Here are the common mistakes to avoid:
Some people pay their premiums for years, only to discover that their insurer won't reimburse them when they need it the most. Some drivers make common mistakes, as well as deliberate errors, that invalidate their vehicle insurance. Avoiding these is the best way to protect yourself from an unpleasant surprise if you have to make a claim in the future.
There are several reasons why UK insurers might refuse, reduce, or void a claim:
Honesty is the most important thing when it comes to insurance! In some cases, insurance companies may feel that your level of risk was misrepresented if you fail to disclose past accidents, driving convictions, or how you use your vehicle.
The smallest error can have a serious impact later on. Your claim could be rejected if you don't mention a past speeding conviction, use your vehicle for work when you declared it for "social use only," or register your vehicle at an incorrect address.
When you buy a policy, you are asked how you use your vehicle... for social, commuting, or business purposes. You may lose your insurance coverage if you drive to work but select only "social use."
If you drive every day to work or do delivery work without the proper policy upgrade, you could be in trouble.
This is when, to reduce the premium, the person who drives the vehicle is not listed as the principal driver.
This is taken very seriously by insurers, and policies may be canceled entirely. Paying a little extra is much better than having your claim rejected!
Even seemingly minor modifications to a vehicle, such as tinted windows or new alloys, must be declared. It is mandatory for insurers to be informed about any changes from the manufacturer's standard specification that may affect the risk profile of the vehicle.
Your insurer must be informed if you collect penalty points during the term of your policy, even if they are pending. Your insurance may be voided if you fail to comply with this requirement when filing a claim.
A person's job title also impacts the way insurers calculate his or her risk. It may be considered misrepresentation if you change jobs without updating your insurer. Keep your job title as it is, and don't change it to save money! Changing jobs could also affect your annual mileage, which you may need to update with your insurance company.
The mileage you drive can have a significant impact on your overall insurance premium, but underestimating your usage may lead to claims being denied.
In the event of a claim, declaring 5,000 miles per year but driving 12,000+ may cause problems.
It is expected that drivers act responsibly, especially in adverse weather conditions. If you didn't clear snow or ice from your vehicle before an accident, your claim may be denied.
When you leave your vehicle unlocked, your windows open, or your keys inside, you may be considered negligent. If it results in theft, your insurance company may refuse to pay you.
Insurers have slightly different terms and conditions, but most adhere to them strictly. There may not be an invalidation of the policy, but the payout may be reduced or canceled. When your policy is cancelled (for example, because of fraud), future insurance may be more expensive or more challenging.
Be honest, accurate, and careful when buying, updating, and using your vehicle insurance. Paying a little more for a good policy is better than risking its cancellation.
Motor-Vision Insurance Services is a trading name of Grove & Dean Ltd, an independent intermediary who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Registration Number 307002. Grove & Dean Ltd, registered in England, company number 1167043