Do I have to declare an accident in my Van on my new Cars Policy

unityuser25 · 30 January at 7:33PM

Hi,

I had an accident in my van, and I lost 1 year of NCD. It was a minor bump to the other car, but it still cost £6K!!!

I am about to re-insure my Van and my car.

I will be switching to a new insurer for my car, and I was wondering if I need to tell them I was in an accident in the Van. Even though it has nothing to do with the car I plan to insure.

This may be a silly question, but I have been driving for 34 years and have never had to make a claim.

Thanks

TadleyBaggie · 30 January at 7:43PM

Almost certainly yes.

sheslookinhot · 30 January at 7:54PM

What does the proposal form ask for re accidents, incidents, claims etc ?

vacheron · 30 January at 8:23PM

You will have to declare it.

The question asked is usually phrased "Have you had any accidents or claims in the last x years", and unfortunately you have had both an accident and a claim.

unityuser25 · 31 January at 12:31AM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81862614#Comment_81862614

I don't know yet.

I am going through a comparison site, and the question asks if I have been involved in an accident in the past 5 years.

Well, I have, but not on the car I am trying to insure.

unityuser25 · 31 January at 12:36AM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81862666#Comment_81862666

Yes.

I am using a comparison site, but I don't see why I should be penalised for something on my car too!!!

I have already had 1yr NCD removed and an increase in the price of my van renewal.

This will also increase the car's renewal price, which seems unfair since I barely drive it.

You should not get punished on all vehicles.

vacheron · 31 January at 1:16AM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863010#Comment_81863010

The insurer is insuring you against costs caused by future accidents you may be involved in, and it is a statistical fact that people who have been in an accident or made a claim are more likely do so again in the future.

You speak above as if you think that an insurance increase and loss of your NCD is punishment for having the accident... It isn’t. The increased price simply reflects the increased risk they are now taking on when they insure you, and is purely based on statistical data.

You say you barely drive the other car, then you can declare a low annual mileage which will reduce the cost, but you may still pay proportionally more than someone with no prior claims because in the vast majority of cases it is the driver that is responsible for the accident, not the vehicle they were driving at the time.

vacheron · 31 January at 1:31AM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863005#Comment_81863005

This is why the question simply asks “Have you been involved in an accident?” rather than “Have you been involved in an accident in the vehicle that you are currently trying to insure?”.