Car/Van FAQs
To find out more about Car and Van Insurance please read the FAQ’s below.
What are classed as disabilities or medical conditions?
Certain disabilities or medical conditions will need to be notified to the DVLA (Driver
and Vehicle Licensing Agency), as they may effect your or any named drivers' ability to drive.
Who is the main Driver of the vehicle?
This is the person who uses the vehicle the most. As with all material facts, you
should be honest here. If you are planning to insure a vehicle for your son or
daughter, when you know that they will be the main user, you should state this, failing
to do so could lead to your insurer invalidating any claims.
What is the number of other vehicles in the household?
It is important to enter the correct number of vehicles in your household as we may
cross-validate your data and offer discounts on the basis of vehicle ownership.
When was my vehicle first registered?
You can find this information on your vehicle's V5 document. Below is a list displaying
example registration marks;
M – 1994 to 1995
N – 1995 to 1996
P – 1996 to 1997
R – 1997 to 1998
S – 1998 to 1999
T/V – 1999 to 2000
W/X – 2000 to 2001
Y/51 – 2001 to 2002
02/52 – 2002 to 2003
03/53 – 2003 to 2004
04/54 – 2004 to 2005
What are imported vehicles?
Vehicles are brought in from abroad (usually EU countries) and match the UK
specifications and some of our companies will insure these. Non UK specification – these
are vehicles which are brought into the UK from abroad and do not match current UK
specifications. These vehicles are more difficult to insure, mainly due to the restricted
availability of parts.
What are modifications?
This is when the vehicle's engine, suspension or body has been altered in any way that
is different from the original manufacturer's specification. Vehicles fitted with special
equipment or apparatus will also fall into this category. The most common modifications
are performance enhancements, such as exhausts and bodywork, such as personalised paintwork.
Do you have access to any other vehicles?
This is when you or any proposed drivers have any use of another vehicle:
- You may own another motorcycle, van or car
- You may be a named driver on another policy
- You may have access to a company van/car within working hours e.g. a pool car
- You may have full, personal access to a company van/car including social domestic and pleasure use
- You may have access to a car
- You may have access to a van
- You may have access to a motorcycle
What is an immobiliser?
There are two types of Thatcham graded immobiliser:
- T2 = An immobiliser that has been judged to comply to the Thatcham criteria
- T1 = An alarm/immobiliser combination that has been judged to comply to the Thatcham
Definition: An Electronic immobiliser is a device fitted to the vehicle that disables
the engine of your vehicle when your vehicle is not in operation by you. Some newer
vehicles have these factory fitted by the manufacturer and these are normally shown
within your vehicle brochure. It is also possible to have these immobilisers fitted
by a garage or specialist, who would supply a certificate of installation detailing
the exact model of your vehicle's immobiliser. A copy of your fitment certificate may
be required.
Definition: A manual immobiliser is a device fitted which is usually placed on the
steering wheel or gear lever of your vehicle e.g. Krooklok.
What is a tracking device?
This is a device which enables the police to locate your vehicle if it is stolen. Some
newer vehicles may have this device installed by the manufacturer. However, this is
normally a facility which you are required to subscribe to on an annual basis. A copy
of your fitment certificate may be required.
What do you use the vehicle for?
There are also three levels of business use which can cater for any clients needing
to use their vehicle in connection with their occupation/business, they are:
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
What is No Claims Bonus (NCB)?
This is a discount awarded for the completion of 12 months continuous claim free
insurance. NCB can only be earned and used in your own name and on 1 vehicle at a
time. NCB is not acceptable if it expired more than 2 years prior to the inception
of your new policy NCB is reduced after a fault claim. (Please refer to your policy
wording for full details of NCB reduction).
What can I do if I have Zero or Low No Claims Bonus?
You may have zero no claims bonus as you have never held a policy in your own name
before, have only ever been named on other people's / company vehicles, purchased a
second vehicle or lost them due to a recent claim. Whatever the reason, our on-line
quotation system cannot offer the substantial discounts that we can give you by
discussing your situation over the telephone.
If I have an accident and I do not wish to make a claim, do I still have
to notify my insurer?
Yes, it is always advisable to tell your insurer of any incident the insured
vehicle is involved in, so that your file is always fully updated, even if no claim
is to be made. All claims should be reported as soon as possible.
