Drivers warned 'illegal' car insurance mistake could land you with £5,000 fine

10 January 2023 , 10:45

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As driving costs continue to rise, many are looking for ways they can cut their insurance costs however, some could actually land you in hot water (Image: Getty Images)

For first-time drivers, getting an inexpensive insurance premium on your car can be quite difficult and sometimes ways you can get cheaper insurance are shared through the grapevine.

However, some of these "ideas" or "hacks" are not actually correct and drivers need to be aware of what is fact and what is just rumours and wishful gossip.

Motor experts from Bristol Street Motors have compiled a list debunking the biggest misconceptions about car insurance which could be helpful to those looking to try and bag a cheaper deal as driving costs continue to rise.

Here is everything you need to know before taking out a policy.

Adding your parent as a "main driver" on your insurance premium could land you a £5,000 and six points on your licence (Getty Images)

Add your parent as the main driver to lower the cost - wrong

One of the most common tricks people use to lower the cost of car insurance is putting your parent as the main driver of your car.

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This is in fact illegal, and could possibly land you with a fine of £5,000, and a possible six points on your licence if you are caught.

Instead, Bristol Street Motors recommend new drivers review whether covering an extra driver, with good driving history, will actually help reduce your premium rates.

If it could, they should not however be listed as the main driver.

Rural locations have much cheaper premiums - wrong

Bristol Street Motors says it sees this often from those who spend time at two or more addresses such as students and young people with separated parents.

Sometimes these groups may be tempted to list the most rural address on their insurance policy as densely populated areas such as towns and cities, typically have more expensive premiums.

However, this is not a foregone conclusion.

Bristol Street Motors explains that there is still a chance that living in a rural area could result in a higher premium, particularly if there is a high volume of accidents in that location.

There may be other risks, such as wild animals on the road, or if the road is prone to treacherous conditions, that could impact the price.

The motor group recommends you be completely accurate on your policy so you should opt for the address that you and your car will spend the most time at.

They added that it should also be aligned with where you are registered to vote, as many insurers use the electoral role for ID-checking.

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Stick with a provider who gives a 'good deal' - wrong

For the best possible deal, Bristol Street Motors advises you to "always shop around" and compare different car insurance policies.

About a month before your policy is up for renewal, you should take the time to review different insurers and policies to see where you can save the most money.

However, you should bear in mind that, in January 2022, the FCA introduced a new law for car insurance. The law means that any customers renewing their insurance cannot be charged more than the price new customers would be charged for the equivalent policy.

As a result, the rise in premium rates year on year will be less significant than it has been for drivers in the past. So, when doing your research for renewal, don’t forget to include your current provider in any cost comparisons.

Black boxes don’t always lower your insurance - wrong

While black boxes do help to cut costs for careful drivers, many believe – and are put off – by the idea that black boxes impose curfews on drivers.

While this has been true in the past, especially on early black box policies, it is no longer the case.

Instead, Bristol Street Motors explained that black boxes are now used to record your driving data, including information like speed, braking, the time of day you drive, and how sharply you turn corners.

While they might not have a curfew limitation, they can impact your insurance. If you drive sensibly, your insurance could be cheaper, as you are considered a “low-risk driver” and less likely to make a claim.

The opposite is also true, with reckless driving potentially causing your premium to go up.

Ruby Flanagan