Five things you’re doing that could invalidate your car insurance
Some irresponsible drivers prefer to drive without cover but others might be unwittingly voiding their policy, leaving themselves exposed to big bills if they're involved in an accident and fines if they're caught by police.
Simply mistakes like failing to update your circumstances or providing inaccurate information, albeit it’s unintentional, could lead on to your insurer refusing to disburse or cancelling your policy. within the worst-case scenario, you'll be susceptible to be prosecuted for fraud.
To help motorists avoid any issues with insurance, experts at online car parts provider CarParts4Less have outlined five common mistakes which will invalidate your policy.
Car modifications
Nearly half (47 per cent) of Brits have modified their car in how, with over a 3rd (37 per cent) spending £500 or more souping up their motors, but failing to notify your insurer about any changes to your vehicle could void your policy.
Car modifications can affect your premium. Performance upgrades like engine modifications could, in theory, increase the likelihood of an accident, while others like cosmetic upgrades or tech add-ons could make it more attractive to thieves.
Always make sure that you inform your provider about any changes to the vehicle, as this may allow your insurer to assess the validity of your policy.
‘Fronting’
Insurance for young drivers often costs quite groups deemed less of a risk. a method some motorists attempt to get around the higher premiums is by having a low-risk driver, like a parent or partner, named because of the main policyholder and adding the important motorist as a named driver.
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However, if you get caught ‘fronting’, as this tactic is understood, your policy will immediately be cancelled, and any claims denied. These cases are often taken to court and are classed as insurance fraud, with outcomes including fines of up to £5,000 and 6 points on your licence.
Not updating your address
Car insurance premiums can vary counting on the postcode, as some areas have higher rates of thefts and break-ins. It is often tempting to place down your home address as somewhere different to where your car stays every night; for instance, your parents’ house while you're at university. However, if you are doing so, your insurer can refuse to disburse for any claims made at your actual main living location.
Many companies have investigative departments dedicated to creating sure information on your insurance and claims is correct, so while you'll think you'll escape with not updating your address, you’ll likely be caught once you make a claim.
Not reporting accidents
Many motorists don’t see the purpose of notifying their insurers about small bumps and scrapes. However, albeit you don’t shall claim, it's important to tell your insurance provider about any damage, as not doing so may be a breach of your policy.
This protects you within the event that the opposite driver changes their mind and decides to say . It also ensures damage is accounted for if you are doing got to claim for future incidents, as damage which is inconsistent with a claim may mean that you simply are denied.
Commuting
There are three sorts of car usage that insurance covers: social only, social and commuting, and business.
These different policies provide different extents of coverage, and using your car outside of this usage will mean that you’re unable to say . for instance , social usage doesn't cover your car when commuting, so you'll be unable to say for any incidents while travelling to or from work.
A CarParts4Less spokesperson said: “While it's going to be tempting to bend the principles to buy a less expensive policy, it’s never worthwhile , and can often cause you paying substantially more within the end of the day .
“It’s important to always read the terms and conditions of your automobile insurance policy, to make sure that you simply haven't accidentally invalidated the policy. Keep your insurance provider up so far with any change of circumstances, no matter whether or not you think that it’s relevant. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”