Forgot to renew insurance - where do I stand?

Micklewhite

lisyloo has hit on the crux of my question really. Now we've got the insurance set up, I'd rather not go through the hassle of cancelling and finding a new insurer. Surely the insurer only wants to know there were no claims. What if I said the car was off the road for six months (a lie) or what if I just simply stated the car wasn't insured during that period? That would be the simplest really then we could all move on. But then would they be compelled to take further legal action.

Thanks for all the thoughts so far..

MM

Quentin

If you admit to them you drove uninsured they aren't going to report you, but they may decide you aren't the sort of customer they want.

Think up another reason!

lisyloo

Could you word it cleverly so you don't lie?

How about - you are unhappy with your current insurance arrangements and want a new insurer but have no claims during the gap.

lisyloo

As long as you don't get drawn into lying I don't see how it could make things worse.

Insuranceguru_2

In all honesty you only have to state that the vehicle was not insured. They wont ask you why it wasnt insured etc, i wouldnt worry about this to much. Most insurers are asking this these days & its more to collect data to work out future rates etc & weather they should run a auto renewal scheme & things like that.

As per post's above, each insurer will have a diffrent lifespan on no claims bonus although most insurers will let you use NCB upto 2 years old. Again its just the case of calling around & seeing who take what. I know that through a broker Aviva & Axa will take NCB upto 3 years old.

Micklewhite

Selden highlights a key point. I've done some research and it seems that most insurers now ask for proof of NCD. So I provide proof with a six month gap. Even if they don't ask any questions now, they may do following a later claim. And even if I find someone willing to give me insurance without proof, who's to say they won't following a claim? Also isn't there supposed to be some database of insurance anyway - they would check that surely?

So how do I get insurance which isn't at risk of failing in the event of a claim? The only excuse would be the vehicle was off the road, but then you need a SORN. What other valid reason would there be for not having insurance?

I'm actually stuck for a solution now. I'm in insurance limbo. Any more suggestions?

MM

Micklewhite

You've an interesting style of response Selden - with each suggestion you offer, you supply another question. Thanks for the advice!

MM

Quentin

Micklewhite wrote: »

The only excuse would be the vehicle was off the road, but then you need a SORN.....

You only need SORN if your vehicle is off the road AND untaxed.

lisyloo

What other valid reason would there be for not having insurance?

Well I don't have insurance as I don't own a car at the moment (and I can prove it as I have a certificate of destruction).
That obviously won't work for you, but it's a valid reason.

Another reason would be not driving your car (medical reasons?)
If you are not putting it on the public road i.e. it's on a private driveway or garage then you don't legally need insurance (good idea for theft but not mandatory).
You could have been simply not driving the car.
SORN is only necessary if you don't want to pay the road tax.

BTW - I'm not suggesting you lie, just discussing some valid reasons.

King_Nothing

If it was me, I'd just say it was off the road for 6 months so I didn't need insurance, and that would be the end of it ideally.