Top 5 surprising ways you could be invalidating your car insurance

Invalidating your car insurance doesn’t just mean your insurer can refuse to pay out. It can also mean they cancel your policy which can impact the chances of you getting cheap insurance quotes in the future. But invalidating your car insurance isn’t always as obvious as breaking driving rules (like running a red light). To ensure you don’t get caught out, here are five of the most surprising ways you could be

unwittingly invalidating your car cover.

1)  Not restraining your pet

The Highway Code is clear that animals travelling in cars should be properly restrained. It’s also something most insurers expect too and some go as far as specifically setting this out in their terms and conditions.

Securing your pets isn’t just about minimising distractions while you’re driving, it’s for the health and safety of both of you too.

To be on the safe side, consider the best type of restraint for your pet, for example, whether that’s a specially designed pet seat belt or a spacious cage in the boot.

2)  Forgetting to declare modifications

A modification is any alteration to your car after it’s left the factory, whether it’s performance related or aesthetic. Examples of common modifications include wraps, tinted windows, exhaust changes, alloys and spoilers.

Depending on what the alteration is, modifications affect the value, performance and desirability of your car. Not only can this mean it becomes more expensive to repair, but it can also increase the risk of theft and damage. Insurers cover this increased risk and cost by raising the premium accordingly.

3)  Wearing inappropriate footwear

Anyone behind the wheel is expected to have full control of the car, including all the foot pedals.

Examples of what some insurers consider inappropriate include:

• No shoes at all
• Shoes with very high heels
• Flip flops
• Shoes with thick soles

4)  Not updating your policy

Insurers base your premium on the potential risk of you making a claim. To work this out, they’ll consider a range of factors including your age, address, job and the type of car you have. If any of your details change, so too does your risk profile.

In some instances, what you need to change might not affect your premium at all. In other examples, it could mean paying more or even paying less. But whatever the change, don’t forget to keep your insurer updated.

You may have to pay a fee to amend your policy but it’s likely to work out far cheaper than the expense of paying for repairs if your insurer cancels your policy.

5)  Having items dangle from your rear-view mirror

If you like to hang keepsakes and good luck charms on your rear-view mirror, make sure they aren’t too big or become a distraction. If they are considered a distraction and you’re involved in an accident, it could be enough for your insurer to reject your claim.

Bear in mind that distractions don’t just include whatever hangs from your rear-view mirror, it can also include eating and drinking at the wheel, or using your mirrors to put on makeup or shave.

How does cancelled car insurance stop me getting cheap car insurance quotes?

When you compare car cover, you’ll usually be asked whether you’ve had car insurance cancelled in the past. If you have, it serves as a red flag for insurers as it will usually mean the policy’s terms and conditions have been broken.

Drivers who have had policies cancelled by the insurer will be considered ‘higher risk’, with higher than average premiums to match. But unfortunately, not telling an insurer about a cancelled policy isn’t really an option. If you’re asked (and you typically will be), you have to be honest. Not telling an insurer counts as non-disclosure which also invalidates policies. So, remember, when it comes to car insurance, honesty really is the best (and only) policy to have.