Car Insurance - partner who drives is very ill

nicemum

Hi

My partner who is the car driver in our family is very seriously ill and our insurance is soon up for renewal. I am really stressed about what would happen if he dies after we start a policy. We have been paying by direct debit (recently have gone onto Employment Support Benefit). I would probably have to sell the car if he doesn't come through. If I was to pay the insurance in full, would his Estate get the refund? Please don't think I'm being horrible or callous, I am really scared about what would happen regarding debts in his name.

:(Any advice would be welcomed!

thanks


nicemum

lisyloo

Sorry to hear about your situation.

If you pay in full then there will be a refund.
However short term cover is not usually calculated pro rata.
So 6 months is not 50% because the insurer has incurred 100% of the costs of writing the policy.
Short term cover is more expensive.
Plus there is a cancellation fee.
So there would probably be a refund, but not as much as you would expect.

If you pay by direct debit then it's possible money would be owed in which case the estate needs to settle the debt before anyone else gets any money.

Do you have a garage?
Could you SORN the car (take it off the road) and get "laid up cover" just for theft.
I am assuming the very ill person is not drivign the car presently.

Another possibility which MAY work is if you have a close family member or friend needs a car.
They could use the car and be put down as main driver provided they cover the insurance costs.
Of course you have to remember that they might have an accident so I would only do this with someone you trust very well and could pay afford to pay the excess and act decently if there was and accident.
But in the right circumstance it can be a win-win.
They get transport, you get the car looked after if you have the right sort of friend.