There are many simple actions drivers should be aware of so that they don't end up invalidating their car insurance.
In the UK it’s illegal to drive a vehicle on a road or in a public place without at least third party insurance. If you are caught driving a vehicle you are not insured to drive you could receive an on-the-spot penalty of £300 and six points on your license but if the case goes to court you could get an unlimited fine and be disqualified from driving.
Mike Thompson, COO at Leasing Options said: "Many drivers’ circumstances may have changed since they last renewed their car insurance, such as a change of address or jobs. We must remember to update our policies to ensure everything is still accurate."
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The expert added: "Failing to do this could invalidate your policy and leave you in a difficult situation if a reason arises that you need to put in a claim to your insurance provider. We recommend motorists check their car insurance policy regularly to make sure it is up to date with their current circumstances before getting behind the wheel again. Or they could be breaking the law by driving a vehicle on a road or in a public place without insurance."
10 ways you could be invalidating your car insurance without realising
Exchanging money for lifts
Making a profit from giving a peer a lift to a destination could put your car insurance at risk. Some insurance policies do not permit drivers accepting any sort of payment for a lift due to them perceiving this as your car being used for hire and profit. Generally, accepting petrol money is acceptable as you are unlikely to make a profit for this.
Inaccurately naming the main driver
Listing another as the main driver on your insurance account, otherwise known as ‘fronting’ is illegal. ‘Fronting’ is usually done to reduce a younger driver’s insurance premium when a parent or someone older is listed as the main driver. In reality, that younger person is the main owner and driver of the car. Not only could this invalidate your insurance, it could also land you with a substantial fine and six points on your license.
Not updating your address
When setting your car insurance premium, insurers take your postcode into account and assess it based on high risk areas. When you move to a new house your insurance policy may change, so telling your insurer when you’ve chased the address is imperative.
Not informing your insurer about a new occupation
Car insurers collect occupation data to predict how likely it is that people in different jobs will make a claim. This is why it’s important to inform your insurer when you get a new job as failing to do so could leave you uninsured.
Where you park your car
There is a difference in insurance premiums if you use off-street parking compared to parking on a street. If you tell your insurer that your car is parked off-street when it’s not, if it is broken into your claim would not be valid.
Lying about what the car is used for
Insurers will ask how you use your car whether it’s for social, social and commuting or business use. Not telling the whole truth about what your car is used for could leave you without car insurance.
Underestimating the mileage
As annual mileage is one of the main factors used to calculate your insurance premium, you must state the correct number of miles. If your mileage is higher than your estimate then this will put your policy at risk. There are mileage calculators online which you can use to help you estimate the number of miles you drive.
Having an obstructed windscreen
If your windscreen is obstructed in any way and you’re involved in an accident your insurance claim would be void. Whether it's frost, dirt or too many air fresheners hanging from your rear-view mirror.
Not telling your insurer about accidents
You must let your insurer know about any accidents your car is involved in, no matter how big or small. If you decline to do so and a third party reports the incident to their insurer it would leave your insurance company in an awkward position. Also if there is previous damage to your car from an incident you have not told your insurer about, any future claims to your insurer could be discredited by this.
Modifying your car
If you plan on modifying your car, contact your insurer beforehand so they can tell you how much your policy will increase. Modifying your car increases insurance policies for multiple reasons. Bodywork and non-standard engines are more expensive to replace and repair. In addition to this, some modifications can increase the risk of your car being a victim of theft.
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