Sgt. Tom Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 I just had a shocking call to Footman James. I have insured my classic cars with them since they were called Aon but now things have changed drastically. They will now NOT insure any military vehicle manufactured in the USA with the exception of WW2 Jeeps. They told me that there is no problem with European vehicles, including ex Soviet but specifically US machines are excluded. I tried to push the joker on the phone to find the exact reasons for this. He got very uncomfortable when I enquired down avenues I cannot recite on this forum but ultimately stated that it was a company policy decision rather than any specific risk reason. I then called two more companies to find out if this was a trend in the industry. Both Adrian Flux and Cherished Vehicle Insurance both stated that there was no problem whatsoever insuring US made vehicles. So I guess this is the last year I use FJ.:embarrassed: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markheliops Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 I had this problem with Footman James when they wouldn't insure the Ward La France so I went to Cherished Vehicles. Nor would they insure the Chieftain ARRV as it doesn't have a number plate (obviously)! As I understand it - the underwriters have changed. I would imagine they are losing bucket loads of business. Unfortunately for them, I also pulled my employers classic and military insurance from them too - and that little lot ran into thousands! Cherished Vehicles got that business too and I must say they couldn't have been more helpful. I'm afraid at this rate Footman James may well end up going down the pan as there are an awful lot of American classis cars and MV's out there. I suspect they may well back pedal at some point but by then they will have given so many owners the hump - it will be too late. Markheluiops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Ashby Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Like a lot of us I insured all my vehicles, British, Canadian and US with Footman James for years and they have had a fair sum out of me over the years for the privilege. This year I got a very grudging response from them when I wanted to add a jeep it was very much as if they were doing me an extreme favor and were pretty mealy mouthed about it. I went elsewhere and got a better price and deal and will not return. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulob1 Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 this is my last year with them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry275 Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 I was with Aon right back (they also insured both our everyday motors) but once I sold the Escort mexico and purchased the jeep I moved on- still happy with Haggerty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julezee001 Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Thought I'd give Footman James a go with my latest purchace last week, but their quote was more than twice that of the NFU with whom I have my other 2 trucks, and was more restricted too. Less miles on limited milage. NFU covers any driver over 25 assuming they have the right licence and permission. Guess they are looking elsewhere for business? Jules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 <Snipped> Nor would they insure the Chieftain ARRV as it doesn't have a number plate (obviously)! Then that should make my renewal interesting as the OT also does not have a registration plate, only a hull number. And I read elsewhere FJ don't like the vehicle not kept at home now - the OT is nigh on 60 miles away, the Stollie is about 10 miles away..... Look like I will be jumping ship too this year. Apparently Cherished Vehicles allow a "mix and match" of vehicle types so I may well pull my classic Saabs too and have them all on one policy, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schwimmer Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 I have collected the following insurance company names from this thread and wondered if there were others for WW2 HMV's; Footman James Cherished Vehicles NFU Haggerty Adrian Flux Schwimmer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 I have collected the following insurance company names from this thread and wondered if there were others for WW2 HMV's; Footman James Cherished Vehicles NFU Haggerty Adrian Flux Schwimmer Premium Choice (was RoadSure) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_bish Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 I have used Carole Nash for my Dodge and M35 http://www.carolenash.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMS Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 interesting, i've not long renewed my insurance with footman james, i have got 2 x 1/2 ton dodges and the GTB on my policy along with a few others. The renewal price was very good and i have never had any trouble in the past with adding vehicles, no matter how strange they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcot1751 Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 interesting, i've not long renewed my insurance with footman james, i have got 2 x 1/2 ton dodges and the GTB on my policy along with a few others. The renewal price was very good and i have never had any trouble in the past with adding vehicles, no matter how strange they are. I would be checking the fine print carefully and maybe get written confirmation because their policy towards US vehicles has certainly changed and several people have had to change insurers because of it. The last thing you want when making a claim is a " get out " clause :cry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMS Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 I think I will check with them in the week, the insurance certificates clearly state country of origin as the USA so I would hope that makes it clear but will check anyway to be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinsaunders06 Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 (edited) ? Again I have literally just renewed mine with Footman James last week ,included in it is my Reo which I have done with them for last 12 years and price was ok and about same as usual . The previous year I clarified with them that I kept my trucks at a farm 12 miles away from my home which they said was fine and they even have the farms address printed on paperwork / schedule ( saying parking location )along side my home address , it also like earlier post clearly says USA on paperwork so I'm also confused now about this ? i also will contact them and clarify so will interesting to see what they say considering its in black and white . Edited March 1, 2014 by martinsaunders06 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon king Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 NFU Mutual didn't want to know last year - seems you have to be an existing customer as they woudn't insure the jeep in isolation as new business - this was despite being recommended to try them by MV owners that I know. So after many years with FJ I went to Adrian Flux. