Hobson’s choice on car cover

WITH my motor insurance policy due for renewal next month, I performed my usual ring-around of insurance companies, seeking the most competitive quotation.

Having received a quotation from a large insurance provider of €1,069 for comprehensive insurance, I decided as an experiment to get a quotation from their online service.

This second quotation was for €1,111.25.

To be honest, I was more amused than annoyed at the €41.75 difference between the quotes, and then noticed the 'special offer' of €40 discount if you get your insurance online.

Am I being cynical when I question the fact that this €40 special offer is very close to the €41.75 difference between the online and lo(?)call quotations? Is this another example of the great motor insurance rip-off, this time aimed at the people who prefer the convenience of online commerce?

Mark Hayes,

4, Cathair Dannain,

Tralee,

Co Kerry.