I was interested to read about Quinn-direct entering the motor insurance market (News, 14 October) and decided to see what it could be offering. A diligent search of its website brought forth the following summary:
Cover: third party, fire and theft. In addition to covering liability to third parties, the vehicle is also covered for loss or damage caused by fire, self-ignition, lighting, explosion or by theft or attempted theft, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
Comprehensive: in addition for covering liability to third parties, the vehicle is also covered for loss or damage caused by fire, self-ignition, lightning, explosion or by theft or attempted theft and accidental damage, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy
In response to the frequently asked question, will all the contents of my vehicle be covered for instance, stereo and shopping, the answer is that "contents or personal possessions in your vehicle are not covered under our motor policy. Radio equipment is covered subject to the terms and conditions of the policy".
I then decided to try and 'buy' a motor insurance product. I went through all the questions, pretending to live in the Manchester area and obtained a quotation. I then went ahead to the 'purchase' page and was instructed to enter my credit card number.
At no stage was I informed of the cover available, unusual policy terms and features, access to the policy document and details about cancellation periods. I don't know if the policy will let me drive another person's car, whether a courtesy car is provided after a claim, or what is the cover on windscreens. Similarly, there is no way of knowing what excesses are on the policy.
This seems to me to be a serious failing in the implementation of the Distance Marketing Directive, which is now in force. If the entire policy cover is as above, a certain word used by Mr Ratner comes to mind.
The only question now is: do I report the company to the FSA or the IFSA?
John Portwood
