Common Mistakes Could Leave Motorists Uninsured

Motorists have been warned to be aware of common mistakes which could leave them uninsured this winter. Price comparison experts believe thousands of UK drivers could be invalidating their car insurance policies by not knowing these winter motoring essentials. 

Common steps like installing winter tyres to make a vehicle safer on icy roads could be against the terms and conditions of specific insurance policies.

The experts urge all drivers to check their policies and follow their insurance providers’ terms.

Other mistakes that could lead to invalidated claims are overloading a vehicle, wearing winter boots, or failing to slow down on icy roads.

Quotezone.co.uk founder Greg Wilson comments: “Unfortunately, there are lots of cold weather mistakes that could lead to invalidated policies that are perhaps unknown by motorists.

“The terms and conditions are so important, yet 39% of motorists admit never reading them in full. We warn motorists to check their policies and ensure they follow winter recommendations. The last thing any driver needs in January is to break the conditions of their insurance contract and leave themselves vulnerable.

“It could simply be due to failing to inform their insurer of new winter tyres being installed, or more serious offences like failing to drive with caution during turbulent weather or wearing the wrong footwear to drive.”

Here Are Quotezone.co.uk’s Factors Which Could Leave Drivers Uninsured This Winter:

  1. Overloading Your Vehicle

If you overload your car with too many people or bags of luggage, you could find it challenging to claim if you have an accident. If your vehicle is too heavy, essential car systems, tyres and suspensions must work overtime due to the pressure.

   2. Wearing Winter Boots

Drivers may find themselves unable to claim on their insurance if they are seen to have been wearing inappropriate footwear at the time of an accident. This is because footwear can have a significant impact on driving. Wearing large winter boots or shoes and wellies covered in snow could be noted as inappropriate. This could cause insurance companies to refuse claims. Always have an extra pair of suitable shoes for driving in your car this winter.

  3. Failing to Slow down on Icy Roads

Careless driving is often the cause of collisions on UK roads. Driving too fast or irresponsibly during an accident could give insurers a reason to invalidate claims and refuse to pay out. During the colder months, drivers must know how to drive appropriately in icy or snowy conditions to avoid accidents and stay within the law. Frost and ice on roads can cause vehicles to slide, skid and aquaplane, putting themselves and other vehicles in danger. Driving too quickly on roads in these conditions puts your car at more risk of needing costly repairs, which could be very difficult if your insurance provider determines you were failing to follow their terms and conditions and the rules of the road.

 4. Installing Winter Tyres

During the colder months, many motorists aim to make their vehicles safer by installing winter tyres. These are designed to be heavier duty in the winter to achieve better handling and shorter braking distances. However, some car insurance companies could invalidate the insurance if they weren’t informed about changes to the vehicle.

Quotezone.co.uk helps drivers compare and find savings on various insurance and personal finance options, such as young driver insurance, breakdown cover and personal loans.