Commuting via car due to COVID won't impact car insurance

Insurers have extended their pledge to motorists who have to commute by car to and from their workplace because of the impact of COVID that their insurance policy will not be affected.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that motorists can drive to work until 30 April 2021 without the need tell their insurer, update their documents or extend their insurance cover.

This extension also applies to drivers who are using their own car or van for voluntary work – to transport medicines or groceries to help those who are shielding or self-isolating due to COVID, for example.

NHS volunteer responders, who may be driving to help patients or to transport equipment or other essential supplies, as well as volunteers helping with the vaccine rollout, can also drive to work without paying an extra premium.

How does this impact me?

It means that if you're on an insurance policy that doesn't ordinarily include commuting - such as 'Social and Domestic Only' - but you need to use your car to commute at the moment due to COVID, your policy isn't impacted. This counts for paid or voluntary work.  You also don't have to let your insurer know this or enhance your policy, you're still covered.

Are you driving less because of the lockdown?

• Contact your insurer to if they will adjust your policy and premium to reflect fewer miles being driven during the lockdowns.
• Also contact your insurer if you are worried about being able to pay your premiums by instalments because of COVID.

Always shop around for a better deal when you get your insurance renewal notice, we compare over 100 car insurance providers.

Take care of your car with our 5-step car safety winter checklist or find out how to save money on your insurance policy.