MCDesi

Yes you were right - I wasn't looking at the back of the photocard (doh). I'll confirm on Monday when I get insurance sorted out to let everyone know that it was all that I needed.

Goodlad

Yes let us know pal.... And is it both Mercury Insurance and Geico who will accept this?

And did I hear someone say earlier that they will accept UK no claims bonus as well?

andrewlohnes

Haha we've all done something like that before

MCDesi

I spoke with Geico but I think someone else dealt with Mercury. I'm not yet sure who I'll finally go with but it sounds like they all will want this.

markonline1

I'm with Geico. They accepted my UK NCB when I first took out a policy with them. They were also superb when I had to make a claim a few weeks back.

Goodlad

Did you just show them renewal letter with NCB years? Or did u have to get a separate letter?

Bob

Depends on what the insurance company asks you for.

Reality of it though, it's just a sales ploy and a load of rubbish to keep you on the hook from baulking from the first BS quote they give you.

markonline1

I had a copy of my NCB that I bought over with me. If memory serves me right, we had to fax the copy of the NCB and a copy of my UK license to them.

Goodlad

I emailed Geico and they have replied that no they do not accept UK NCB... They have stated they would treat case like a new driver...I'm confused

MCDesi

Yes I think they won't accept NCB information but if we can prove to them that we've been driving longer than 6 years and have a clean record we get a lower premium (still pricey though). I have had to get a policy started at the extortionate rate and then if I can provide them with the following they will give adjust the premium once the underwriters have reviewed it. In Geico's words they want:

Original foreign abstract in the native language, from the foreign entity with a stamp or raised seal.
The abstract must show date first licensed.
The abstract must show driving record. The abstract must indicate that your record is clear if no activity exists.

The stamp or raised seal is the only thing I am not convinced the DVLA will provide and if not I hope Geico accept what the DVLA do provide. Seems like just showing them a copy of the license photocard and counterpart is not enough proof.

Bob

Commerce were good with my broker having a look at the paper part of a drivers license and as I only had the old paper license, they were fine with that, but I also had a couple years of Maine driving history.

Needham, who I'm with now didn't need to see anything, but then I already have enough MA driving history I guess.

Gillymonkey

I honestly can't remember but then I'm youngish so only had 1 license.

GeoffM

See that's the thing. I went with a local broker (recommended by the car sales co but then I didn't have any better ideas) and they just took my word for it over the phone. Confirmed in writing, mature driver, no claims, couple of other things as well, very reasonable rates. However, that was with CA minimums so when BE members recommended higher minimums I asked and was switched to another company... with even lower premiums yet higher minimums . Now with another company and I think they just took the first company's word for it too as they never asked and yet applied the same discounts.

Admittedly a fair amount is just luck in finding a decent agent/broker who looks beyond his/her computer screen.

markonline1

I guess I was just lucky then

jmood

Let's see what happens when I actually get mine. Over the phone they didn't demand the documents.