Uninsured driving is a problem that seriously affects the lives of those involved in road accidents and costs millions of pounds every year. However, some people are driving without fully appreciating the terms of their insurance and are unwittingly breaking the law.
Myths and misconceptions include:
- “I have fully comprehensive cover so I’m insured to drive other vehicles.”
- “My policy covers me to drive to and from work.”
- “My policy covers me to drive to work, so I’m also covered to drive to my meeting.”
- “I own and use my car the most, but my Mum is the policy holder and I’m a named driver.”
- “My car isn’t being used, so there is nothing to insure or declare.”
1st Myth: I have fully comprehensive cover so I’m insured to drive other vehicles.
Myth busted: Not all policies include cover for the use of other vehicles. Always check your policy wording and don’t just assume you are covered. Driving other vehicles (DOV) cover is not normally available to anyone other than the policyholder, so a named driver on a policy would not be able to drive other cars under the policy. If you are under 25 years of age, it’s likely that your policy will not cover the use of other vehicles. If you are unsure as to whether you are covered or not, check your policy documents or with your insurance provider before you drive the vehicle.
2nd Myth: My policy covers me to drive to and from work.
Myth busted: To use your vehicle to get to and from work, your policy will need to cover use for commuting. This is often referred to as ‘social, domestic, pleasure and commuting’. You can find out if you are covered for commuting by checking your insurance certificate and schedule. This essential document explains what uses of the vehicle you are covered for.
3rd Myth: My policy covers me to drive to work, so I’m also covered to drive to my meeting.
Myth busted: Policies that include commuting will cover you to drive to your ‘usual’ place of work, but if you drive to another place of business, such as a meeting, conference or an event elsewhere, your policy will need to include 'business' use.
4th Myth: I own and use my car the most, but my Mum is the policy holder and I’m a named driver.
Myth busted: This is called ‘fronting’ and is considered fraud and carries serious consequences where your insurer could void the policy and potentially means the vehicle has been used without insurance. The policyholder should always be the person who uses the vehicle the most and is named as the main driver of the vehicle on the insurance policy.