Millions of drivers making common error that could 'invalidate policy'

29 May 2024 , 11:21
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Car insurance costs continue to climb (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Car insurance costs continue to climb (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A warning has been issued to drivers about common mistakes that could invalidate their car insurance policies.

As car insurance costs continue to climb in the first quarter of 2024, many motorists are searching for ways to cut down on premiums. Chris Richards, the owner of price comparison site EasyQuote.co.uk, emphasized the importance of accuracy in declaring the intended use of the vehicle.

He advised: "Make sure your policy matches your actual vehicle use. For example, using a car for business when it's insured only for social and domestic use can invalidate your policy. We've seen cases where a driver insured under social, domestic, and pleasure policies used their vehicle for commuting. After an accident, their claim was rejected because their policy didn't cover commuting."

When purchasing car insurance, it is crucial for drivers to clearly state the intended use of their vehicle, whether it be for commuting, social outings, or business purposes, reports the Express. This classification significantly impacts how a vehicle is used and consequently influences the insurance category and premium cost, with business use often being the most expensive.

However, if a motorist is involved in an accident and it is discovered that the vehicle was being used differently from what was specified in the policy, the insurer may deny the claim. Chris also advised motorists to be cautious about the job title they put on their policy, stressing it must be spot on.

I made £1k & paid for my car insurance by selling three 50p coins… you can too eiqetiqutiqhzprwI made £1k & paid for my car insurance by selling three 50p coins… you can too

He revealed: "Our data shows that job titles can influence premiums by up to 51 per cent. Accurately representing your occupation is crucial for both cost and validity." Job titles are another key factor insurers use to work out the cost of cover, as they use them to determine the likelihood of a driver having an accident.

While it's vital drivers select a job title that matches their actual job, trying out different occupations could help them bag a bargain. Money Saving Expert, the financial advice website, has a handy tool that allows drivers to find similar job titles that insurers often see as lower risk.

Rom Preston-Ellis

Car insurance

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