I have also spent the last couple of weeks trying to sort out my insurance with AXA. Like you Colin I have always had a dedicated rep who has called round, discussed my needs and then negotiated a price. I have always been happy with this and not found it worth trying to change companies.

This year the rep has been finished and I now have to deal direct via mail or phone. The first problem was a new government regulation about employees, If you want them on your employers liability you have to give their national insurance numbers and all other info or they will not be covered (I assume to try and stop illegals and cash in hand types). Next big problem for me was - I have always had several of my own motorbikes covered for SDP but this year they will not cover 2 out of 3 at all and the other (1100 Yamaha) they will cover but want an extra £500 excess (already on £500)and an extra £270 on the premium. They did suggest I took my bike business elsewhere.

As I pay monthly they wanted 10% interest, this has always been negotiated down to 3% but this year I find that the woman dealing with my policy does not have the authority to reduce this.

All in all it has gone up around £300, I have lost cover on three bikes and have to pay 7% extra interest for monthly payments.

I did get another very competitive quote but when you read all the small print like
a) all oily rags to be removed from the building daily
b) no overnight battery charging
c) no cellulose paint to be used or stored
d) no more than 9 Ltrs of fuel to be stored
e) all electrical installations to be tested at least every 3 years
f) no woodworking by power to take place
etc etc

So in the end I just gave up and paid up to AXA (now around £300 per month).

Graham