How to come clean to car insurer re: occupation

lostneedhelp

Hi

I am a regular poster on the forums, but I am ashamed about this situation, so have created a new user name to keep myself anonymous.

I do not (cannot) work due to long-term illness (for the last 10 years!). However, when previously applying for car insurance I gave my job title as "Admin Assistant" because there was no option for "Unable work due to illness". And I felt over-sensitive about selecting the option "Unemployed", because I would work if I could.

All was fine until someone hit my car in a carpark recently. The claim is ongoing and an action has been raised by the insurer against the 3rd party (because they are refusing to pay up). So I may have to go to court to testify.

Since this happened I have been reading and have become all to aware of the potential seriousness of lying about my occupation. It looks like my insurance - if they found out - could void my claim! Needless to say I am terrified of being found out - but I don't know how likely that is.

In the meantime, my policy is due for renewal. At this point in time I definitely want to wipe the slate clean and tell the truth from now on. But I am worried that if I phone up to renew, and mention that I am on Incapacity Benefit and not able to work, that they will start asking additional questions: like "When did this start?", or "What is the name of your previous employer?".

I desperately don't want to compound one lie with others! Does anyone have any advice for me? Does anyone know whether I could just say "I'm no longer an Admin Assistant - please alter my policy" and that would be that? Or would they ask for additional details? Which would in turn put me at risk of having my ongoing claim voided!!

Please help! I know I've been stupid in the past, but I really want to set this straight (with as little fall-out as possible).

Anon
x

dacouch

Are you receiving JSA

lostneedhelp

dacouch wrote: »

Are you receiving JSA

No. I assume (but not sure) that would only be if I was looking and able to work?

I receive Incapacity Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and some help towards mortgage interest.

x

dacouch

lostneedhelp wrote: »

No. I assume (but not sure) that would only be if I was looking and able to work?

I receive Incapacity Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and some help towards mortgage interest.

x

Your not "Unemployed" then.

I assume you're alarmed due to the recent publicity about unemployed people paying more and have started panicing.

As a previous poster has mentioned, it sounds like you're retired, just advise your Insurer of a change in Occupation.

When is your renewal date

lostneedhelp

dacouch wrote: »

Your not "Unemployed" then.

I assume you're alarmed due to the recent publicity about unemployed people paying more and have started panicing.

As a previous poster has mentioned, it sounds like you're retired, just advise your Insurer of a change in Occupation.

When is your renewal date

I'm actually more alarmed at the thought that coming clean now - whether it's to say that I'm "Not working" or "Retired" or whatever - will open up a hornet's nest regarding when my occupation status actually changed. And if they discover that I have never actually been an Admin Assistant since they've had dealings with me (although I was in the long ago past) then they are (quite lawfully) entitled to void my claim (I think?).

My renewal date is 28 Jan. I'm planning on sticking with the same insurer because I think they will work out cheapest regardless of job title (I've been with them 3 years already, and previous comparisons always put them at the top of the list for me).

If only I could be sure that me phoning them to say "Please change my job title and renew my policy" wouldn't result in additional questions then I'd feel a lot more relaxed about the whole thing. But I just don't know what they will ask!

x

PS with regards to "retired', I still harbour the hope that my condition will improve enough to allow me to work - even if it was part time, or from home. Saying that I am retired would (a) feel like admitting defeat, and (b) still feel a little dishonest.

Quentin

Why not move to a new insurer?

lostneedhelp

Quentin wrote: »

Why not move to a new insurer?

I didn't think of that tbh. I think I maybe just felt I had to stay with my current insurer because of the outstanding claim.

If I DID switch to another insurer, what should I enter for my occupation? There is still no selection for "Unable to work due illness". A quick Google search now just threw up the suggestion of "Housewife" (because I maintain my household and do not work). But I gather that there is mixed opinion on whether that is an honest answer also! Arghh! It's a minefield! For info, I am not married, and live alone - so I would be using the description of housewife in its loosest terms.

I know that there is probably very little difference between "Not-employed" and "Unemployed" - so maybe I'm just being a bit precious about it. But it just goes against the grain to choose that as my occupation.

One final thing (for me to worry about! LOL!) is - do insurance companies share information to the extent that any new insurer I choose may tell my previous insurer that I'm not working?

x

forgotmyname

Retired maybe dearer than putting unable to work through illness.

I had to take my pension early for health reasons, Putting retired actually increased my premium so i stuck
with not working (illness).

Maybe different for you, But im hoping one day i will wake up and be cured.

newfoundglory

Try housewife, and then try the quote again with retired and pick whatever comes up cheapest. Ultimately, if the description fits it doesn't matter what you choose. And you are likely to save money by moving insurer.

epsilondraconis

OP, but haven't you done some voluntary work which involves admin in the last 12 months. ;-)

I think you'll find that you did.

If you can remember, then surely that is problem solved.

paddedjohn

Regardless of your reason for not working you are still unemployed whichever way you look at it, you are either 'employed' or you are not.