Reader Danny Yeo asked about the practice of motor companies packaging their cars with insurance and loans. “It is packaged in such a way that if buyers were to opt for their own insurance and finance companies, they will end up paying more in total. Thus, buyers will have no choice but to accept the recommended insurance and finance companies,” Mr Yeo said.
What Senior Transport Correspondent Christopher Tan says
It is a free-market practice, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with it from a legal standpoint.
If a consumer can find a substantially better deal for insurance or car loan, he should forego the packaged deal, or he can switch service provider after the first year.
Think of it as something similar to a packaged holiday. The airfare, transfers, accommodation and, often, meals are provided as a single deal. If you go for an a la carte deal, or a free-and-easy package, you might or might not end up paying more. But the choice is yours.
Yes, the motor company and the car salesperson get a cut from the deal. Again, that is a free-market practice. As long as all the parties concerned openly agree to the commission rate and have written up a contract, it is commerce. It becomes a kickback or bribe only if it is done covertly.
If, however, you feel strongly that this form of business goes against your grain ethically or morally, perhaps it is best that you just refuse the packaged deal – even if you eventually end up paying more.
(Related: Is it the right time to buy a car?)
(Related: 13 tips when buying a car)
