Police have been cracking down on uninsured drivers and with fines, vehicle seizures and fraud convictions just some of the consequences of not having the correct insurance it might be time to double check your policy actually covers what you need.
It’s very easy to fill in a form online, tick a few boxes and get a cheap insurance quote but without the personal one to one attention it’s very easy to miss a vital detail. For example, a few years ago, most policies covered you to drive another vehicle third party, now many don’t but often people just assume they are covered and only find out they weren’t when it’s too late.
Recent figures from MIB (Motor Insurers Bureau) showed that warnings are being issued to around 3,000 uninsured drivers every day.
Between January 2018 and October 2018 Avon and Somerset Police seized 2327 uninsured vehicles from the roads of Avon and Somerset.
In the lead up to their targeted campaign last month they issued these common myths about car insurance:
Common myths on car insurance:
Myth 1: I have fully comprehensive insurance cover so I can drive any car
Fact: Not all policies include cover for the use of other vehicles. Always check your policy wording and never just assume you’re covered. You need to apply or pay for specific DOV (Driving Other Vehicles) cover, which is only available to the policyholder.
Consequences: If an officer contacts the MIB and confirms you don’t have the correct cover, police can legally seize the vehicle on the spot.
Myth 2: I’m covered to drive to and from work
Fact: So that you can drive your vehicle to and from work your policy needs to cover you for ‘commuting’. Also if you ever need to travel between places of work you need to ensure you are covered for ‘business’ mileage.
Consequences: If you’re involved in an collision with another driver and your insurer finds the incident happened outside of your policies terms they may not cover you for any damage or injuries, meaning you would personally liable for covering the costs of fixing your vehicle and the other drivers, and pay any compensation.
Subsequently, your insurer is likely to charge you a higher premium for cover, or decline to insure you altogether.
Myth 3: I am the main driver of the car but I put my mum down as the Policyholder to save money
Fact: This is also known as ‘fronting’ and is considered fraud, carrying some serious penalties. The main driver of the vehicle should also be the policyholder.
Consequences: Your insurance provider may increase your future premiums or void your policy. If you’re found guilty of fraud you will get a criminal record, which could mean you have difficulty accessing other financial products in the future, including mortgages and credit cards.
Myth 4: My car broke down and it’s a write-off. Because I won’t be driving it I don’t need to keep it insured
Fact: Keeping a vehicle without insurance is an offence (introduced in 2011). Where a vehicle has broken down or is considered a write-off it still needs to be declared as being off the road. The Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) legislation means that you must either insure your vehicle or, if it is not on the public road, declare it as off-the-road using a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN).
Consequences: MIB and DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) work in partnership to identify uninsured vehicles. If your vehicle appears to be uninsured because it is not listed on the MID and not the subject of a Statutory Off-Road Notice, you will be sent an Insurance Advisory Letter (IAL). If you receive an advisory letter and take no action then the penalties can be severe.
If you want to ensure your insurance covers exactly what you need we have you covered. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, one car or a fleet of haulage vehicles we will ensure you are insured!
