DRIVERS have been warned over ten easy mistakes that could invalidate their car insurance and end up costing them THOUSANDS.
Drivers need to be crystal clear about their policy’s terms and conditions, because even little lifestyle changes could affect their car insurance.
Drivers have been warned over ten easy mistakes that could invalidate their car insurance and potentially cost them thousandsGetty
Handily, car experts at Dayinsure have explained how drivers can ensure they don’t accidentally invalidate their insurance policy.
1. Choosing the wrong class of use
The class of use indicates how you will use your car to your insurance provider.
It is important to pick the right class for you and your vehicle, as the likelihood of being involved in an accident varies depending on the time of day (like rush hour) and the frequency of driving (every single day vs occasionally).
If you deliberately state the wrong class or use your vehicle in a way that isn’t insured (for regular commuting when you indicated social driving for example), this may leave you with an invalid policy.
2. Driving someone else’s car
Many have been in a situation before where they needed to borrow someone else’s car, either because their own is in the garage or because they don’t own one and need to go somewhere at short notice.
While it may seem perfectly fine to have your friend drive your car for a few hours, this may result in a costly mistake which could get you or your friend fined.
This is because some people falsely assume that their car insurance is tied to a person and covers them regardless of which vehicle they drive.
3. Picking the correct job title
This minor detail in your personal information could actually make a big difference to your car insurance quote.
This is because some professions need to drive more often than others, with a very simple example being taxi drivers vs office workers.
4. Underestimating your mileage
Car insurance policies are likely to be more expensive if your annual mileage is higher, because of the likelihood of you getting into an accident.
If you go over the annual mileage estimate you gave, this could invalidate your policy.
5. Not keeping your details up to date
This is a simple, but common mistake to make. It is important to keep your personal details, such as name, address, and contact information up to date.
It is also fraudulent to misrepresent yourself or take out an insurance policy for someone else just to get a lower premium.
This behaviour can not only cancel your cover but fraudsters can also get criminally prosecuted and may even face imprisonment.
6. Forgetting your MOT
If this is a requirement of your policy, which it most likely is, not being up to date on your MOT will invalidate your policy.
You also can’t legally drive a car without a valid MOT, so it is very unlikely your insurer would pay out for a claim that you incurred while driving without this annual test.
If you are found to be driving without an MOT, you could be fined or even be banned from driving.
7. Car modifications
Not all car modifications will automatically invalidate your car insurance, but those that are undeclared potentially could.
This typically includes exhaust modifications, turbos, body kits and more performance enhancements.
Other modifications which help driver safety, such as dash cams, wheel locks, or trackers, should not impact your policy.
8. Driving with unsecured pets
For all pet owners who are in a rush, this is one to particularly look out for.
If your animal was not secure and was freely roaming around your car at the time of an accident, then this could invalidate your insurance policy.
This is because an unsecured pet increases your risk of driving without due care and attention, as they pose a distraction from the road.
9. Not reporting minor accidents
You might think that minor incidents, especially those that weren’t your fault, don’t need to be reported to your insurance provider, but that isn’t the case.
Accidents change your driver risk level, so they should always be reported.
You can submit accidents without intending to make a claim though and indicate that they weren’t your fault.
10. Leaving the car unlocked or not keeping your keys safe
If your car gets stolen, and it is proven that you left your keys in the ignition or left the vehicle unlocked, your claim could be invalidated.
This is because you didn’t take the necessary steps to keep your car safe, which is often a condition in car insurance contracts.