Car insurance checklist: Are you covered this summer?
This is a collaborative post.
The summer holidays are finally here. For many of us, that means longer trips, packed cars, and unfamiliar roads. Whether you’re planning a staycation or just heading to the beach for a day, it’s worth making sure your car insurance is ready and up to date before it has the chance to disrupt and ruin your plans.
Is your MOT, tax, and insurance up to date?
It is so easy to lose track of the expiry dates of policies when life gets busy. But, missing just one of the essentials can cause problems down the line. Driving without valid insurance, MOT, or tax is actually illegal and can lead to penalty points or fines. Worst-case scenario, your car could be seized.
If your MOT’s due, don’t wait until the last minute to get booked in as garages tend to get busier during the summer months, especially just before bank holidays. Your insurance may become void if your car is over three years old and you’re driving it around without a valid MOT. As a result, you wouldn’t be covered if something goes wrong.
Do you have the right level of coverage?
If you only have third-party insurance, remember it won’t cover damage to your own car if you’re in an accident. If you’ve also recently added tech extras, like a sat nav or dash cam, make sure your current policy reflects those changes.
You might want to look into things such as breakdown cover or legal protection if you’re planning on driving long distances. Without the right support in place, a flat battery or a puncture on a rural road can cost more than you’d expect.
Have you declared all named drivers?
If someone else plans to drive the car, even just for a day, they need to be listed on your policy. If they’re not, and they’re involved in an incident, the insurer will likely refuse to cover the damage. Adding a named driver doesn’t take long, and it’s usually cheaper to do it in advance than to call up mid-journey.
Make sure all details given are also accurate. A simple mistake, such as an incorrect address or driving history, could affect a claim. It’s better to double-check details than to assume.
Is your car packed? Are the contents covered?
Summer trips usually mean a full boot, but not all car insurance policies cover what’s inside. If you’ve packed expensive items alongside your suitcases, like tech, camping gear, or children’s bikes, you should check whether your policy includes personal possessions cover.
It’s also wise to avoid leaving valuables in plain sight when you’re parked. Even with coverage, most insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your belongings. Lock items in the boot and keep windows shut when you stop for breaks.
Taking a few minutes to check your policy now could make all the difference later. After all, summer is for enjoying the drive – not worrying about what might go wrong.
