The pandemic may change the way you drive, insure, and maintain your car. However, one thing that has not changed is the need for car insurance if you intend to drive, whether in or out of local or national lockdown.
My driving habits have changed because of Covid-19. Do I need to tell my insurer?
As long as you have a private insurance policy, you do not need to contact your insurer to tell them the following:
However, if your financial situation has changed due to the pandemic, you may need to alter the terms of your insurance policy. In this case, you should contact your insurer immediately.
At the start of the pandemic, members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) made a series of customer pledges in acknowledgment of the unprecedented and uncertain times. These pledges have since been extended to 19 March 2021. It could be that you can save on your insurance when you come to renew if you are using your car less.
What if I can’t afford my car insurance payments?
If you are struggling to meet your car insurance premiums due to coronavirus, speak to your insurer to ask for help. Help could take the form of a premium payment holiday of up to three months for example (if you have not already had a payment break), or a temporary change to your policy which reduces the cost.
Note however that, under Financial Conduct Authority proposals, you will NOT be able to extend an existing insurance premium payment holiday beyond three months. Instead, your insurer should offer ‘tailored’ support in other ways, such as agreeing to lower monthly payments.
Can I still make a claim on my insurance?
Claims processes are now operating as normal, however, you may find it could take longer than usual to get dealt with.
Can I still get my MOT done?
The government’s six-month extension for MOTs due between 30 March and 31st July 2020 has now ended and you can now book your MOT as normal.
Can I take my driving test?
Driving tests are back up and running and to help with the backlog the pandemic has caused, the period during which driving tests will be available has been extended from 6 to 18 weeks.
However, due to national lockdown 3.0, all types of driving tests are suspended in England, Scotland and Wales. You need to have passed a theory test in the last two years to be able to take most types of driving tests. The government has said it will not extend theory test certificates. This is because you will need to be up-to-date on your road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills when you restart driving lessons and take your driving test.
If you attend a theory test, you will need to make sure you follow coronavirus safety guidelines, like hand sanitising and wearing a face covering. You can change your theory-test appointment for free if you suddenly need to self-isolate.
Looking for a quote?
We at QuoteBeater offer a brilliant service that will help you find the best and most suitable vehicle and car insurance quotes, at an affordable rate. To find the best insurance for you, fill out our enquires form here or email us at info@quotebeater.com.
