Insurance can be full of confusing jargon and procedures but this page intends to demystify this with our quick reference guide...

The Law

A minimum amount of Motor insurance is required by law in order to protect other people and property affected by incidents caused by you. Failure to have the correct insurance, failing to inform insurers of relevant information or fraudulent claims can all result in fines or custodial sentences.

Cover

There are three covers available, however, not all are suitable to every vehicle. Third Party Only covers anyone or anything that you hit, but gives no protection to your car. Third Party Fire and Theft is the same but will offer your car protection against fire or the theft of your vehicle. Comprehensive gives all this cover plus protection to your vehicle even if you cause the damage yourself. None of the covers provide protection to you the driver.

Excess

In the event of a claim you will have to pay an amount of money known as an excess. Once paid the insurer will pay for the rest of the claim. The excess varies depending on the policy you have and the type of claim being made.

Claims

Claims are based on the market value of the vehicle (ie: how much you could sell it for) on the day of the claim. (Some vehicles under 12 months old will be covered for the new replacement value - ask for details)

Quotations

Before obtaining a quote you will need to know all the relevant information such as:

• Model details ("Ford Fiesta 1.2" isn't enough - is it the Finesse, Zetec or Ghia?)
• Full details of all settled/outstanding claims, accidents or losses (whether fault or not)
• Full details of any convictions, penalty points or prosecutions pending
• The date you would like cover to start
• The security protecting your car (if you have an alarm or immobiliser what make is it/who fitted it to the vehicle?)
• Any modifications made to the vehicle whether by yourself or the previous owner
• Full details on any additional drivers
• How much No Claims Bonus you have
• Your full Post Code

Documents you may need

When obtaining insurance you may have to provide the insurer with a number of documents in order for it to proceed at the agreed cost. Make sure you can obtain:

• Proof of no claims bonus
• Proof of any security fitted
• Copy of your driving licence
• omplete list of modifications made to the vehicle

You will also need to complete a proposal form

Changes to the risk

You should always inform your insurer of any changes to the vehicle or driver details. Be aware that if the risk changes the premium can alter too.

Disclaimer

This page is a guide only as all insurance policies vary. For the very best advice speak to one of our agents who will be happy to help explain your cover.

Uninsured losses

If you have third party only or third party fire + theft cover and you are involved in a non-fault accident, you will need to claim for the damage to your vehicle, plus any compensation claims for loss of earning, medical bills, etc.

If you have Comprehensive cover and you are involved in a non-fault accident you will need to claim back your excess plus compensation claims for loss of earning, medical bills, etc.

All of the above claims are made by you to the insurer of the driver at fault. Your insurer is unlikely to assist because these are known as 'uninsured losses'. These claims can take a long time to settle and can be confusing to the uninitiated. As a result, we provide the option of an 'uninsured loss recovery service' called Centurion. Not only will Centurion do all the chasing for you, it will also provide you with a hire car, plus Solicitors should your claim go to court.

Please ask one of our members of staff for more information on this very useful additional product.