than what i'm paying at Suncorp. When i got my Suncorp insurance i did shiteloads of ringing around and thought i was onto a good thing.
Mods with ecarinsurance dont seem to be a problem, they have a big list of boxes to tick.
It would be interesting for a few people to try an online quote and see how they compare.
It would be even more interesting to hear from someone who's dealt with them and have had to make a claim.
Cheers

iloveholden

12-08-2008, 09:30 PM

go online and get a quote

but you may find that most insurers wont even give insurance for you to be driving it whether it is in your dads name or not.

yeah thats what i was affraid of.

The online quotes are rubbish, they are always more than if you actually rang them.

Oh well stick with my A4 V6 for a little longer :bawl:

JimmyXR6T04

12-08-2008, 09:55 PM

I was with Just Car Insurance when i had my XR6T. Due to suspension modifications, NRMA would no longer insure me (under 25) so i was basically forced to go with Just Cars or raise my car.

I ended up doing a fair few mods, and i told them about all of them. I had an accident, and forgot to tell them about the intercooler, luckily they weren't fussed as i obviously wasn't hiding anything because i told them all the other stuff.

Unfortunately, their chosen repair shop quoted about $6000 damage, where as the shop i wanted to take it to quoted $12k as a minimum. Obviously they used their shop. After nearly 2-3 months with no car, i finally got the car back... the final repair bill was 20k, and the paint job was shocking. Plus i had to take it back a few days later as one of the wheels was loose and wobbling :confused: I kept the car for about a year or so after the accident, and within about 10,000kms the tyres were ratsh*t. Wheel alignment was shocking, i wonder if they actually did anything!

I ended up selling the car because of the shite repair job...

Unfortunately i didn't learn my lesson, because i'm now insured with AAMI... but it's only for my 2005 fairmont, so i'm not as worried about it. But for a car that i really car about, i don't think i'd risk AAMI again... or if i did, i'd be more of a prick after the repair work and take it back for every single little fault.

Wonky

13-08-2008, 12:59 AM

The online quotes are rubbish, they are always more than if you actually rang them.
I've not found that. All you have to do if you think the online quote is too good to be true is purchase it. If they then try to up the price on you I'm sure you would be entitled to a full refund???? Also, often doing things online is the cheapest option as it means they aren't having to pay the same number of people to take calls and spend time walking you through to get all the required info.

Crusty

13-08-2008, 11:13 AM

I've not had this problem, hence why I'm still insured with them

AAMI also have Shannons and I had a not at fault claim recently with no drama's at all, repairer said that AAMI and Shannons/Just Cars are the easiest to deal with out of all the insurers they do work for.

brock71

13-08-2008, 12:10 PM

Ive had insurance on my 01 GTS with mods, with Just Car for 2yrs and it only costs me $800 a year insured for $45000.
Fair enough the excess I would pay if I was at fault in an accident is $1500 but I have saved that already by having the cheaper insurance with Just Car.
Other insurance companies quoted up to $2500 a yr and some wouldnt even consider insuring it. I have a clean driving record but I am only 25.
My policy includes unlimited mods and my choice of repairer, which works well as I have a friend who runs a panel shop that would do the repair work if I ever was to smash it.
Insurance companies will all have bad stories out there about them. Pick one and give it a go, if your not happy you can always change.

Bloodhound

13-08-2008, 08:36 PM

I've had good experiences with AAMI, by far the cheapest of the big companies. If your under 30 and try with the smaller ones you wont get past quoting. I've had a couple of accidents, luckily none my fault and they have been great. Can't comment on how they are if at fault though.

benniemc

13-08-2008, 09:35 PM

Guys i dont want to hijack the thread but i have a question.

If i bought a stock Vy/Vz SS 5.7L sedan, that would be stored in a locked garage, with myself 19 and my dad 54 on the policy what should i be looking at in terms of p.a payment/excess?

Is it so stupid to get a V8 at my age or not?

Put the insurance in your Dads name, and have you as a nominated driver.

The policy will be cheaper, but if you prang the car, the excess will be alot higher (double in some cases).

The only way to find out is to ring around.

My stock VY SS is insured with RACT from $750 p/a (full comp with a $22k replacement value) with a $600 excess if I prang it because I'm a "P" plater, it does help that I'm 25 though!

scottief

14-08-2008, 08:52 PM

I'm with shannons & found them to be the cheapest. Best bet to ring them for an accurate quote.:)

iloveholden

14-08-2008, 09:24 PM

Put the insurance in your Dads name, and have you as a nominated driver.

The policy will be cheaper, but if you prang the car, the excess will be alot higher (double in some cases).

The only way to find out is to ring around.

My stock VY SS is insured with RACT from $750 p/a (full comp with a $22k replacement value) with a $600 excess if I prang it because I'm a "P" plater, it does help that I'm 25 though!

Yeah thats what i was talking about before have dad on the policy and myself as a nominated driver.

I have my 04 VZ set up like that now with QBE and i pay 520 a year with a 700 excess.