What can invalidate my car insurance?
Key takeaways
If your car insurance is invalid you can’t make claims and aren’t legally allowed to drive
Not being honest with your insurer as well as simple mistakes could lead to your insurance being invalid
A void policy makes you higher risk, potentially leading to higher premiums and difficulty finding new cover
What does it mean if my car insurance is invalidated?
When your car insurance is invalidated it means that you no longer have cover because you have failed to keep to the agreement you have with your insurer.
It could be that you have forgotten to inform them about something important, such as a change of address, or that you’ve deceived them about who the main driver is. Either way, your insurance is now ‘null and void’.
What are the legal consequences of invalid insurance?
Driving without insurance is illegal and can lead to:
A fixed fine of £300, and you may have to pay more if the case goes to court
Between six and eight penalty points on your driving licence. These remain on your licence for four years and can increase the cost of car insurance
Your car being seized and potentially destroyed
A driving ban if the case goes to court. If you’re banned from driving for more than 56 days you will need to retake your driving test and apply for a new licence before you can get on the road again
What happens if my insurance is voided after an accident?
If your insurance is voided after an accident then you won’t get a pay-out from your insurer. That means if you’re at fault you will have to cover the cost of any damage or repairs to your vehicle.
Your insurance company may also expect you to reimburse them for any costs they have had to pay.
What invalidates car insurance?
Your car insurance may be invalidated for lots of reasonings, including:
Not informing your insurer about an accident
Even if you don't plan to claim, you must tell your insurer about any accidents. It helps them set your premiums accurately and keeps your policy valid.
Not providing the correct address
You might risk your car insurance policy being invalidated if the permanent address you give to your insurer isn’t where your car is actually kept.
For example, if you are a university student and you keep your car with you during term time, you should give your term time address as your main address.
Giving the wrong job title
Insurers factor in your occupation when setting your car insurance premiums. While tweaking your job title is a legitimate way to try and bring your premiums down, if you are dishonest about your job title, this can give your insurer a reason to void your policy and refuse a claim.
Having the wrong class of use
Car insurance classes of use usually come in three categories:
Social, domestic and pleasure (SDP)
Social, domestic, pleasure, and commuting (SDP+C)
Personal business (SDPC+business)
If you only use your car for everyday things, like shopping or seeing other people, you’ll only need cover for social use.
However, if you commute to a single place of work as well as everyday usage, you’ll need the next level of cover. If you travel to multiple places of work or use your car in any way for business, you’ll need to take out business car insurance.
Underestimating your annual mileage
It’s important to consider how many miles you’ll realistically drive over the year. If you underestimate your mileage, your insurer may not pay out for any claims, as your estimate will have made the insurer’s risk appear lower than it actually was.
Driving abroad
Planning on taking you’re taking your car abroad? You should ensure you have the right cover in place. Many fully comprehensive car insurance policies offer cover for driving in Europe as standard for a set number of days.
If you’re driving for longer than that, or in any other locations not specified on your policy, then you’ll need to take out specialist cover.
‘Fronting’
It’s common practice to add another ‘named’ driver to your car insurance policy. For example, you may be sharing a car with friends or family.
Young drivers, in particular, benefit from this, as adding a more experienced named driver can show insurers you won’t be solely responsible for the car. However, if you falsely list someone else as the main driver to get cheaper insurance this is ‘fronting’ and is illegal. It can lead to a fine, points on your licence, and a criminal record.
Incorrect car details
You should ensure that your insurance provider has all the correct details about your car, including any modifications as these could make your car more valuable or more expensive to repair.
Modifications can sometimes increase car insurance costs but it’s important not to lie about them as this will invalidate your policy, so you won’t be able to claim.
Failing to keep your car secure
Insurers will expect a basic standard of security when it comes to looking after your car and its possessions. So if you need to claim for theft of belongings, you might find your cover invalid if:
Your car was left unlocked
Valuables were in plain sight
You didn't take reasonable steps to secure your vehicle
Not having a valid MOT
A valid MOT certificate for cars over three years old is a legal requirement and not having one could invalidate your insurance.
What else can invalidate car insurance?
A driver not being named on your policy or having cover to drive other vehicles on their insurance
Driving on a private road that is closed to the public
Valet parking
Accepting money for lifts as it could be considered a commercial activity
Windscreen obstructions
Driving in a natural disaster
Overloading the vehicle
Not disclosing driving offences
How do I check if my insurance is valid?
If you want to make sure your insurance if valid, contact your insurer or use the Motor Insurance Database to check your car’s status.
Will I get a refund if my car insurance is invalid?
If your insurance is invalidated because of your actions, such as non-disclosure, you’re unlikely to receive a refund.
Can I challenge my car insurance being invalidated?
Yes, you have the right to challenge your insurer if you believe there's been a mistake. If you are unhappy with your insurer’s response to your complaint and want to take it further you can try contacting the Financial Ombudsman.
However, if the rules were broken, it's unlikely the decision will be overturned.
Will my car insurance be more expensive after a voided policy?
Yes, if you've had a policy voided, it's like a red flag to insurers. They may see you as a high-risk customer, which can make finding new cover a challenge and you’re likely to face higher premiums.
What should I do after a car insurance invalidation?
If you find yourself with invalidated insurance, you should get a new policy before driving again so that you stay within the law and avoid fines under the Continuous Insurance Enforcement legislation.
Comparing car insurance quotes on MoneySuperMarket is the best way to browse deals from multiple providers.
All you need to do is enter a few details about yourself, your car and driving history, and you’ll be able to see new insurance deals tailored for you and your vehicle.
Once you’ve found the best car insurance quote for you, click on the deal and you’ll go straight to the provider’s website.
Author
Sara Newell
Commercial Director
Sara Newell is the Commercial Director for Motor & Home Insurance at MoneySuperMarket. With almost 20 years of experience in insurance, Sara has built a reputation as a results-driven leader who...
Reviewer
Sarah Tooze
Car & Van Insurance Expert
Sarah Tooze has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years, specialising in company cars and vans, and has won a number of awards during her career, including the Newspress ‘Automotive...
