Insurance quotation puzzle!

We got our renewal through the post and as we thought it to be a bit on the high side,we contacted a competitor and for the same cover and they were £40 cheaper.

We then contacted the club and a very nice lady helped us with our insurance.  We stated that we thought it was a bit on the high side and that another company had quoted a far better rate.

We were then advised that the quote could be better if the basic rate which they offer new customers was offered to u,s but she would need to inquire.  After a few minutes the lady came back with a quote that beat the other company by £12.

The question here is that we have been members for several years so why are quotes higher for existing members and new customers get preferential quotes?

Based on this we are seriously re-considering renewing our CC membership in a few days time even if it means paying the extra £12 on the annual premium.