Benefits of joining IAM?

[Ruskie]

I recently found a form and realised I qualify to become a member without doing a test due to my qualifications. I was wondering what peoples experiences of joining were and the benefits?

[davido140]

I've often considered joining (I'd have to do all the tests)

I doubt there will be Insurance discounts to be had, not anything worth writing home about anyway.

I still cant quite decide if its a worthwhile use of my time or a massively nerdy persuit.

[Ruskie]

davido140 said:

I've often considered joining (I'd have to do all the tests)

I doubt there will be Insurance discounts to be had, not anything worth writing home about anyway.

I still cant quite decide if its a worthwhile use of my time or a massively nerdy persuit.

Yeah agree with that to be fair. Just trying to weigh it up.

[Big Rumbly]

The question of insurance varies from year to year, when I first passed my IAM back in 1974, some underwriters insured IAM only, I think TURRET was one, then their premiums went up and it was necessary to shop around, over the years some firms claimed favourable rates, sometimes it was dependant on the car, most of mine have been high groups, This year I'm with IAM surety, and they seem to beat all other quotes, underwritten by sun alliance.
As for other benefits,it does give you a sense of pride that you've taken the time and trouble to pass the test, and its a good experience to be tested by an ex class 1 driver.

Edited by Big Rumbly on Thursday 8th January 00:52

[Ruskie]

Big Rumbly said:

The question of insurance varies from year to year, when I first passed my IAM back in 1974, some underwriters insured IAM only, I think TURRET was one, then their premiums went up and it was necessary to shop around, over the years some firms claimed favourable rates, sometimes it was dependant on the car, most of mine have been high groups, This year I'm with IAM surety, and they seem to beat all other quotes, underwritten by sun alliance.
As for other benefits,it does give you a sense of pride that you've taken the time and trouble to pass the test, and its a good experience to be tested by an ex class 1 driver.

Edited by Big Rumbly on Thursday 8th January 00:52

Thats thing though I have already qualified and had the sense of pride!!

[Parrot of Doom]

Sadly none of the insurers seem to care one bit if you're an IAM member or not, and the ones that do tend to be more expensive anyway.

[Big Rumbly]

Parrot of Doom said:

Sadly none of the insurers seem to care one bit if you're an IAM member or not, and the ones that do tend to be more expensive anyway.

POD; Read my last post, IAM surety beat everything hands down this year,

Cheers

Big Rumbly

[Kinky]

There''s a few thoughts here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Although, if the insurance now makes it worthwhile, as Mr. Rumbly says, then it would be worth doing. But other than that, then I struggle.

K

[Viggo]

The main benefit is that it helps save your life and the lives of your passengers and other road users. Saving a few quid on insurance comes a distant second to that, surely?

[MaestroDave]

I think you've missed the point. He's already done the necessary training to be an 'advance driver' - the question is, what are the benefits of starting/continuing to pay the subscription.

[ipsg.glf]

Viggo said:

The main benefit is that it helps save your life and the lives of your passengers and other road users. Saving a few quid on insurance comes a distant second to that, surely?

Does it? How so?

[slowinfastout]

If you just pick up one point by going through the process then it will be worth it and could save life. Even if it is a simple thing to match additive to your screen wash to ensure your visibility is not impaired during cold and very cold conditions. Please enjoy your driving and stay safe.

[SVS]

Big Rumbly said:

IAM Surety beat everything hands down this year ...

Snap!

Whilst IAM Surety (and its predecessor) hasn't always been much cheaper, overall it's been the cheapest insurance for me during the last 10 years. When I was younger, IAM car insurance saved me £400 one year! Now I'm in a cheap insurance bracket, I still appreciate the smaller saving. 25% cheaper AA membership membership has been useful too.

Edited by SVS on Saturday 31st January 11:15

[Kinky]

SVS said:

25% cheaper AA membership membership has been useful too.

I got that too .... by mentioning that I was a member of Pistonheads

Although, I was phoning to complain about the apparant hike in charges. So I guess I might have got that anyway.

[davido140]

Kinky said:

SVS said:

25% cheaper AA membership membership has been useful too.

I got that too .... by mentioning that I was a member of Pistonheads

Although, I was phoning to complain about the apparant hike in charges. So I guess I might have got that anyway.

Really? just drop it into the conversation to get a discount? My renewal is up soon you see

[Kinky]

davido140 said:

Kinky said:

SVS said:

25% cheaper AA membership membership has been useful too.

I got that too .... by mentioning that I was a member of Pistonheads

Although, I was phoning to complain about the apparant hike in charges. So I guess I might have got that anyway.

Really? just drop it into the conversation to get a discount? My renewal is up soon you see

Yeah - honestly. My renewal came up, and it was IIRC £175 or thereabout, and I'd phoned to question the costs, as I'd thought it was around £125 or so; and therefore I'd consider cancelling and moving to Green Flag, as there was a thread on Pistonheads about it (at that time). At which point he said, as yes, car club = discount