Car Insurance & COVID-19: Your questions answered

Feeling a little uncertain about what your car insurance covers at the moment? We answer all your burning questions.

Can I still make a claim?

Yes, car insurers are still open and you can still make a claim. However, there may be longer wait times for call centres if there are less staff available.              

I’m self-isolating, can I add my partner to my policy?

Yes, you can contact your insurer to add a partner or other member of your household.

It’s important to do this is someone else is going to drive your car because until they’re added the policy, they won’t be covered.

Shall I update my usage and mileage?

You don’t need to update your insurer of a change in mileage and usage due to current circumstances.

If you are hoping to adjust your policy to save money, you should look into this, but do be aware that admin fees often apply to change details like this, so it may not be worth it in the long run.

Do I need to adjust my usage when applying for a new policy?

If you’re getting a new car insurance policy, we’d suggest you apply for this based on your normal behaviour and use.

It’s worth noting that the FCA has made it clear that they don’t expect insurers to reject claims ‘because of a consumer’s understandable temporary change in how they use their vehicle’.

Can my car insurance be cancelled or put on hold?

Unfortunately, this isn’t so easy. It’s not really common to pause car insurance and most insurers won’t have a policy for this.

We understand car insurance can be a big expense, so the other option to cancel it (note that there will likely be cancellation fees) and declare your car off the road.

To do this, you need to cancel the policy and then make a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN).

This means:

• You won’t be able to drive the car at all
• You’ll also need to keep it off the road, so on a driveway or in a garage
• When your normal lifestyle does return, you’ll need to get the car insured and taxed again
• You’ll have no protection from fire or theft while it’s SORN and uninsured

 

I want to volunteer for the NHS or in my community with my car. Am I covered?

Yes, you are. If you’re volunteering and using your car - such as to deliver prescriptions or meals - your insurance will cover you.

The FCA has made it clear that customers are to be treated fairly during the Coronavirus pandemic.

I want to drive to work instead of using public transport. Can I?

This will depend on what you originally selected in your policy under the Limitations of Use section.

If you selected ‘Social, Domestic and Pleasure’ - this won’t cover commuting. If you selected ‘Social, Domestic, Pleasure and Commuting’ then you’re already covered.

Check your own policy to see if you’re covered or not, then if needed, you can contact your insurer to upgrade your policy to include commuting so that you’re fully covered..

My MOT is due, what should I do?

The Government has declared an MOT exemption for six months, from 30 March 2020.

However, they have also said that vehicles must be maintained to a roadworthy standard during this time and that some garages have been able to stay open to complete critical work when needed.