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Car insurance after licence reinstated after revocation

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Ron Ashworth

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I hope to get my licence reinstated soon after having satisfied the DVLA that I am safe to drive following queries about Hypo awareness and visual accuity. (test at Specsavers on Saurday next). I did not renew my motor insurance a couple of months ago because the car and myself were off the road. I rang my insurance company today who told me that the premium would increase tenfold if I renewed the policy today. They were unable to tell me what the pollicy would cost if I got my licence back. Reading Money Savings Expert, I found out that motor insurers cannot refuse to reinsure or increase premiums because it would be illegal for them to do so under the Equalities Act 2010.
Anyone got any insights into this issue?
 
Why would it be illegal for them to increase your premium? Companies do this all the time.
I'm also not sure why they'd be breaking the Equalities Law by failing to re-insure you.
 
Because it would be discrimination against an individual with a disability without justfication.
If the DVLA has issued you a licence, with knowledge of your medical conditions, car insurers cannot refuse your coverage, raise your premiums, or increase your excess because of your health without evidence that you're an increased risk. This right is protected under the Equalities Act 2010.

This what Money Saving Expert say,

"If the DVLA has issued you a licence, with knowledge of your medical conditions, car insurers cannot refuse your coverage, raise your premiums, or increase your excess because of your health without evidence that you're an increased risk. This right is protected under the Equalities Act 2010.


Your insurer can, however, ask you questions about your condition, request written information about your medical condition and a copy of your driving licence or letter from the DVLA confirming you are able to drive. And they may raise your premiums or excess if they believe your likelihood of causing an accident has increased. If they raise your premiums, they have to inform you of the reason."
 
I’ve never been charged more for car insurance when I've declared my diabetes.
 
Ron Ashworth said:
Because it would be discrimination against an individual with a disability without justfication.
If the DVLA has issued you a licence, with knowledge of your medical conditions, car insurers cannot refuse your coverage, raise your premiums, or increase your excess because of your health without evidence that you're an increased risk. This right is protected under the Equalities Act 2010.

This what Money Saving Expert say,

"If the DVLA has issued you a licence, with knowledge of your medical conditions, car insurers cannot refuse your coverage, raise your premiums, or increase your excess because of your health without evidence that you're an increased risk. This right is protected under the Equalities Act 2010.


Your insurer can, however, ask you questions about your condition, request written information about your medical condition and a copy of your driving licence or letter from the DVLA confirming you are able to drive. And they may raise your premiums or excess if they believe your likelihood of causing an accident has increased. If they raise your premiums, they have to inform you of the reason."
Click to expand...

I think the key phrase there is "without justification".

I would imagine that if they wanted to, they could quite easily determine that someone with diabetes severe enough that they've had their licence revoked for a period of time is a higher risk. What the DVLA think about your fitness to hold a licence is not necessarily relevant when it comes to assessing insurance risk or all drivers would have the same premium.

I genuinely don't know to be honest. I think you're going to have to wait and see what happens when you get your licence back. You might be OK here and certainly when I told them I had diabetes and was using insulin there was no change to my premium. I haven't lost my licence for health reasons though so I don't know what would happen there.

Will be interesting to hear how you get on because I imagine that's something which has the potential to directly affect many of us on here.
 
Ron Ashworth said:
rang my insurance company today who told me that the premium would increase tenfold if I renewed the policy today.
Click to expand...

Pulling fast one on you there, simple solution is switch companies as most don't load premiums because of diabetes, own insurance cost is on par with other family members without health conditions, don't let anyone tell you any different, so have look on comparison sites for better deals.
 
Managed to get the manager in charge of the section that gave me the £4000 plus quote to renew my car insurance cover. She was clearly an experienced person who appreciated that I simply wanted a quote for when and if I have my licence reinstated. She understood this and, after one or two other adjustments gave a quote at £320, £60 less than my previous years premium. Didn't need to mension the Equalities Act 2010. Almost disappointed.
Vision test at Specsavers tomorrow, Saturday.
😉
 
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Still worth looking around for cheaper quote that has same benefits, who knows might save another £60.
 
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