Fault and Non-Fault claims – what is the difference?
A fault claim is any claim resulting in your own insurer being liable (paying for
the claim). e.g. – you are not to blame for a theft claim but your own insurer would
be liable (paying the claim), as they have no other party to recover the costs
from. If your insurer pays for your damages in a claim (e.g. – where a third party
hit you) but then re-coups their costs via the third party's insurer, then this would
be a Non-Fault claim as your insurer was not liable (recovered their costs for the claim).
What is protected No Claims Bonus (NCB)?
This will allow you to make a certain number of claims arising from your own
error or fault without affecting your no–claims discount. Please refer to your
policy wording for full details.
What is classed as foreign use?
All commercial insurance policies that we offer on-line provide the minimum cover you
require to drive in any of the EU countries.
How can I make my insurance cheaper?
There are a number of ways:
Increase my voluntary excess - An excess is the first part of the claim that you
have agreed to pay. By increasing this amount, therefore increasing the amount that
you are willing to pay in the event of a claim your insurer will discount your annual
premium. Remember, in a Non-Fault claim you may recover your excess via your legal
assistance, which is explained below.
Your Van - The value, type and engine size (cc) all make a difference, generally
the cheaper and smaller engine vehicles generate lower premiums.
Security – having an alarm, immobiliser or tracker fitted to your vehicle, can
generate premium discounts.
Annual Mileage - Be as accurate as you possibly can, as the lower your annual
mileage, the bigger the insurers may discount your annual premium.
Where is the vehicle parked overnight – If you have a garage, it's best to use
it as insurers may offer discounts on your annual premium. If you have a
driveway, enter this onto your quote, off-road parking such as communal
parking areas must be entered as "road"
Additional Drivers - Only add drivers to your policy that use your vehicle on
a regular basis. Limiting drivers limits your risk to the insurer and therefore
decreases your annual premium. 'Any driver' policies are considerably more
expensive, if you do require this, check all drivers ages as any driver
policies over 25 (entered on quote as 25) may be more expensive than any
driver policies over 30 (entered on quote as 30).
I don't have breakdown cover, can I add it now?
Some insurance policies include or have optional breakdown cover. If this is not offered
with your policy you can compare breakdown cover with MoneyExpert.com.
Why do I need motor legal assistance?
Legal assistance additional cover will protect you if you incur any uninsured
losses as a result of an accident that wasn't your fault. Losses which are uninsured
may include loss of earnings, personal injury, vehicle recovery within the United
Kingdom, loss or damage to personal property and policy excesses under a comprehensive
policy. This cover also includes credit repair.
When does my cover start and can a policy be backdated?
A policy usually starts at the time that the first payment or deposit is paid; however
cover be started a few days in advance. Under no circumstances can insurance cover be
backdated.
What is Third Party insurance cover?
Third Party Only cover – This is the most basic insurance and covers your liability
for death or bodily injury to a third party (including other occupants of your vehicle)
and your liability for damage to third party property
Third Party Fire and Theft cover – This covers third party risks as described above plus
the risk of fire and theft in connection with your vehicle in accordance with relevant
policy terms. Some insurers will provide cover for the contents and the audio equipment
of the vehicle, details will be provided with your on-line quotation
Comprehensive cover – This includes the Third Party Fire and Theft cover, as well as
loss of or damage to your vehicle caused by accidental or malicious damage. Comprehensive
cover usually includes some personal accident benefit in respect of personal injury to
you or your death (please refer to your policy terms for details). Theft cover for the
contents of your vehicle is provided by most insurers but only to a specified amount
and subject to policy terms. Details will be shown with your on-line quotation
What is Compulsory excess?
This is an excess that has been applied as a
requirement by your insurer and will vary according to your personal circumstances
and the terms of cover provided. A compulsory excess may be required if you drive a
particular vehicle or you have inexperienced drivers on your policy. There is also a
compulsory excess for fire, theft or windscreen claims
What is Voluntary excess?
This will apply where you agree with your
insurer to pay a greater part of each claim, in addition to your compulsory excess. A
voluntary excess can be increased or decreased at your request during your on-line
quotation and it may affect your premium.