Why you should double check all car insurance details you provide

Putting false information on an insurance application may seem like a smart move to bring down your insurance quote, but don’t be fooled into thinking it is the move to make.

Almost half a million people withheld key details or made applications in 2018 that included false information, automatically voiding any policies they took out.

It is simply not worth it. Should you be found to be lying or to have included false information, the very least you can expect is for the policy to be voided. You may even be prosecuted for fraud.

When making an application it’s important to disclose all information and to inform the insurer if your circumstances or situation changes.

Key considerations

When applying for insurance, it’s important to stress exactly how the vehicle will be used, as this influences the quote you will receive.

For instance:

• If you intend to commute regularly, the roads are busier at those times and the risk level is therefore deemed to be greater.
• Occupation is also an essential inclusion as various job roles will carry different risk levels – someone who is regularly on the road will be deemed to be higher risk than someone with a desk job.
• It might be tempting to omit past claims and accidents too, but should you need to claim again, a failure to include those past details could see your policy voided.
• The same goes for any speeding offences or other road convictions, as these will also influence the quote you receive.
• Many young drivers will also look to be a named driver on their parents’ policy – this is fine if the parents remain the predominant user of the vehicle. However, when this is not the case it is known as ‘fronting’ – a fraudulent activity and insurers will refuse to proceed with a claim.
• Young drivers can bring the costs of their insurance down by a number of other factors though, such as by considering the vehicle they purchase and by ensuring it is not modified.

Another option is to consider motor excess insurance as this can reduce premiums – in such a scenario a young driver can opt for a higher excess to cut their premium, before covering that excess with additional excess insurance.

Date Created: 01/03/2019