Most people know that giving incorrect information to your insurer can affect your cover. But there are also other, less obvious details that can affect a claim.
In this blog, we explain what invalidates car insurance and how to avoid your policy being cancelled, so you can keep driving. It is illegal to drive in the UK without valid insurance.
Easy as hack
Tips to avoid invalidating your car insurance policy:
- Be accurate
- Update your details
- Keep your keys safe
- Keep your car in good condition
- Drive with care
- Check with your insurer before making modifications
At a glance
Without valid car insurance, you can’t legally drive your car. You also won’t be covered in the event of an incident, meaning you won’t be able to receive compensation if you need to make a claim.
What does it mean if your car insurance is invalidated?
If your insurer invalidates and cancels your car insurance policy, it’s because the terms of the policy have been broken. An invalidated policy means the insurer will not cover you if you try to make a claim.
What invalidates your car insurance?
Under the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representation) , deliberately, recklessly or carelessly excluding information or providing incorrect answers to an insurer (including online, by phone or through a broker) may invalidate your car insurance, leading to a denied claim.[1]
It’s also illegal under the Road Traffic Act to make a false statement or withhold requested information when applying for a car insurance policy.
Putting inaccurate information on your policy
If there is inaccurate information on your policy, you could end up paying for more insurance than you need, or your insurer could refuse your claim. Inaccurate information includes:[1]
- Not providing the correct address – your insurer will need to know if you’ve moved, as your car may be at greater or lesser risk in the new postcode.
- Giving the wrong job title – you might not think it’s important, but changing your role can affect your insurance. It could be considered a high-risk profession or, if you’re behind the wheel more often, you’re more likely to be involved in an accident.
- Not disclosing all named drivers – failing to disclose every named driver can void the policy, especially if you pretend to be the main driver while a younger, less experienced driver operates the vehicle.
Not disclosing information on your policy
You could lose your insurance cover if you withhold information. Here are examples of information you should share with your insurer:
- Unspent motoring convictions, including speeding, drink driving and drug driving.
- Penalty points on your licence, such as speeding, using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.
You must inform your insurer about these, even though they may consider you a higher-risk driver and charge higher premiums.
Learn about different driving offence types.
Using your vehicle outside of the declared usage
Stating the wrong class for how you use your vehicle, such as failing to tell your insurer that you use your car for business, can invalidate your insurance cover.[2]
It’s also essential not to underestimate your annual mileage to reduce your premium, as your insurer could void the policy[3] if it’s substantially more.
Fronting
Fronting is a form of fraud. A classic case is a parent trying to save money by claiming to be the main driver, even though their child drives the car more. In that case, the child should be the main driver, not a named driver.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau says many don’t realise that fronting is illegal. However, it can result in points on your licence, seizure of your vehicle and a potential criminal conviction. If an accident occurs, you could be liable for all the costs because your insurance will be invalid.
Not disclosing car modifications
Believing you don’t have to inform your insurer about car modifications until you renew your cover is one of the most common car insurance myths. However, you should tell your insurer about any vehicle modifications before you make them, or as soon as you do. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy, and your insurer may not pay a claim.
The following count as car modifications:
- Adding roll bars or roof racks[4]
- Engine upgrades or replacements
- Turbocharger additions
- Exhaust modifications
- Suspension modifications
- Cosmetic modifications like tinted windows
- Alloy wheel modifications
- Window tinting
- Custom paintwork/resprays
- Upgraded or new sound systems
Not informing your insurer about an accident
Reporting a car accident to your insurer is essential, even if you aren’t making a claim. Your insurer may invalidate your cover if you don’t contact them within the period set in the car insurance policy.
Also, you must report any accident resulting in an injury to the police within 24 hours, or if you had no opportunity to provide your details at the scene.
Not properly securing your car
Leaving your car unsecured could invalidate your policy. Not securing your car properly includes:
- Leaving windows, doors, roof openings, or the bonnet or boot open.
- Leaving your keys in the ignition or the lock transmitter or entry card in the car.[5]
- A member of your family taking the car without your permission.
