Ray, I had a silly renewal last time, I shopped around but couldn’t get a decent quote from anyone. In the end I phoned my current insurer and complained about the increase from last premium. They came down near enough to the last premium.

All very odd.

Mrs Johnmed is asking if you have tried www.ageco.co.uk, previously Age UK.

Age Concern quoted "Sorry we cannot quote".
And they are supposed to help us oldies!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe you told them that you head to Germany now and then, Ray? Don't let them know ;-)

With 18 damage free years (27%) our D4 is now on a shocking 1.151,84 € a year (£1.047,13) fully comprehensive and we're talking about a contract with an online insurance company without a phone which has a say on who will repair the car if it has an accident.

Maybe they have been referencing your forum posts, like this gem http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=15250 :ROFL:

Insurance is in some ways mandated gambling, sadly "the house" always wins.... but you can still have fun along the way :)

Nicely spotted Paul.
In all honesty it is my age. I used to get cheaper by saying I'm a chauffer or coach driver instead of retired but makes no difference now.
Renewal due in a month so I'm waiting for a renewal quote. I was planning ahead and shopped around. Quotes varied from 1K2 to 2K7. Truth is they do not want to insure oldies.
Being a big powerful car doesn't help.
I could buy a beat up rusty escort.

Did you try Adrian Flux, Ray. I believe Neil has arranged a deal with them:
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=15416

Research shows that most of the time you get best to quotes 21 days before start date so shopping around too early or too late will be more expensive