Car insurance agreements are often invalidated through breaking driving laws but experts have revealed other simple errors can leave policies axed. Go Compare has revealed lying about an occupation, travelling with an unroadworthy car or having no proof an accident has even happened could prevent motorists from securing payouts.
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- Car insurance could be invalidated for using a sat nav
Lying about a job
Your occupation tells car insurance providers a lot about how you are most likely to use your vehicle.
Many drivers may use their cars to commute to work and will need to have insurance policies which match otherwise their agreements could be axed.
Go Compare says drivers who may have changed their work circumstances under lockdown must inform their insurance provider to avoid being caught out.
Lying about a job to save on premium costs could be considered insurance fraud which may see customers prosecuted in extreme cases.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mark Greening, spokesperson for Go Compare said: “If you’ve had a change of job due to lockdown, it’s vital you let your insurance provider know.
“Different jobs will come with different premiums, so make sure you keep your provider up to date with any change of career.”
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) issued advice back in April reassuring key workers could visit different locations for work during the pandemic.
They confirmed policies would not be affected and customers would not need to contact their insurer to update their details or extend cover.
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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has also issued guidance which has pushed firms to work with motorists who may have changed their work patterns.
The guidance says motorists cannot be treated unfairly during the lockdown and firms must look at switching customers onto cheaper services to help them save money.
No proof of having a crash
In the event of a car crash motorists must make sure they collect insurance information from another driver involved.
Law firm Slater and Gordon has also urged road users to do a quick sketch of the accident scheme or take photos if possible.
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- Driving with a dog in the front seat could invalidate your policy
Go Compare says social distancing measures should not prevent motorists from gathering the vital information which will help when making a claim.
Mark Greening told Express.co.uk: “While social distancing measures might make it hard for you to share insurance details with another driver.
“It’s important you gather as much evidence as you can to make sure your claim goes through.”
Halfords have urged motorists to install a dash cam on tier cars which can offer “peace of mind” and “protection”.
If someone who has scratched your car and drives off without taking any details it could become hard to track them down.
This could see car insurance firms refusing to payout on claims which may leave owners stuck with expensive repair bills.
Driving with an unroadworthy car
GoCompare have revealed driving a car in a dangerous condition is one of the most popular reasons policies are rejected.
This is an increased concern under lockdown with MOT tests suspended since March.
Garage experts have previously warned up to one million cars could remain on UK roads in an unroadworthy condition as motorists avoid simple repairs.
Mark Greening, told Express.co.uk: “With your car being out of use for so long, it could potentially become unsuitable for driving.
“Check everything is safe before getting back on the road.”
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