- Not keeping your car where you said it would be, such as on the road when you said it was in the drive.[6]
Breaching your policy terms and conditions
Your insurance may no longer be valid if you breach your policy’s terms and conditions. For example, under our car insurance policy, we will not cover a claim for losses where:
- You were driving without a valid MOT Certificate.
- You drive or allow someone to drive your car on a provisional licence without a qualified supervising adult present.
- You allowed someone with no valid licence or no licence at all to use your vehicle.
- Your driving licence has expired or been revoked.
Bad driving behaviour
You may not realise that failing to follow the rules of the road can invalidate your insurance. Dangerous or bad driving behaviour includes aggressive driving, using a mobile phone while driving, tailgating, or running a red light.
Insurers will not pay out on claims arising directly from a named driver convicted of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
Not keeping your car roadworthy
Most insurance policies will consider settling a claim only if the car remains roadworthy. To avoid invalidating your car insurance, you should:
- Check your tyre air levels and tread depth
- Top up water in your car’s radiator and windscreen washer bottle
- Maintain the car in a roadworthy condition
Not declaring medical conditions
Not declaring DVLA notifiable pre-existing medical conditions or providing incomplete and misleading information to your insurer may result in higher charges, restrictions applied retrospectively or your claim being denied.[7]
Your doctor can advise you whether your medical condition or medication makes it unsafe for you to drive and whether you must contact the DVLA, including conditions such as:
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnoea
- Stroke
- Heart condition
- Parkinson’s
Visit GOV.UK for a guide to medical conditions that could affect driving. Once you’ve notified the DVLA, you must tell your insurer whether you’re cleared to drive.
How do I check if my car insurance is valid?
You can check whether your car insurance is valid by calling your insurer or using their online portal or virtual or live chat features. Another easy way to check is via the motor insurance database, Navigate.
What happens if you invalidate your insurance
Some of the situations described in this article won’t automatically make your insurance policy invalid. They may instead lead to a claim being refused or an extra premium being charged. However, if your policy does become invalid, your cover will no longer apply, and the following will happen:
- Your insurer may deny a claim
- You will not be able to drive
- You may struggle to find new cover, especially if you committed fraud[8]
- New cover could be more expensive
Invalidation of insurance due to fraud[9] may result in prosecution, a driving ban, financial repercussions, and stigma.[6]
What should I do if my car insurance has been invalidated?
It is important that you get a new policy before driving again after your car insurance is invalidated.
Learn about our car insurance and get a car quote.
Do I need to inform a new insurer if my policy has been invalidated?
You must inform a new insurer of an invalidated policy, as failing to do so could invalidate your new one.[9]
FAQs
What happens if my insurance is voided after an accident?
If your insurance is voided after an accident, the following will happen:
- You won’t get a payout from your insurer.
- If you are at fault, you’d have to cover any costs.
- You may have to reimburse your car insurer costs[9],especially if fronting has been established.
Will I get a refund if my car insurance is invalid?
It is unlikely you will get a refund if the insurance is invalidated due to your actions.
The Ageas Car Insurance policy booklet explains that we will void your policy without a refund and refuse to pay your claim if you deliberately or recklessly misrepresent yourself or commit claims fraud.
When do you need to tell your insurer about changes?
You should tell your insurer about life changes that may affect your policy or when you make alterations to your car, so they can make mid-term adjustments.
For example, you must tell your insurer immediately if your job changes or a planned change of address to avoid an invalidated car insurance policy. If you have got married, you can wait until renewal. However, if you changed your name when you tied the knot, you must tell your insurer immediately.
Sources
[2] https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/motor-insurance/
[3] https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/low-mileage-car-insurance/#be-accurate-with-your-mileage
[4] https://www.which.co.uk/money/insurance/car-insurance/modified-car-insurance-aXxO93e1FRWo
[6] https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/fraud/8-myths-about-insurance-fraud/
[8] https://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/car-insurance-cancelled-by-provider/
