It's definitely the norm for Admiral it would seem. Not so for many other insurers I have used in the past.
I am going to have another go with Admiral and see if a different person can be a little more helpful. I mean, surely keeping a car tucked away in a garage and not being driven on the roads lowers their risk considerably? Not sure it makes any difference to them but will try and put my point across.
Sadly, I think it will be a case of 'computer says no'!