Bennetts, Carole Nash or MCE?

tiger blue · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 Oct 2015 Karma :

I've just bought my first bike - a YBR which I'm picking up on Monday. I've done a trawl of the usual comparison sites And so far the cheapest quote was £199 from Rampdale, but I've read some bad reviews so I've disregarded them. Next up are Bennetts and MCE at £215 (MCE coming to that price via some Quidco cashback). Finally, Carole Nash have just called and got their quote down from £296 to £258 - the additional premium being justified by breakdown cover (I've already got RAC coverage with my car), a cheaper excess (£200 vs £250 and £350) and some 'DNA+' security marker.

I value service over absolute cheapest pricing, but I'm new to biking and have no experience of those three companies - what is the general consensus on service levels? Is the Carole Nash policy worth the extra £43?

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

You value service... have you enquired as to if the insurers will be willing to swap your cover to a bigger bike?

You'll read bad reviews for any insurance company so I really wouldn't pay much attention to them. Go for the cheapest. Wink

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

^^^ What Ste said.

The cheapest cover that actually covers what you want. You will never know until you try and claim who is good and who is bad. Hopefully you will never need to find out.
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Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Oh yeah, the DNA+ security something-or-other is worthless.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I asked Scotplod how many stolen bikes they've recovered via security markings. Answer: they don't even know how many motorcycles have been reported stolen, let alone how many they've recovered. Brick Wall

Just putting a sticker (datatag, alphadot, whatever) on your bike will have exactly as much deterrent effect regardless of whether it's actually marked up or not.

On insurers, I agree, you might as well pay the minimum. Service in the event of a claim or policy wrangle will be a total lottery.
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GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

tiger blue · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 Oct 2015 Karma :

Thanks, for the replies, probably going to go with Bennetts.

Benjums · Scooby Slapper Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Karma :

I was with bennetts last year, I had to go the pay monthly route which I don't normally like doing. Anyway part way through the year I had enough money to pay the rest of my insurance off, bennetts screwed up and kept trying to take the money out of my bank for about 5 months, even after numerous phone calls and arguments with them saying I paid and showing proof. I even had a letter in October saying that I was no longer covered by them as from the 1st of September (Royal Mail fail) so after another lengthy argument with them and finally getting to speak to the head boss I have now got another years insurance free with them, not lost any ncb and a cheque back for 30 quid. Was a pain in the ass but I can't complain about a years free insurance. This is just my experience with them. So I just thought I should let you know.

Tierbirdy · Crazy Courier Joined: 25 Jun 2014 Karma :

Bennetts were alright, was with them for my first year, but come renewal they didnt even try to beat any competitors quotes "computer says no", so in the bin they went. The subsidised RAC cover they provided was nice though, the only optional extra thing I ever really used on the policy because the YBR was made of cheese and bits kept falling off it and getting me stranded in awkward places! Mr. Green

Lord Percy · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Aug 2012 Karma :

I went with Carol Nash on standard TPF&T because it was cheapest and was surprised to find that their insurance also includes breakdown cover and third party insurance for riding any other motorbike as long as the owner has agreed to it. Bonus!

wr6133 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Dec 2013 Karma :

For anyone with Bennets if you login to their offers thing, occasionally they give out free little chef breakfasts and petrol station sausage rolls.

almostthere · Traffic Copper Joined: 28 Oct 2013 Karma :

go cheap don't crash Thumbs Up

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chrisdubya · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Jun 2015 Karma :

I've just renewed with Bennetts this year, was with them last year too. At first glance after going on comparison sites, their renewal wasn't the cheapest however when I factored in legal cover, the fact it included the highest level of breakdown cover, helmet & leathers cover and personal accident cover, it soon bumped up the cost of the cheaper companies! And the fact Bennetts actually answer the phone when you call them is nice Very Happy

only thing is they charge £30 admin fee for any changes you make, but hey ho

winz · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Feb 2015 Karma :

I'm with Bennetts and Bikesure. Bikesure were the only company that will insure me on the blackbird with lack of NCB and new rider.

Bennetts were cheap and cheerful and have been pretty good when it comes to adding mods.

Although, I haven't had to claim on either policies.

As already mentioned, go cheap, don't crash and mod bike before policy otherwise you will pay a substantial percentage of your policy to make any amendments.
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