Swann insurance - Experiences

[Deornoth]

Hi all. I'm going to be renewing the comprehensive insurance cover on my 1994 MR2 shortly and I've read several posts on the lower costs of Swann Classic Car insurance. Having called them to get a quote, based on an agreed value of $6200, they came back with a figure of $330 a year for full cover. The restrictions are that I can only travel up to 5000km a year (not an issue generally) and that they need a full set of photos to illustrate the car's condition (currently in good shape after nearly 14 years of ownership). The AA have been a reliable corporation to deal with in the past but, as with most large insurers, they devalue the car each year, or require a larger premium (which for the coming year is $480).

So, has anyone on this forum made a claim with Swann insurance and, if you have, how did the claims process go? I would hate to join up with them only to experience the hassles that have often been reported online in Australia... - https://www.productreview.com.au/p/swann-insurance.html - which I'm assuming is the same company, both connected to IAG (if not let me know). How reliable are Swann Insurance NZ?

[Benckj]

Never made a claim but the service & premium price is excellent. Have 3 cars with them now.

[thorns]

Did you ask AA about insuring the car as a classic car? I know when I did mine it came in at $150 from memory per year and agreed value which was dictated by me.
Only stipulation being that it cant be an everyday car and I needed to be garaged. There was no km restriction just couldnt be your main mode of transport.

[Alsw20]

Did you ask AA about insuring the car as a classic car? I know when I did mine it came in at $150 from memory per year and agreed value which was dictated by me.
Only stipulation being that it cant be an everyday car and I needed to be garaged. There was no km restriction just couldnt be your main mode of transport.

Yes I'm also with AA Classic Cover for my 1985 GT Corolla.

Agreed value of $8500. $130 a year premium. Low excess I think it's like $250? They cover spare parts as well that go with the car. Car garaged and has a 5000km/year mileage limit.

Only downside is they don't offer glass cover, however when you deal with the big boys they only want you to use the likes of Smith and Smith who will fit the cheapest Chinese made screen in anyway.

[mknz]

Swann Insurance NZ and Australia are two totally different beasts. I've claimed and it was pretty easy, gave them a police report and they deposited the money in bank account.

[Deornoth]

Thanks for the feedback so far guys.

I think I'll give the AA a call and see if I qualify for their classic car insurance first. If anyone else has anything to say on Swann I would be more than happy to hear about them.

[Deornoth]

Looks like AA Classic Car Insurance is out.

Had a talk with one of their "Classic Car" specialists, and according to them a classic car is defined as one that is driven once a week to once a month, irrespective of distance . I tend to use my MR2 between 3 to 4 times a week (typically less than 80 Km), and have driven approximately 45,000 Km over 13.5 years of ownership. By that definition a classic car is one that is never really driven... Back to considering Swann.

[Deornoth]

Well, after a lot of checking and comparing with different insurers I joined up with Swann, switching over from the increasingly expensive AA. I was really surprised to find the AA so unhelpful in being willing to look at my MR2 for classic category insurance, and then being really unhelpful when considering other insurance options with them... They even threatened to remove my no claims bonus if I changed policy type...

The only hitch I had with Swann was in getting them to send out my welcome pack with invoice, policy documents, and their bank account details for payment (had to wait over two weeks, but was fully insured during this time). I still haven't received the hard copies but these are supposed to be in the mail.

From $540 for full insurance and AA membership with the AA, to $333 for full insurance with roadside assist with Swann is a healthy saving. So, I hope I never have to make a claim, but I hope Swann are on the ball if I ever do.

[Benckj]

Did you pay extra for roadside assist?
Just wondering if I have same cover.

[Deornoth]

Hi Jim. The road side assistance is a part of and included with their full cover, at least according to the policy wording, quote, and people I have spoken with at Swann. If you have full cover with them then it should be included as part of the perks available to you.

I was certainly not made aware when dealing with Swann that it could be taken out. If it can be, I might consider it when renewing the cover, though having been with the AA for many years I have always appreciated the safety of being able to call someone out in an emergency.

[Benckj]

Thanks for that as I should check my policy. It’s just something I was considering adding as I’m having more trouble working on the cars these days and am planning some extended trips away.

[Deornoth]

Keep in mind Jim that the road side assistance from Swann covers only the car/s insured with them; AA membership covers the person and not any given car, so you can be driving anything you like and still get assistance. Something I had to consider when joining Swann and relinquishing my AA membership. If all your cars are insured with Swann no problem.

[Benckj]

Keep in mind Jim that the road side assistance from Swann covers only the car/s insured with them; AA membership covers the person and not any given car, so you can be driving anything you like and still get assistance. Something I had to consider when joining Swann and relinquishing my AA membership. If all your cars are insured with Swann no problem.

Good point as only 2 of my 4 cars are insured with Swann.

[mknz]

The maximum tow cover is $150 from Swann which won't helpful if you're a fair distance from home. So, get AA roadside. It was Charlie that saved me last time I broke down in Matamata (thanks for that )

[ClanFever]

AA Plus is cheap compared to what peace of mind it gives you.

Swann covers my MR2 for 17.5 grand, $224 a year at the moment as it's in laid up cover. It was $360 for full road cover before.