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What You Need to Tell Your Car Insurance Provider (and When)

What You Need to Tell Your Car Insurance Provider (and When)

Once your car insurance policy is active, do you know what updates you need to share with your insurer?

This guide covers the key things you should inform your insurer about during your policy term. If you’re with a different provider, their rules might be slightly different, so check with them if you’re unsure.

Things You Must Tell Your Insurer Immediately

Some changes can impact your policy or even make it invalid if not reported right away. Here’s what to tell your insurer as soon as it happens:

  1. If You Have an Accident
    • No matter how small, you must report any accidents.
    • Even if you don’t claim, the other person involved might, and your insurer needs your side of the story.
    • Report any damage that could affect your car’s condition or value.
  2. If You Sell Your Car
    • Let your insurer know when you’re no longer the owner to avoid any liability issues.
  3. If You Move to a New Address
    • Where you keep your car affects your policy.
    • Your insurer also needs your correct address for important documents.
  4. If You Change Where You Park at Night
    • If you usually park in a garage but now leave it on the street, inform your insurer.
  5. If Your Annual Mileage Changes
    • If you’re driving more than expected, update your insurer to avoid invalidating your policy.
  6. If You or a Named Driver’s Details Change
    • Inform your insurer if you or a named driver changes name, job, or country of residence.
  7. If Your Driving Licence Status Changes
    • Tell your insurer if you or a named driver gets penalty points, has a licence revoked, or is banned from driving.
  8. If the Registered Keeper of the Car Changes
    • The registered keeper isn’t always the owner, so check that you’re still covered if this changes.

Things You Need to Tell Your Insurer Before Doing Them

If you’re planning any of these changes, contact your insurer before making them:

  1. Modifying Your Car
    • Includes performance upgrades, cosmetic changes, and resprays.
    • Some modifications may increase your premium or make your car uninsurable.
  2. Changing Your Car
    • Different cars have different insurance costs, so check before buying.
  3. Using Your Car for a Different Purpose
    • If you start using your car for business instead of personal use, update your insurer.
  4. Letting Someone Else Drive Your Car
    • If someone else will drive your car, even once, add them as a named driver beforehand.
  5. Changing Your Registration Plate
    • If you get a new plate, update your insurance to avoid issues with the police.

Things to Update at Renewal

Some changes can wait until your policy renewal:

  1. Penalty Points or Convictions
    • Any driving offences must be reported when renewing your policy.
    • If you get a driving ban, tell your insurer immediately as it may cancel your policy.
  2. Any Accidents or Claims
    • Even if you didn’t claim or the accident involved a different insurer, report it.
  3. Incorrect Information on Your Renewal Form
    • Check all details on your renewal form and update anything that has changed.
  4. Criminal Convictions (Non-Motoring)
    • If you or a named driver has an unspent conviction, inform your insurer at renewal.