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Is it worth paying for protected no-claims discount on my MINI Cooper D's insurance policy?

For years I have always paid to protect my no-claims discount, luckily without having to make a claim. The insurance for my MINI Cooper D is due soon but friends are telling me that this protection is simply not worth it as insurance companies will increase my premium anyway in the event of a claim. The protection will cost me about £50 this year. Is what I am told true? How can they do this and what would you advise? I would appreciate a summary of the pros and cons of PNCD before I decide what to do.

Asked on 5 March 2011 by SR, via email

Answered by Honest John
For most insurers (it seems AA excepted), your friends are right. If you have been involved in any claims, insurers increase your base premium. They say this is nothing to do with interfering with your protected no-claims discount. But, of course, it is because it still puts up your premium because you were involved in a claim.

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