All of the larger car companies are doing that in my experience Lowflyer. I am told it is "introduction discount applied to the first year to catch new customers" so their customer loss rate must be pretty sharp.
I use martins money to find out the best combo and then prepare an email to go to them with all the same questions that they are going to ask in it then get them to quote. They then say they have to go through them on the phone with you and record it to give them escape options, sorry legal clarity. This year I made up a number just below the old premium (-5%) and said that was the best quote, they matched it). I agree re the Extras being a fix, except the key one, ask your dealer how much it costs to re-key a car now a days. Trads and Aeros maybe less high-tech but I am guessing the Plus Six/Four will open your eyes?
Brokers seem to have changed a bit. Previously they made their money from the insurance premium (mark up or discount, who knows) but now I see they are putting on an arrangement fee as well. So that was the end of our relationship with A-Plan for anything non-car.
