Motor Insurance certificate.

[pretty_snowdrop]

I have shopped around for my car insurance this year and my old insurer is asking me to return the motor certificate they sent with my renewal premium. Does anyone know why they want it back, the policy is cancelled so surely the certicate is meaningless?

[Gizmonster]

If they've sent a certificate of insurance out to you, before you even agreed to renew ....... well, that's ridiculous in my opinion.
Tell them either you can't find it, or you didn't receive it.
Like you said, it's useless, as everything is computerised nowadays, so the police know if you're insured or not before they even stop you.

[dotty.]

if you were of an unscrupulous nature you could use the certificate when renewing your road fund license i guess, which is perhaps why they want it back, though when i renewed mine i used a copy printed off from the email confirmation and so i could have printed dozens off. not sure why else they want it back,

[gingejbee]

It may be ridiculous, but is common practice.
Tell them it's been shredded for security reasons. I suspect that's why they want it back.

[pretty_snowdrop]

Thanks for your replies. I have never been asked to send one back before ( however, previous insurers may not have sent me a certificate until i had actually paid). I will send it back, it will only cost 50p i haven't got the patience to phone them again.

[dotty.]

the policy wasn't cancelled as such though, it was not renewed, you did inform them early enough of that i take it.

[Zacs-Master]

Send it 'signed for' then you have proof.

[pretty_snowdrop]

They sent the certificate with the renewal documents. When i phoned them to say i didn't want to renew with them because i had a better deal elsewhere they asked for the certificate back.

[Gizmonster]

I wouldn't send it back, just on principle.
Do as gingejbee suggests - tell them it's been shredded ...... it's not your fault you're a bit keen on preventing fraud, etc :)

[dotty.]

this is interesting:
http://www.budgetinsu...r-Insurance-Policies/
are you sure they have not attempted to take a premium instalment from your baNK/CARD?

[woofgang]

When my renewal comes due I get sent a certificate and I then phone and pay the premium. The certificate does state that I am insured so I guess it could be used fraudulently. I don't see why there is a problem sending it back?