Mr Justice
Mr Justice: Why it was a good idea for a Cramlington reader to shop around for car insurance
Sunday Sun reader Peter Kerry, of Cramlington, Northumberland, saved more than £300 after turning down AA quote
Peter Kerry of Cramlington
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There's nothing like a good bargain and a deal from the self-styled fourth emergency service on car insurance was nothing like a good bargain.
The AA gave driver Peter Kerry a renewal quote of £492 for his Kia Sorento but, rather than just accept it, Peter decided to shop around.
And he got fully comprehensive cover with another insurer for just £171.
Peter, 65, of Cramlington, Northumberland, said he could not understand why the two figures were so different.
The retired light haulier said: "I have been a loyal customer of the AA for years but you wouldn't think so.
"I was shocked when I got the quote from them and asked if they could reduce it.
"All they did was cut it by £50 which wasn't much so I decided to check out what other insurance companies came up with.
"I accepted an offer for £171 and in doing so saved myself more than £300."
Peter said he wanted other Mr Justice readers to know about what happened so they would know not to accept the first renewal quote they are offered.
He said: "I asked the AA for the best deal but the best deal was with someone else.
"I have been with them for many years but there does not seem to be any loyalty on their part.
"All I want is to tell people not to be complacent.
"Don't think you have to stay with one insurer all your life when an hour on the tablet looking for a better deal could save you hundreds."
The AA say the underwriters of their car insurance policies will be chosen from a panel of insurers.
That means the quotes are not necessarily the best in the whole market.
Spokesman Ian Crowder told me: "Without going into the specific case of your reader it's difficult to explain exactly why his renewal premium was so high.
"However, as a general comment, premiums could vary depending on a range of circumstances. It is true that the insurance industry is extremely competitive and when customers buy their cover for the first time it is often at a considerable initial discount but in following years, that discount would no longer apply.
"But for those who do shop around it's important to make sure that you are comparing like for like as well – some insurers such as the AA may include aspects of cover such as comprehensive insurance in Europe and windscreen cover, which could be excluded by some companies looking to be able to quote the lowest possible premium.
"Often, too, premiums quoted on a price comparison site will have a high excess to get a premium that might be considered by a customer."
AA Car Insurance has been awarded a 5 Star Rating from Defaqto, a company specialising in analysing financial data, for the fifth year running.
But Peter has done his own analysing and says he would not give the AA those five stars.
He now plans to leave the AA completely and will take his other custom, including breakdown cover, elsewhere as well.
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