Discover the common mistakes that could void your car insurance and leave you in a tough spot
London: It’s super important to keep your car insurance details spot on. There are ten things you might be doing that could totally invalidate your coverage.
Experts from Leasing Options have put together a list of these pitfalls. If you slip up, you could face a hefty £300 fine and even six points on your license.
First off, if you’re charging people for rides, that could be a big no-no. Many policies don’t cover drivers who accept payment for lifts. Just splitting gas money is usually fine, but anything beyond that might get you in trouble.
Next, be careful about who you name as the main driver. If you’re the one driving most of the time but list someone else, that’s called ‘fronting’ and it’s illegal. This often happens when parents try to help younger drivers save on premiums.
Also, make sure your address is correct. Insurers look at your postcode to set your premium, so if you move, let them know. Otherwise, your policy could change unexpectedly.
And don’t forget to update your job status. Insurers use occupation data to gauge risk, so if you get a new job, tell them. Not doing so could leave you without coverage.
Another thing to watch out for is where you park. If you say you park off-street but actually park on the street, your insurance might not cover you if something happens.
Be honest about how you use your car too. Whether it’s for social, commuting, or business, you need to be upfront. If you don’t, you could find yourself uninsured.
Don’t underestimate your mileage either. This is a key factor in calculating your premium, so make sure you’re accurate. There are online tools to help you figure it out.
Also, keep your windscreen clear. If it’s obstructed and you get into an accident, your insurance could be void. This includes anything from dirt to too many air fresheners hanging around.
Lastly, always report any accidents, big or small. If you don’t and someone else reports it, your insurer could be in a tough spot. Plus, if there’s damage from an unreported incident, future claims could be denied.
If you’re thinking about modifying your car, check with your insurer first. Changes can bump up your premium, and some mods might even increase the risk of theft.
