Car insurance - do I need to declare a motorcycle accident?

BishBash

Hi All,

It's car insurance renewal time. I also ride a motorcycle and have a separate motorcycle insurance policy.

I had a prang on the motorcycle and made a claim.

Do I need to declare the motorcycle accident/claim to my car insurer?

Additional info which may or may not be relevant, the motorcycle insurer would not allow my 9+ years of no-claims on my car policy.

Thanks.

 

facade

Yes you have to declare it because

1) your car insurer will ask a question like "Have you had any accidents, made any claims or suffered any losses in connection with a motor vehicle?" and you absolutely cannot lie.

2) You are statistically a worse risk having had any accident, so your insurer will want to give themselves better odds by loading your premium.

3) if you don't declare it and make a future claim your insurer will then check, find out that you have an undeclared claim recorded and do their level best to use it to get out of paying.

4) some insurers will check after the "cooling off period" and then either try to cancel the insurance (and keep your money) or sting you for a massive admin charge and an extra payment to put it right.

Of course, there is the miniscule possibility that a 'bike claim will not affect the premium for a car, but unlikely in the present climate I fear.

DullGreyGuy

You must answer the question asked truthfully and completely... most will ask about accidents/claims involving motor vehicles and so it's declarable. If you were to find one that only asks about car accidents then you wouldnt. 

You dont need to second guess or offer up more information than is requested, if an insurer wants to know something they have to ask. If they ask you have a duty to answer accurately and honestly to the best of your ability. 

bluelad1927

Your last paragraph is irrelevant
 You may have driven a car for a lifetime  but potentially being a new motorcyclist is far higher risk to any insurance company.

It so.etimes works the other way round but that is because statistically you are far more likely to be involved in an accident on a bike....especially a single vehicle accident