Car Insurance - Getting the best deal

Car Insurance - Frequently Asked Questions

I have fully comprehensive insurance, so am I covered to drive any car with the same level of cover?

The usual private car policy covers you for just the car/s you have specified, so if you change your car or buy an additional one, you must make arrangements to insure it.

In addition, your policy may cover you to drive cars not belonging to you, but this is for third party only (i.e. cover for damage you do to other people and property) and is not automatically given – check with your insurers to be sure.

I have an “any driver policy”, so it is OK for anyone to drive my car?

Your “any driver” cover would be based on the information you gave when originally taking out the policy. For instance, if all drivers at that time were over 25, accident and conviction free, your premium would reflect that and you should tell your insurers of any change to that situation.

Does my comprehensive policy mean I’ll get a courtesy vehicle in the event of something happening to my car

Not all insurers guarantee the provision of a courtesy car. Where applicable, one will be made available whilst your car is undergoing accident repairs and may be provided for the repairs following fire or theft, subject to you using the insurer’s authorised guarantee. Some Legal Expenses insurance – as offered by Premium Search – can also provide this facility for non-comprehensive policies, when there is a negligent third party, identified.

Does my insurance company only need to know about claims that were my fault?

You should tell your insurers about all incidents, your fault or not. Those where costs cannot be recovered – such as most thefts – could affect the policy, even though you are not to blame.

If I have a non-fault claim, do I need to pay anything?

Drivers must pay any applicable excesses on their policy, be it a fault or a non-fault claim. You will, however, be able to claim this back as uninsured loss from the third party if the claim proves not to be your fault.

Customers with Legal Expenses cover can get their insurance provider to make this claim on their behalf including ‘out of pocket’ expenses.

Published: 8th July 2008