IAM car insurance

Discussion on Advanced and Defensive Driving.

Postby Rowley010 » Sun Mar 20, 2016 12:35 pm


Hi,

First of all, I want to say that I know cheaper insurance isn't what advanced driving is all about, and that's not the way I see it at all. Just want to cover myself there before someone brings that up!

I am interested though, as part of the entire IAM package, what kind of insurance premiums do people pay and what kind of reductions did you get going from standard driver, to advanced driver and going through the specialist advanced drivers insurance (which again I don't know anything about, it's just words of seen on the IAM website, which is why I'm asking for more detail on it here?)

Thanks everyone!
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Postby Angus » Sun Mar 20, 2016 2:13 pm


When Surety started they were generally quite good and often gave a competative quote.

Now the initial quote tends to be rubbish but they will usually match whatever quote you've got elsewhere. I got tired of this approach and haven't tried them for a few years now, but it used to be that the initial quote was from a "reputable" insurer and the matching quote from someone obscure. I've no idea if the claims service was just as good from both as I never had to find out.

Be aware too that once they have your number, they will pester you every year on the approach to renewal dates (to the extent that my phone now blocks their number)
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Postby Rowley010 » Sun Mar 20, 2016 2:51 pm


I'd struggle to commit to Sunday morning drives so I'm trying work out if an investment in the fast track option with a professional instructor would be worth while and make that money back on insurance premiums in a relatively short space of time. The fast track works out at £250 more than the normal route to becoming an advanced driver. Could I expect my insurance premium over 1 or 2 years to be that much less?

Unfortunately when I put IAM in on online quotes it makes zero difference :(

How does the surety actual work then?
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Postby Angus » Sun Mar 20, 2016 4:08 pm


Surety is the IAM's scheme.

I've never told people that an advanced test will reduce their insurance, but that they will be less likely to make a claim and therefore hold on to/increase their no claims. Bear in mind the additional expenses that you will incur if you have an accident, even if it's not your fault and avoiding just one will recoup training costs
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Postby hir » Sun Mar 20, 2016 5:01 pm


Rowley010 wrote:I'd struggle to commit to Sunday morning drives so I'm trying work out if an investment in the fast track option with a professional instructor would be worth while and make that money back on insurance premiums in a relatively short space of time. The fast track works out at £250 more than the normal route to becoming an advanced driver. Could I expect my insurance premium over 1 or 2 years to be that much less?

Unfortunately when I put IAM in on online quotes it makes zero difference :(

How does the surety actual work then?


Be wary, very wary, of the IAM "fast track scheme".

The course is too short; not enough time absorb, meditate and practice what is being suggested as a better way of doing things.

The Fast Track scheme is delivered by professionals whose time is money, and they're only paid for so much time; an enthusiastic amateur, provided he knows what he's doing, will give you all the time needed, via Skill for Life, to get you to test standard and is by far a better choice at this basic level of advanced driving. Once you've got IAM Masters or RoSPA gold then is the time to pay for professional advanced driver coaching.

I was asked to pick up the pieces of an ex-Fast Track candidate who suffered from the above and made a complete mess of the test. In fact it was his examiner who suggested he contact the local group and myself in particular in order to properly prepare for the test. The coaching that the candidate had received under the "Fast Track" scheme was so poor that I started the candidate again virtually from scratch, explaining the System, Limit Point technique, etc, etc. The candidate then went on to obtain a F1RST with the same examiner who had earlier failed him.

I complained to the IAM, on the candidate's behalf, that he had been given insufficient coaching under the "Fast Track" scheme and the IAM agreed to give him Skill for Life free of charge (the group still got their £32 contribution though). I was led to believe that the IAM were about to pull the plug on "Fast Track" as a result of poor test results and feedback from candidates and groups.

Just a thought.
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Postby waremark » Mon Mar 21, 2016 12:44 am


Rowley010 wrote:I'd struggle to commit to Sunday morning drives so I'm trying work out if an investment in the fast track option with a professional instructor would be worth while and make that money back on insurance premiums in a relatively short space of time. The fast track works out at £250 more than the normal route to becoming an advanced driver. Could I expect my insurance premium over 1 or 2 years to be that much less?

Unfortunately when I put IAM in on online quotes it makes zero difference :(

How does the surety actual work then?

You said you realised that lower insurance premiums are not what it is all about! No, you would be most unlikely to make that saving in premiums. Yes, you might make a bigger saving by not having the next accident/claim which could cost you far more. And you would be safer than however safe you are anyway, and enjoy your driving more.

Groups can be much more flexible to fit in with your schedule than just offering drives on Sunday mornings - depends on the group. But they would certainly expect you to take a number of drives, possibly between 6 and 10, though again this depends on the group, and even more on the individual.

If you are money rich and time poor, and want to improve your driving, you might do better to go to a well recommended professional coach rather than the IAM Fast Track scheme. Of course your IAM test fee and membership will not be included, but should you choose to take the test after your training you would have been trained to the same syllabus. Be aware that a good professional might charge £200 for a half day - not an unreasonable hourly rate for a professional. You should plan on having a minimum of two half day sessions, and as mentioned by hir that might well not be enough to reach IAM test standard. There are a number of recommendations here :

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... 4&t=585115
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Postby Lady Godiva » Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:22 am


Rowley010 wrote:I'd struggle to commit to Sunday morning drives so I'm trying work out if an investment in the fast track option with a professional instructor would be worth while and make that money back on insurance premiums in a relatively short space of time. The fast track works out at £250 more than the normal route to becoming an advanced driver. Could I expect my insurance premium over 1 or 2 years to be that much less?

Unfortunately when I put IAM in on online quotes it makes zero difference :(

How does the surety actual work then?

Hi

You may have already found the information you need, but based on my experience there is zero chance of making back the cost of the standard course on your insurance, never mind the fast track one.

Again, this is purely based on my experience but I can ALWAYS find cheaper insurance elsewhere, using the standard search engines, and sticking with reputable insurers. I have 3 cars, an old Clio, an MX5 and a Toyota yaris. Surety never give the cheapest quote and regardless of what you may read, they often can't match them either.

Do the course for the advanced driving, but if you hope to get payback via reduced insurance premiums then I fear you may be disappointed.

HTH

Love Sally x
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Postby martine » Wed Jun 01, 2016 11:00 am


People's experience of Surety varies...for my part I am happy with them insuring my Focus ST...I pay £190 per year for a group 34 car I think that's reasonable. Yes Surety like many other insurers will start with a higher quote but they have always matched or bettered comparison quotes when I've queries it. This is common practice with many insurers - yes it stinks but that seems to be the way the industry works.

The Surety policy is quite good...low excess, free foreign cover, 3rd party insurance to drive other cars etc.

As has been said, don't do it for the simple insurance discount...advanced drivers tend to have less wear and tear on tyres, brakes, clutch, better fuel consumption...any of which could easily give you the financial payback if thats's what you're looking for...but...

The biggest reasons should be to develop your driving, safer, smoother, more progressive and enjoyment - what's not to like!
Martin - Bristol IAM: IMI National Observer and Group Secretary, DSA: ADI, Fleet, RoSPA (Dip)
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