Mistakes Which Could Invalidate Car Insurance
Mistakes Which Could Invalidate Car Insurance
Following the cost of Christmas, looking after each penny really does count, so should you need to make a car insurance claim this year you will hope to be able to receive a pay-out. However, according to research by uSwitch, a price comparison service, two thirds of drivers are putting their claim pay-out at risk by making mistakes which could void their car insurance policy.
Research has found that drivers are risking up to £114 million in rejected car insurance claims each year due to innocent slip-ups such as forgetting to renew road tax and wearing unsuitable footwear. When you take out car insurance, your insurer will highlight your individual policy’s key facts and exclusions – as easy as it is to overlook, you should check your policy document very carefully when you receive it.
For Your Information
Having the correct information on your car insurance policy helps make sure that it stays valid – common errors include insuring a car in someone else’s name with yourself as a named driver and recording the vehicle for personal use only and using it for business. Make sure you are honest to the best of your knowledge about the driver and what the car’s use is, otherwise your cover could be invalid.
Modifications Ramifications
Are you thinking about adding some tinted windows, a body kit or even a new suspension to your car? Any changes to the car, whether cosmetic or to improve the vehicle’s road performance can affect the cost of your insurance. Contact your car insurer before making any changes to check how this will affect your premiums – if you go ahead with work without checking with your insurance company, your insurance cover could be void.
Paying The Penalty
Tell your car insurer about any driving convictions or points on your licence you may have had in the past. It helps them make a judgement about how safe a driver you are and how much your premiums should cost. Declare any points which have disappeared from your licence, after three years they might not apply to your licence, but your car insurer may want to know details of any points in the past five years, so be honest.
Think Protection
Most car insurance policies cover against theft, however, if you do not apply due attention to security, it could invalidate your policy. If you leave it unlocked in a car park, it is more likely to be stolen and your car insurer could refuse to pay out on an insurance claim that you put in. All the precautions you will need to take are detailed in your policy documents so make sure that you take the time to read them carefully so that you know what you need to do to stay safe.
Simple Motoring Slip Ups
Among the simple slip ups drivers have admitted to making include:
Leaving the vehicle unlocked – 24% of drivers
Wearing unsuitable footwear whilst driving – 25%
Putting off required vehicle maintenance – 21%
Not renewing the MOT on time – 16%
Letting pet or pets roam free in the vehicle – 15%
Lending vehicle to someone else – 14%
Not updated details after changing job – 9%
Attaching objects to the rear-view mirror – 9%
Failing to renew tax – 9%
Underestimated daily mileage – 8%
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