This attitude also extends to car insurance, but it was hard and frustrating to find. We think this story is worth telling so others can avoid that frustration.
A local resident gave – yes, gave – a car to Yuliya to help provide some independence and allow her to take her daughter to and from school. The car, a Fiat 600, is in near perfect condition with low mileage. The AA provided free driving lessons. All the farmer had to do was to buy insurance – simple enough you might think. He was asking only that Yuliya be treated as a normal European citizen. And she had proof of 14 years of unblemished driving record in Ukraine.
His regular insurance company, one of the big national names that covers his vehicles, house and farm, was embarrassed to have to quote a figure which at first was nearly three and half times (later reduced to more than twice) the figure he eventually agreed and paid. The word “Ukrainian” was, in financial algorithmic terms, a spanner in the works. It seemed like the well-worn joke “Computer says no”, but the amusement phase quickly changed to frustration. His regular insurance company, as part of its eventual apology, suggested he should contact BIBA.
Finally, after several frustrating days, things started to look up. BIBA found a specialist broker, AJ Insurance, and a no-nonsense, algorithm-dodging, determined member of staff. Even she didn’t find it easy, but a deal was eventually done with Sabre Insurance at an acceptable price.
Having access to a vehicle has provided Yuliya with the independence that will help improve her quality of life in the UK. The farmer’s final comment: “There are thousands of Ukrainian refugees that need help, including more who will need motor insurance, I hope that the industry can continue to help and improve the current situation by ensuring that customers know where to get the cover that is available.”
