insurance brokerage questions & underwriting

hpuse

Hi all,
Am looking for a temporary car insurance cover from the search/compare marketplace.

The search/comparison website questions does not ask whether the car is a hire car apart from the vehicle registration number.

However, the actual policy underwriting company says in their small print that the cover is not valid for hired cars.

What are my ‘rights’ in the unlikely event of a claim. My understanding is, the search/comparison websites are treated as ‘brokers’ capturing risks for underwriting, so if they fail to ask am not liable for risks since it is not directly linked to my personal circumstances of ‘unknowingly’ purchasing the policy and cover.

Nasqueron

When you buy the insurance you go via the insurer's site eventually and you would be saying you agree to the terms which you recognise do not cover your use... There is no point doing this, the comparison site will refer you to the terms of the insurer and not take any liability for you not being covered. Buy specialist temporary cover that does hire cars

DullGreyGuy

hpuse said:

Hi all,
Am looking for a temporary car insurance cover from the search/compare marketplace.

The search/comparison website questions does not ask whether the car is a hire car apart from the vehicle registration number.

However, the actual policy underwriting company says in their small print that the cover is not valid for hired cars.

What are my ‘rights’ in the unlikely event of a claim. My understanding is, the search/comparison websites are treated as ‘brokers’ capturing risks for underwriting, so if they fail to ask am not liable for risks since it is not directly linked to my personal circumstances of ‘unknowingly’ purchasing the policy and cover.

They arent considered a broker because a broker takes payment for your insurance from you, they are an introducer but are regulated firms. 

Insurance can go one of three ways, it can ask you a question and respond to your answer, can list some statement of facts to which you have to agree or disagree or can require you to declare that you have read terms and conditions. 

Ultimately any of the three are acceptable but the ombudsman does give a clear preference for the first two and occasionally sides with the insured on the third option. 

Motor is compulsory insurance, you cannot go bankrupt to avoid paying someone's personal injury claim against you. Are you really willing to gamble millions on the hope the ombudsman agrees the sales process was flawed -v- just buying a policy appropriate for your needs?