Forgot to renew insurance - where do I stand?

Micklewhite

Hi

We forgot to renew our car insurance and only found out when we went to renew the tax that we'd been driving around for 6 months uninsured!! Terrible, I know, but it was an honest mistake. We've now got everything sorted and got insurance. So I was hoping I could just put it down to experience, count myself lucky and move on.

But our new insurer wants proof of no-claims. Our last insurance will show a gap. They've asked to explain any gaps. I'd rather play it straight, but am I likely to get in trouble admitting to driving without insurance in the past, even though I'm now legal?


Thanks
MM

lisyloo

When did you buy the insurance?
Was it within the last 14 days?

In your posistion I would ring another insurer and try to find out whether there will be any problem accepting NCD.

You could then consider cancellling your existing insurance (especially if you are withing the cooling off period) and going to another insurer that doesn't ask awkward questions.

The other answer is to talk to a high st broker.

There might be a cancellation fee, but you're probably better off in the cooling off period.

You could also ask what happens if you refuse to explain the gaps. They can't force you.
BUT make sure they don't cancel your policy as then you will have to say you've had insurance refused and you will have to declare this forever.
Much better for you to cancel. Terrible if they cancel.

Phoebe-

Your NCB is valid for 2 years, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I've not heard of insurers asking you to explain gaps in your insurance before...maybe it is worth looking around/asking what happens if you refuse to answer like lisyloo said?

dacouch

Phoebe- wrote: »

Your NCB is valid for 2 years, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I've not heard of insurers asking you to explain gaps in your insurance before...maybe it is worth looking around/asking what happens if you refuse to answer like lisyloo said?

Allianz don't like NCD over 6 months old

gordikin

Phoebe- wrote: »

Your NCB is valid for 2 years, so that shouldn't be a problem....

Is this actually true?

dacouch

gordikin wrote: »

Is this actually true?

There are a handful of Insurers that will allow a gap of three years providing there is a valid reason.

One of them is Aviva

Phoebe-

gordikin wrote: »

Is this actually true?

As far as I was aware there were 'universal' rules with NCB for all insurers - that it has a self life of 2 years, even if it's not been used in that 2 years.

raskazz

Phoebe- wrote: »

As far as I was aware there were 'universal' rules with NCB for all insurers - that it has a self life of 2 years, even if it's not been used in that 2 years.

Nope.

Most insurers will query a break in cover. Especially if the date of purchase of the insured vehicle is during the 'break' - where has it been insured in the meantime?

Phoebe-

Okay, well put it this way - I work for numerous insurance companies, and we don't query a break in cover, and we accept NCB for up to 2 years after it was last used - and we're told all insurers accept that NCB for 2 years aswell. If they don't, they don't...but I was only saying what I've been told - so sorry if it was wrong!

Quentin

Phoebe- wrote: »

Okay, well put it this way - I work for numerous insurance companies, and we don't query a break in cover, and we accept NCB for up to 2 years after it was last used - and we're told all insurers accept that NCB for 2 years aswell. If they don't, they don't...but I was only saying what I've been told - so sorry if it was wrong!

It is wrong, and shows a lack of training if you come here to post authoritative advice saying you are qualified by your employment in the industry.

There is no rule that "all insurers" follow regarding accepting "old" NCD (eg Cornhill allow only 30 day "old" NCD).

Many insurers do want a written explanation of any gap, together with a declaration that there have been no driving incident during the gap period. (eg whilst driving as a named driver on another policy)

lisyloo

Many insurers do want a written explanation of any gap

So are there potentially insurers that won't ask questions? which was my original idea.

If the OP does declare he was driving without insurance then are the insurers only interested in the fact that there were no claims/convictions or will they report him to the police?

Thanks for the info so far.
My car was scrapped last year.
As a result of todays education I shall continue to keep the certificate of destruction in case I need it to prove the gap.