by SimonPenson
16. July 2009 14:13
Q: I am a named driver. Can I still get a No Claims Bonus?
This depends on your policy but generally speaking you will not be able to claims your no claims so make sure you ask BEFORE taking up the policy if this is important to you. It is possible to find good car insurance policies with No Claims for named drivers but you need to look around. The best way to earn it is to take the plunge and create your own car insurance as a named driver
Q: Can I just get one of my older parents to insure my car and then put me as a named driver?
This was a very popular way of reducing car insurance premiums not too long ago but the bad news is that by doing so you would render your insurance policy invalid. Doing this is called Non Disclosure and most insurance companies WILL pull you up on it if anything should happen and you end up attempting to claim.
Q: If I modify my car what do I need to tell my insurance company?
The simple answer is yes, you certainly do as otherwise, once again, your car insurance will be invalidated. By altering your car you may either make it more attractive to thieves or more dangerous to drive and this, in turn, will affect your insurance cost.
Your insurer will only pay out the MARKET value of your car and it will not matter whether you have spent £10,000 on your modifications unless you have negotiated this into your policy before you claim.
Q: Give me ten top tips to becoming a smarter car owner when it comes to getting cheaper car insurance...
- Protect your No Claims to ensure you don’t lose them if an accident occurs.
- Increase your voluntary excess to lower your premiums.
- Fit an approved alarm and immobiliser.
- Pay your car insurance in one lump to avoid interest charges.
- It may be cheaper to have your wife as the main policy holder as women get lower premiums, usually!
- Drive fewer miles to keep your insurance down
- Keep optional extras like a lease car to a minimum
- Be careful where you park to avoid break ins or people hitting your car.
- Take the pass plus.
- Buy a car with the smallest engine you think you can live with.
