A recent AOL UK article highlighted some of the common mistakes made in the UK in relation to car insurance. We believe that it is important that you do not fall into any of these traps and the penalties can be severe.
It’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to your car insurance policy that can mean you pay more, invalidate your claim or even end up on the wrong side of the law.
If you want to keep your premiums down and ensure you aren’t breaking any rules, avoid these daft mistakes.
Not declaring previous convictions
Not telling your insurer about previous motoring or criminal convictions could invalidate your insurance.
With harsher penalties now in force for speeding and using your phone behind the wheel you should make sure you don’t fall foul of this costly car insurance mistake.
The new rules mean that, if you’re caught driving 31mph in a 20mph zone or use your phone while driving you can now have up to six points added to your licence as well as a hefty fine.
Significantly, extra points on your licence can lead to more expensive insurance premiums. Price comparison site Comparethemarket estimates that someone with six points on their licence could face a £328 hike on the cost of a new policy.
But there’s no point lying about your convictions to try and lower your premium; your cover will be withdrawn as soon as your insurer finds out you’ve lied on your application.
So, always be honest: declare all driving offences committed in the past five years, plus any criminal convictions not spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Not paying in one go
Always pay for your car insurance in one lump sum. If you choose to pay in monthly instalments, then expect to be charged interest rates of 30%+ APR.
It’s much cheaper to spread the cost with a 0% on purchases credit card if you can’t afford to pay for it all upfront.
Not mentioning previous accidents
It’s your responsibility to tell your insurer about any accidents you’ve been involved in, even if they weren’t your fault or you didn’t make a claim.
If this information later comes to light, any claim will be rejected and your policy could be cancelled.
Generally speaking, insurers will want to know about your claims history for the past three to five years.
Not getting your eyes tested
The DVLA requires motorists to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres (66 feet) for number plates made after 1 September 2001.
Drivers who have difficulty doing so – either unaided or with the help of corrective lenses – are breaking the law and could have their driving licences revoked.
What’s more, failing this sight test could invalidate your car insurance, which could prove extremely costly when you come to make a claim.
‘Fronting’ a younger driver
‘Fronting’ is where a parent or other experienced driver claims to be the main user of a vehicle which is, in fact, being largely driven by a younger or less experienced motorist.
While fronting another driver may reduce his/her premium, both drivers are committing insurance fraud.
This deception can lead to policy cancellation, a criminal conviction, a driving ban, and a court fine or even imprisonment.
For more mistakes to avoid, please click here.
