Please help - car accident. I feel sick!

SweetPotatoPie

Okay, so firstly, this is genuinely making me ill.
A car drove into me during the week (not my fault but clearly the driver is stating it is). No witnesses. I’m already preparing that this may be a battle between insurances.
Last night I was looking through the photos of damage when I suddenly realised something. My insurance has me as a student with business use (I’m on placement so need business use). ANYWAY HERES THE PROBLEM - I commenced employment early in September but am still a part time student. I totally forgot to inform my insurance. I am now worried sick, could this cause me problems? Do I ring them now? I need my car for work so could not afford to have insurance voided or cancelled. I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid. Has anyone any advice please?

Kim_kim

But if you’re still a student are you not entitled to student & business?

SweetPotatoPie

I’m not sure. I was a full time student so not employed. Since early September I am now a part time student and employed. It was a genuine mistake.

Aylesbury_Duck

SweetPotatoPie wrote: »

Okay, so firstly, this is genuinely making me ill.
A car drove into me during the week (not my fault but clearly the driver is stating it is). No witnesses. I’m already preparing that this may be a battle between insurances.
Last night I was looking through the photos of damage when I suddenly realised something. My insurance has me as a student with business use (I’m on placement so need business use). ANYWAY HERES THE PROBLEM - I commenced employment early in September but am still a part time student. I totally forgot to inform my insurance. I am now worried sick, could this cause me problems? Do I ring them now? I need my car for work so could not afford to have insurance voided or cancelled. I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid. Has anyone any advice please?

I think you'll be fine. You're still a student and you had business use to cover you for "employment" (albeit in a placement). Don't contact them, let it play out and just be honest if they ask the question. You can't change it now and there's no point in volunteering information that might cause a problem.

SweetPotatoPie

Thanks! My Dad said exactly the same, I’m just massively panicking. The accident was 100% not my fault and I’ve sent details and photos which should actually prove this.
I’m a proper worrier!

happyandcontented

You will be fine with the insurance aspect. How the accident will play out is another matter, many end up being 50/50 if there is no proof either way. Good luck.

SweetPotatoPie

Thank you so much. I feel slightly better, although now I’m panicking about when to inform them about the change! X

SHAFT

If you've finished your full time course, taken a job and commenced another part time course you should have informed them. If you're still doing the original course but part time and working there's an argument you're still studying.

Either way I wouldn't worry, unless you're in employment that is high risk and they wouldn't cover you. At worst they'd probably look at any additional premium you should have paid.

Maybe the time to tell them is at renewal or before you start again this week on your part time course.

SweetPotatoPie

It’s actually the same course. Last year was a PG diploma and now it’s the masters. I’m actually awaiting registration for social work (currently I’m a student social worker) - as soon as this comes through then I will inform them. Should be within next 21 days.

SHAFT

SweetPotatoPie wrote: »

It’s actually the same course. Last year was a PG diploma and now it’s the masters. I’m actually awaiting registration for social work (currently I’m a student social worker) - as soon as this comes through then I will inform them. Should be within next 21 days.

You should be fine then, just explain the change when it comes through and let them adjust the policy.

pinkteapot

When you do get the insurance changed, and this is totally separate to the accident...

Be aware of the difference between business use and commuting, as you might be paying more than you need to. Generally, the levels of cover are:

Social, domestic and pleasure only
Above plus commuting to work
Above plus business use

Commuting is driving to and fro between your home address and one single work address (i.e. a fixed workplace).

Business use means driving around elsewhere as part of your job. For example, travelling salesperson, going out during the day to see clients - that kind of thing.

Business use is generally more expensive than simple commuting cover.

If your new job is at one fixed address then you only need commuting.

You might know all this already, but just in case.