The recent outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) as we know has had a massive impact on our lives so it can be a confusing time when looking at car insurance.
At WeTrust we are seeing more and more information being provided about products and services being offered by providers across the industry and we have included a guide below that can hopefully provide more insight during this uncertain time and helping you make the smartest decisions you can during this time.
Can I put my policy on hold if I’m not using my car during the lockdown?
It is not normally possible to pause or put a car insurance policy on hold, however, you still have the option to cancel it. Unfortunately, fees will apply (depending on your provider) and you will need to make a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN).
If you do choose to apply for a SORN on your vehicle, you won’t be able to drive it and it must be parked up off the road. Once you are ready to start using your vehicle, you will need to get it taxed and fully insured again.
One thing to note, if you do cancel your car insurance, you will not have any cover to protect in case of theft, vandalism, or damage by fire. You will need to seek alternative cover such as laid up insurance.
Do I need to notify my insurer if my driving habits have changed such as my mileage?
No, you don’t. If there have been changes to your driving habits because of COVID-19, which a lot of people have seen, you do not need to notify your insurance provider or update your policy.
Do I need to adjust my car insurance at renewal or when shopping around for a new policy?
It is not necessary to change your details based on new driving habits affected by COVID-19 and should provide the details you normally would. We are not sure how long this outbreak could affect how we use our cars but it is important to make sure you are covered for when restrictions start to loosen and factors such as returning to regular commuting return.
Can anyone else drive my vehicle to pick up essentials for me if I can’t go out?
Unfortunately, not. Only people that are named on the car insurance policy can drive your vehicle.
It may be possible to add additional people to your current policy for the vehicle, but this may incur a charge and fee for altering your policy. It is worth discussing this with your policyholder to find out more information.
The only exception to this law is if the person looking to drive your vehicle has the cover to drive different cars within their own car insurance policy.
Can I still claim on my car insurance policy?
Yes, you can! Car insurance providers are still operating as they would with your policy, it might just take longer to get through to a member of their support team or waiting for repair services.
What about garages, are they still open?
Yes, we are seeing some garages stay open so you will be able to still get your MOT or any other important car servicing.
Please note; MOTs have been extended by six months from 30th March 2020, this qualifies for all car, motorbike, and van owners. However, it is important you make sure your car is still in a roadworthy condition as you can be penalised if you are caught driving an unsafe vehicle.