Any one insured with Bennetts, see article in MCN this week One of Britain’s biggest motorcycle insurers is refusing to cover machines with more than three modifications, irrespective of what they are. Bikes with four minor alterations such as a sticker are automatically rejected by Bennetts Insurance while those with three major modifications including nitrous oxide may not be. Potential customers are asked to identify modifications to their bike by choosing from a comprehensive list. The list of over 50 possible modifications ranges from a tank protector to specially built frame, but riders can select a maximum of three no matter which they are. Failure to declare any could invalidate the policy.One rider posted on MCN’s forum: ‘I recently rang up Bennetts and enquired about fitting a K&N air filter to my bike. However they said because I already had three modifications, that is the maximum I am allowed, and if I went ahead I would be uninsured.’ Bennetts insures 200,000 UK riders and provides quotes to 600,000 a year, more than half the country’s total motorcyclists according to the firm’s website. Other major bike insurers including Carole Nash and MCE said they did not have a similar limit. A Bennetts spokeswoman said: "The current Bennetts system allows a maximum of three modifications because historically the number of bikers, when quoting through one of our direct channels, who list more than one modification is very low. “ She said Bennetts would listen to feedback on the issue. For the full list of modifications see this weeks MCN - accessories are classed as modifications. A modification is classed as anything that is not standard.
I agree - It would be nice to know if they have used this clause not to pay out !! I'm not sure I would like to chance it
I was with Bennets and I have to say they are the worst Insurance company I have dealt with. I'm not surprised this is their policy..
I have previously ditched Bennets and it was not pritty, I ended up paying for a copy of a telephone conversation to enable me to take it further. I couldn't be bothered in the end but will not use then again. I would not expect the other companies to follow until they have seen the impact on Bennets customer share?
I did't get back on a bike till a little after 30 so that would never have been a problem. If their policy suits you then thats fine, they are a service provider not a friend, all insurance companies are probably much of a muchness anyway. With me when their documents came through they we not as discussed when the policy was set up and when I cancelled they charged me £34 because it had past the cancellation period, I pointed out that I had only just received the policy and contacted them the same day, they said that was not their problem. Some customer service
They auto renewed my policy and when i called up to cancel it they wanted a £50 admin fee and charged me 50% of the annual premium. I complained and said that was unacceptable - they then threatened to sue me. In the end like above, i gave in and paid because they made it so very hard to fight. So i took it on the chin but now everyone i speak to i tell them what happened and to avoid them at all costs. I did however make the payment reference "I HATE BENNETS" on the bank statement as a petit piece of satisfaction.
Surly they can't change the protocols mid way through a policy and changed would applie to policies taken out after the changes. Perhaps a protest visit to there stand next week to clarify.
Oh no - this thread has re-awoken my hatred of insurance companies... What gets under my skin the most is that they (in particular Bennets) make out like they are your friend and compadre - when in fact, they lull you into a circus of smoke and mirrors and it is near impossible without spending £2k on solicitors fees to decipher the small print. If you dont make a claim, fine - but when that day does come, be prepared to see every possible attempt to accuse the customer of false details and hidden modifications in a desperate frenzy to avoid payment - the latter i can't see has any bearing on an accident or theft anyway. We all know when one sells a bike, put it back to standard as you'll get more money for it. So in actual fact, they should cheapen the premiums for modded bikes! HAHAHAH - this is great... come on guys - get involved here!! http://www.facebook.com/bennettsbike
I hate them too, all of them!! Val yesterday had to cancel her insurance on her moped.... She has 6 months left and the year costs £100.00, so when asked to cancel they said that they would not refund ANY of the money, so I told her to say sod it then we want to let it run, they then said it was an offence to have insurance on a bike thats not in her name... W#nkers! AND they were going to report her for it so they kept the £50.00! Also do people know that even a change of tyres is a MOD, yep if your running anything other than the tyres the bike was shipped with its a mod, even stickers are a mod, what a JOKE!
YES it is I had my insurance cancelled after telling them I had Heated grips, crash bungs, rear rack, and tank pad on my CB1300 all fitted by Honda from new with Honda parts. That cost me £30.00, then I had to cancel my insurance With Carol Nash As they would not cover my CBR1000 unless I had a Alarm Fitted. Also had problem getting insurance on the Blade as Honda had given me a free (Honda Part) exhaust akrapovic. First three company’s would not insure me with this fitted???
If they go down this route, others will follow and 90% of used bikes will be worthless... People will think fuck it, can't be assed with these bikes... Not worth the money... Euro big wigs will jump on it even more and their will be even less bikes for bennetts to insure in already a tough Market!! What sort of idiot comes up with these great business strategies!? Dopey pricks
Its making a ducati or Aprilia seem appealing as i can buy won with all the goodies on from the factory .