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ot-90 Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Glynwood seem ok too... daf 8x6 drops mmlc was £170 per year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w896andy Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 My policy with Footman James is due very shortly so this was interesting to read. I spoke to Footman James today and said I had heard they were no longer insuring American vehicles and they confirmed after checking that due to a change of underwriters they will not take on any new American vehicles but will continue with any existing ones. The lady who I spoke to didn't know my Diamond T which is on my policy was American (no reason why she should I guess) but the renewal didn't have either the model or country on just 'Diamond T' so I asked for a confirmation of continuing cover but they would not confirm this in writing and asked me just to rely on the fact they had put Diamond T on my renewal. I wasn't that convinced. Also the premium from them for the Diamond T 969 and 2 other vehicles had gone up to £285. Cherished Insurance have quoted me £185 for the same policy including same excesses, conditions, etc. In my humble opinion it seems Footman James are maybe pricing the renewals to push the business away as the underwriters don't want American vehicles on their books. Cherished Insurance were very helpful, knew what they were talking about and seem to be keen to get more into the market. Needless to say after 10 years with Footman James I'm out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcot1751 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 My policy with Footman James is due very shortly so this was interesting to read. I spoke to Footman James today and said I had heard they were no longer insuring American vehicles and they confirmed after checking that due to a change of underwriters they will not take on any new American vehicles but will continue with any existing ones. The lady who I spoke to didn't know my Diamond T which is on my policy was American (no reason why she should I guess) but the renewal didn't have either the model or country on just 'Diamond T' so I asked for a confirmation of continuing cover but they would not confirm this in writing and asked me just to rely on the fact they had put Diamond T on my renewal. I wasn't that convinced. Also the premium from them for the Diamond T 969 and 2 other vehicles had gone up to £285. Cherished Insurance have quoted me £185 for the same policy including same excesses, conditions, etc. In my humble opinion it seems Footman James are maybe pricing the renewals to push the business away as the underwriters don't want American vehicles on their books. Cherished Insurance were very helpful, knew what they were talking about and seem to be keen to get more into the market. Needless to say after 10 years with Footman James I'm out. I heard of one policy holder being stranded in France as although FJ had told him his Jimmy was definitely covered for European Breakdown when he needed it they said the vehicle was too big to recover ! Several of our local MVT members have left Footman James because of the no US vehicle policy, I prefer to insure with someone who a. knows what they are covering and b. whom I trust to pay out SHOULD the unthinkable happen. A company who will not commit in writing is NOT for me. I insure with RH Insurance, very helpful, knows what the vehicles are and unfortunately I did need them on a claim a while back, they did everything for me and I received first class service. We only know how good these companies are when the worst happens. Footman James recent advert has a jeep in it do they know it's American :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodley123 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 hi just insured my dodge wc51 with bg insurance for 102 pounds and thats with the missus on the policy not that she,ll drive it but you never know. www.bginsurance.co.uk:cheesy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry275 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 The lady who I spoke to didn't know my Diamond T which is on my policy was American (no reason why she should I guess) but the renewal didn't have either the model or country on just 'Diamond T' so I asked for a confirmation of continuing cover but they would not confirm this in writing and asked me just to rely on the fact they had put Diamond T on my renewal. I wasn't that convinced. QUOTE] Can we honestly believe that they would pay out? in this day and age of if you don't declare something your not covered-- unbelievable Gerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinsaunders06 Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 ? Again I have literally just renewed mine with Footman James last week ,included in it is my Reo which I have done with them for last 12 years and price was ok and about same as usual . The previous year I clarified with them that I kept my trucks at a farm 12 miles away from my home which they said was fine and they even have the farms address printed on paperwork / schedule ( saying parking location )along side my home address , it also like earlier post clearly says USA on paperwork so I'm also confused now about this ?i also will contact them and clarify so will interesting to see what they say considering its in black and white . I had contact with FJ today and they said each policy/persons circumstances / requirements is taken on its own merit and each policy has different criteria which needs to be met by the underwriters and just because it's a jeep for example it's not same circumstances across the board ? . They confirmed a vehicle being American is not a problem for me and having them stored at a remote farm location is fine as my insurance is based on that information I told them and it is stated on my paperwork as being the parking location . I've just renewed a Reo and a Daf drops fully comp , 4 named drivers , unlimited mileage and a excellent agreed value for £225 which I'm happy with tho as was said earlier proof of the pudding would only come when it's too late perhaps . i do wonder tho considering many of the insurance companies don't really seem to know what they are insuring how easy it would be for them to get out of paying up ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snort Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 Well it was easy for me, Agreed Valuation. They requested 6 pictures and these were supplied, I now know that they are aware of what they have insured and I know that it is insured for enough. Yes it has cost a little bit more, but I am protected if anything goes wrong...................I Hope:cheesy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roof Over Britain Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 Interested to note that a few on this thread have several vehicles insured on I would assume the same policy, when I was "shopping around" last year FJ wanted me to take a separate policy for each vehicle, said they couldn't cover all vehicles on one policy. Most others were happy to quote for a multi vehicle policy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Ashby Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 The situation regarding FJ policy with MV's seems very confused as evidenced by my own experience and the comments in this thread. The company are still advertising in the relevant periodicals and as some one else pointed out actually use a picture of a jeep in the adverts. However when I phoned with what I thought to be a dead easy quote for a GPW fully UK registered and on the road I received a very cool response along the lines that FJ no longer dealt with military vehicles, I voiced surprise particularly regarding their continued advertisement, the person I was dealing with put me on hold then came back and said that they would make an exception this time and would be prepared to quote on this occasion. This all seemed very retrograde and not unlike it used to be before specialist insurance became a recognized off shoot in the motor insurance world. I'd lost all confidence by this point and I went elsewhere, Adrian Flux as it happens, where I got fast efficient service and a good price from a rep who was switched on, asked all the right questions and knew exactly what I was trying to insure. It occurs that perhaps FJ would benefit from a clear policy decision regarding there position in the market both to their phone representatives and not least prospective customers. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcot1751 Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 I agree entirely Pete, there seems to be no fixed policy on their behalf at all, if they are "insuring" some US vehicles for certain people against the underwriters new policy are they then ACTUALLY covered should they have to make a claim ? I feel that if they themselves are unsure it muddies the water when/if you come to put a claim in. What is so wrong with US vehicles all of a sudden anyway, or is it a way of leaving the Military Insurance scene seeing as a high percentage of military vehicles are American ? I am of the belief that insurance companies love "get out clauses" and FJ should either insure NO US vehicles or ALL of them. If I was one of the few they have decided to insure I would wonder just how good that insurance actually was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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