Footman James Will Not Cover My Car

This is weird. I already have two quotes for my mini but when I rang Foodman James for a quote they said their insurer would not cover my car as I have removed the rear seats.

She would not give me an explanation as to why and she didn't ask why I had removed them.

The simple reason is so I can put my dogs in the back.

Anyone got any ideas why they won't I sure if the rear seats are removed? I would be interested to know ☺️

It could be perceived as a modification even though your reason is a fair one. Obviously the best thing you could have done is keep the seats in and fit protective covers.

Would be interesting to see by rear seats if they actually mean the foam or the seat belts? 

 

Technically it is not an MOT failure to not have a rear seat. Even if the seatbelts are fitted, although it is an advisory. 

From what i've heard though you are probably best going with someone else anyway, to much hassle.

Ive been told it is an MOT failure if they arent fitted but the seatbelts are. Its also a failure if the seats arent attached at the back (which I did fail an MOT on once).

So what about cars that have had the rear seat pan removed?? They get mots with no problem. I took my old RS for an MOT many moons ago with the rear seats missing ask they were getting reupholstered. Passed no problem at all.

this might be a problem for me as i plan on running no rear seats as it doesnt have seat belts

Don't use them then.. They have stopped insuring virtually all modifications..

Peter James are the best..

Still on the MOT thing what about all of the rear engine conversions, Z cars etc.

Plenty of other insurance companies about so try them instead.

I Just had my MOT end of last month and didnt have my front seat fitted or the seat belt clip bit on the floor but the seat belt was there and it was only an advisory as they couldnt test it (it was a re-test and they tested it the first time round).

what about cars with removable rear seats like little 4x4's and hatches etc? Why can't you just put the rear seats back in it till you've got it insured?

I think people are misunderstanding why they won't insurer him..

The removal of a rear seat is a modification, the way the insurance see it is why would you remove them, and assume it's because you want to reduce weight.. And drive faster... Sadly you've been put in a box..

You can always ask insurance companies to make exceptions.. I've done this many times and they always reconsider.. I was once asked if the car is used for motorsport.. They refused to insurer because of that.. I asked them to reconsider because obviously it wouldn't be insured once it has entered a motorsport venue and they agreed..

I tried to tell her why there were no back seats, it was to allow the dogs to go in the back but she wouldn't even listen. I have quotes from two other companies who were quite happy with my reasons and my assurances that I definitely do not intend to race

Don't use them then.. They have stopped insuring virtually all modifications..

Peter James are the best..

Peter James sucks balls.. over 30's only and the car has to be over 30 years old.

 

While we are on the subject, I had a quote from footman james which was very reasonable but in the exclusions it says car must be locked in a garage? I dont have a garage, I also put on the details when getting the quote its kept on the road yet they still gave me a quote!? when did these insurance companies become so ridiculous?

Don't use them then.. They have stopped insuring virtually all modifications..

Peter James are the best..

Peter James sucks balls.. over 30's only and the car has to be over 30 years old.
 
While we are on the subject, I had a quote from footman james which was very reasonable but in the exclusions it says car must be locked in a garage? I dont have a garage, I also put on the details when getting the quote its kept on the road yet they still gave me a quote!? when did these insurance companies become so ridiculous?

Really? Is that new they insured me last year and I was 28 then as was the car..

Just had another look, it actually says they cant do online quotes for certain things, but says "We are unable to give you a quotation online. However, in the majority of cases we are able to provide competitive quotations" so maybe they can but you have to phone them.

Edited by Italianjob, 15 May 2015 - 08:13 AM.