Model description for insurance?

[JasonPollock]

Hi I am new to the Caterham world having recently purchased a Seven. I won't be able to use it until Spring unfortunately however I am getting things in order for then, one of which is insurance.

Shopping around won't be a problem and I've read a useful topic on L7C forum with a list of Seven friendly companies and I will require trackday cover etc.

My sticking point when getting a benchmark figure from Elephant was determining the exact model. There is no model listed on my V5, just manufacturer Caterham. The original service book states Caterham super seven. The spec it has been sold to me as, (and I have no reason to doubt it) was a Caterham Seven mega graduate 1.6k 140bhp, 2001 "Y" reg.

Any suggestions how to approach this, should I be describing it as a road sport or something else? Is mega graduate not a commonly accepted model in the world of insurance? Any help greatly appreciated

[k20erham]

Hi my experience is that most insurance brokers have a group underwriting policy and we (all) get put on this policy, I'm with Adrian Flux the normal insurance underwriters and brokers just don't understand the Caterham, go for a specialist ones it makes a world of difference especially when an issue needs sorting out.

[Stridey]

Agreed, it's the specialists who will know what you have, and understand variations. Mainstream insurers were hopeless.

I asked a couple before I got the 7 just to check I was going to be able to afford it, figuring insurance cost would be high ( no co claims bonus,). I was amazed at how cheap it was, fully comp, (under £200) 30 days abroad and with a specialist who had a good reputation on 7 forums. I won't bother naming them as I'm sure you'll shop around and find one that fits your profile.

Mine is an updated 1700 Crossflow, the insurer understood the mods, I think they asked for approx BHP but that was more 'in passing' than something they had a list to refer to.

[cambuscat]

You have a Y reg, 1.6k, 140bhp, value ? That's all you need for REIS, Flux and others.

[framerateuk]

As others have said, forget Elephant the the mainstream insurers, get yourself on a specialist policy.

I'm with Greenlight and all they wanted was the year, engine size and power output.

[njwc]

Also try MSM , Richard Eggar, and Competition Car insurance - they all understand 7's and IMHO will give you a better quote (and probably better service too) than any mainstream company

[HustleRussell]

'Megagradute' never was a model of Caterham, but a nickname dreamt up by the unofficial Caterham racing series for an ex-academy or Roadsport 'B' 1600 k-series with the supersport upgrade.

As a low volume manufacturer, the insurance company's databases aren't overflowing with different model designations, most are just interested in CC, value and any deviations from standard spec

In your case I'd probably call it a Caterham Roadsport and list the supersport engine, widetrack suspension, straight cut box, cage etc as 'upgrades'

P.S. whose Megagrad did you buy?

[JasonPollock]

HustleRussell said:

'Megagradute' never was a model of Caterham, but a nickname dreamt up by the unofficial Caterham racing series for an ex-academy or Roadsport 'B' 1600 k-series with the supersport upgrade.


P.S. whose Megagrad did you buy?

Thank you to you and everyone else for their input, once I am ready for the road I know who best to speak to. Hopefully not too much of a penalty for living in Northern Ireland.

I bought one from just north of Liverpool if anyone recognises it. Very pleased with the car, as any seven owner would be !!

[dirtbiker]

Just sorted mine out for the year with Greenlight and they were much cheaper (£200) than the Adrian Flux renewal I had.

No issues with the spec of the car but mine's a fairly standard ex-Acadaemy car - all they wanted was the engine size and the value.