The Car Insurance People Are Scaring Me And I Don't Like It.
Stupid cars. Stupid car insurance.
Hi Gang.
Fuck.
Why do insurance companies have to be so difficult?
I have had the same car insurance company since I passed my test in 2008. I’ve never had any problems with them. Their rates are reasonable, and the terms are clear and doable.
Last year, for no apparent reason, my premium, with no claims since 2008, DOUBLED in price. This year, the company is shutting down, and I was shoved off to a new insurance company that wants even more money again and is also giving me fewer benefits with the policy.
So I think it is time to shop around.
Having never done so before, suddenly, I am terrified. I’m a “set and forget” kind of person. I am not used to comparing the market or considering which is better for me. I’ve always thought, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But now it is broken, and I must fix it, and for some reason, I have serious anxiety over it.
Why?
Because I don’t understand it all. I may be clever, but I’m not academic. I’m not an expert in motor vehicle law or fancy terms like the ones used in the four pages of “small print” that seem to prohibit doing anything except looking at the car, and even then, I will need to pay a premium to do so.
I know I should be better at this stuff at the grand old age of 45, but I’m not.
I’ve been with the same electric, gas, and water company for 25 years. I’ve been with precisely one internet company and one mobile phone company since the 2010s. Heck, I've even had one phone since about six years ago, and the same make twice before then, too. I know what works, and I stick to it. I’m a salesperson’s dream; once they hook me, I’m in for life. Usually, with no questions asked. (OK, I sometimes threaten the Automobile Association with dumping them for Green Flag, as they usually knock £200 off the bill when I do … but if they called my bluff, I’d be devastated and probably still stick with them.)
Car insurance companies get away with scaring us into being loyal with fancy terms and jargon. Maybe they think that by making us feel stupid and like we need a lawyer to explain the schedule to us, they will keep us with them longer. Rule with fear. In all honesty, it has worked until now.
Now I’m crapping myself as I need to make a decision. Pay an exorbitant price for fewer services, or dare to rock the boat and shop around. I have two weeks to get my act together before the insurance becomes due. Tick, tick, tick. I might get Peter to do it later. He’s far better at this stuff than me. Yes, I’m a wimp.
Do you get anxious over these things, or am I just a big wussy?
Freya xx