Thread: Challenge your insurer about premiums

Absolutely. The price is NOT fixed, it's just what they think they can get away with charging you. It's amazing how many people just routinely pay the bill without querying it to try to get a better deal.


Last year we did a full revamp of our insurances, got dozens of quotes, played them off against each other to get better deals and saved a LOT of money - I mean a LOT.


We lived in Asia for three years and over there the stated price is just the starting point for a process of bargaining. Remember, they want your business more than you need them. Loyalty is worthless - they just think you're mugs for not bargaining.


Also, the first law of bargaining is to never state what you want to pay because if they agree you'll have to pay it. Just ask if they can do a better deal, can they give you a special price. Why not - what have you got to lose? The worst that can happen is they will refuse.


Start the bargaining weeks ahead of the expiry of the current policy and give yourself time to chase down the best deal. Use the online quote programs - and then ring them up and tell them you can get a better deal elsewhere and what can they do for you. Then, whatever they say, don't agree at that time. Fluff around talking to other companies for as long as you want. You will be surprised what can be achieved. At one stage last year I had a bloke from Youi ringing me daily for a week trying to get me to agree to his quote. In the end, despite his persistence, I went elsewhere for a better package.


Get hard-nosed people. It's your hard-earned money, so be stingy with it.

Yep, thank goodness for the internet, I always double check every insurance premium. The time taken is worthwhile as I have caught the insurance companies out several times.

Also, electricity bills. I have changed companies several times over the last few years. You have to check EVERY bill they send you.

Council rates are a bit difficult though, unfortunately you can't change councils.