Car insurance and unpaid carers

Shelle

I recently gave my job up to help support my parents and care for my Dad with his diagnosis.  It dawned on me that when I come to renew my car insurance that (assuming I stayed with current co) I would still be marked down in a job.  Question is do I inform them that I am now an unpaid carer or just leave it as it is?  Is it a material fact if I didnt mention it?  I had a look at the job picker tool but couldnt see any options for carers so wondered if anyone had any experience?

Aretnap

You should certainly inform them - your job is a material fact which has a significant effect on your premium, so if you are no longer doing the one you declared you need to declare it. Depending on the policy teems you may have to inform your insurer immediately rather than waiting until you renew.

If you get an online form which doesn't include an option for "unpaid carer" look for an option which does fit your circumstances as accurately as possible. "Homemaker" and "independent means" spring to mind as possibilities. Try to avoid "unemployed" as (a) it implies you're seeking work, so it's not really accurate and (b) it tends result in high premiums. Of course if you phone them up you can explain your circumstances to a real person and ensure there's no ambiguity. 

Shelle

Thanks.  It wasnt until I was reading the latest MSE email and a section about the job picker tool that it suddenly dawned on me.  Much appreciated.

Morph4610

Shelle, be careful not to describe yourself as a careworker (as in paid) as this may result in higher premiums also