Frequently Asked Questions
- What information do we need to know?
- I've been a named driver on someone else's car for a few years does this mean I'm entitled to a no claims discount if I take out my own policy?
- What is a car insurance policy excess?
- Does the policy entitle me to drive anybody else's car?
- Do you deal with other types of insurance?
- Are you a broker or an insurance company?
- What are the different types of use?
- I have several points on my licence, am I eligible for cover?
- How long to I need to disclose my motoring convictions for?
- Can I still get cover if my last policy was voided, my claim was thrown out, or I have been refused insurance?
- When does my cover start and can a policy be backdated?
- Will I get a refund if my policy is cancelled?
- Why do I need to disclose criminal convictions?
- Can I use my car abroad?
- Does my policy provide a courtesy car if my car is damaged in an accident?
- Can I pay by instalments, or direct debit?
- What are the UKs Driving Conviction Codes?
- What information do we need to know?
You must tell us everything that is relevant to your insurance. If you don't then you risk having your policy voided, and being left without cover in the event of claim. We need to know all your details, your driving history (any claims or motoring offences for you and any other drivers who will be using the car from within the last 5 years), the car details and the location. It is useful to remember that Insurance Companies and the Police share information via the Motor Insurers Database about cover, drivers and driving history. Our trained insurance advisors will assess your information to provide the most suitable cover available.
- I've been a named driver on someone else's car for a few years does this mean I'm entitled to a no claims discount if I take out my own policy?
Only the policyholder can benefit from the no claims discount but we can offer a discount to drivers without any earned no claims discount subject to meeting our criteria and this could be up to 60% off in the first year. This is often called an introductory no claims discount. Even with zero no claims bonus we strive to find the cheapest insurance cover for all clients.
- What is a car insurance policy excess?
Excess is the amount you will have to pay if you make a claim on your insurance. There are two types used; compulsory and voluntary. Compulsory excess is set by the insurer or ourselves depending on things like your age and the type of car you drive. If you take out standard cover you can add voluntary excess to help bring your premium down even further. If you opt to do this, both will be added to create one total excess. If you take out excess cover this can be reduced or removed altogether.
Accidental Damage excess is the first part of the claim you will be required to pay following a motor accident. This is usually paid on completion of repairs to your vehicle. We can often arrange for this to be claimed back from the third party, if you are not found at fault.
Malicious Damage excess is the first part of the claim you will be required to pay following vandalism to your car. This is usually paid on completion of repairs to your vehicle.
Fire & Theft excess is the first part of the claim you will be required to pay following a fire or the theft of your car. This is usually subtracted from the amount paid out to you when the claim is settled.
Windscreen excess the first part of the claim you will be required to pay following a windscreen replacement. This is usually paid on completion of the replacement of your windscreen. If the windscreen is repaired (i.e. cracked windscreen) and not replaced, there is usually no excess to pay.
- Does the policy entitle me to drive anybody else's car?
Most policyholders over 25, depending on the Insurer are provided with this cover. However, you need to check your certificate of insurance to make sure you have this entitlement, which is generally limited to third party only cover. Driving other cars is also excluded from certain occupations. You cannot pay an additional premium to include this cover.
- Do you deal with other types of insurance?
Yes, we are able to provide insurance for a number of motor vehicles, including commercial vehicles (vans, pickups, tippers, flatbeds, double cabs), motorcycle, mopeds & scooters as well as private car cover (hatchback, saloon, estate, coupe, cabriolet, convertibles, 4x4, motor homes, imported vehicles, modified cars). We can also offer a wide range of general insurance products, not limited to travel (annual & individual / short trip), household (building & contents) and let property insurance. We can also deal with commercial insurances such as office, shop, public house or liability policies (public liability & employer’s liability). We can now offer an introduction to an independent financial adviser for a wide range of products including mortgages, life, critical illness, personal accident and sickness cover and pensions.
- Are you a broker or an insurance company?
We are an Independent Intermediary (or broker) and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority to handle non-investment insurance contracts under reference number 306620. This can be verified by visiting the FSA website www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234. Please visit our About Us page for further information.
- What are the different types of use?
It is important that you have the right use for your car, if you have the wrong use you may find that your insurance company will not pay out on a claim.
Social, Domestic and Pleasure - this covers you for normal day-to-day driving, such as driving to visit family or friends, or shopping.
Commuting - this covers you to drive back and forth to a permanent place of work. Please note that travelling to a railway station, where you park your car, is classed as commuting.
Personal Business Use (a.k.a. Class 1) - this covers you to use the car in connection with your job, driving to different sites, travelling to training courses or prearranged meetings away from your normal place of work.
Commercial Travelling - This covers the car to be used for such things as door-to-door sales.
- I have several points on my licence, am I eligible for cover?
We have hundreds of policies from over 30 insurers. This allows us to find you the best deal, whatever your personal circumstances. Give us a call on 0845 313 0974, you may be surprised at the premium we can find for you. We specialise in finding cover for clients with motoring convictions or points on licence, even driving suspensions and bans so this is no problem for us.
- How long to I need to disclose my motoring convictions for?
Most insurance companies take into consideration your driving history for the last 5 years. That means any points, suspensions, endorsements etc will need to be disclosed to them for this period. Even after 4 years you get them taken off your licence, make sure you know what was on there, as this is still relevant.
- Can I still get cover if my last policy was voided, my claim was thrown out, or I have been refused insurance?
The simple answer to this is yes. While your previous insurer may not want to take you on again, we can find someone who will. People are refused insurance for many reasons, provided you explain clearly why it happened to you, we’ll do our best to get you a quote.
- When does my cover start and can a policy be backdated?
A policy usually starts at the time that the first payment or deposit is paid; however cover can be started a few days in advance. Under no circumstances can insurance cover be backdated. It is a criminal offense to backdate a car insurance policy, and as such you will not find a broker or insurer who will offer this service.
- Will I get a refund if my policy is cancelled?
Insurers all have different cancellation charges and not all policies will allow a refund. If you have made a claim on your insurance, to which you have been found at fault or to blame, you probably will not be entitled to any refund also. If you are paying on an instalment plan or by direct debit then refunds will have to clear any balance outstanding on your policy.
- Why do I need to disclose criminal convictions?
Insurers ask on Proposal Forms for disclosure of any previous criminal convictions that are not classed as ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Though this may not seem to have particular bearing on the type of insurance you feel you are purchasing, it is an absolute must that all information is disclosed. In the event of a claim, any ‘non-disclosures’ may prevent the insurer from paying out.
- Can I use my car abroad?
Most car insurance policies will include the minimum cover you need by law in EU member countries, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway & Switzerland. This cover is limited to a number of days, but differs from insurer to insurer. However, if in doubt always check with our staff to find out the specifics of your policy. In only certain cases a Greencard is required.
- Does my policy provide a courtesy car if my car is damaged in an accident?
Generally, if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, a courtesy car can be arranged while your own vehicle is in for repairs. Even if the accident is your own fault, and you have comprehensive cover, then you will still normally be entitled to a car. However, if your vehicle is written off then no courtesy car is given.
- Can I pay by instalments, or direct debit?
No matter what your financial history, installment options and Direct Debit will be available to you as a client of Sale Insurance.
