Drivers fail to inform insurer of motoring convictions

As many as one in four drivers could be at risk of invalidating their car insurance by failing to inform their insurer of motoring convictions or points on their license ahead of their annual policy renewal date, according to research from Confused.com, the UK insurance price comparison service.

Despite the fact that 96% of drivers are aware that bending the truth about their car’s details and driving history could invalidate a claim – motorists appear only too willing to take a risk in the hope they won’t be caught out by their insurer.

The research showed that a quarter of all car owners believe it’s ok to be economical with the truth when looking for cheaper car insurance to help bring down premiums. However, this in itself could leave drivers high and dry when it comes to making a claim.

Commenting on the research, Debra Williams, Confused.com Managing Director warned: “Insurers take a dim view of people who don’t update them immediately should their circumstances change. Changes in job title or annual mileage may seem insignificant to most drivers, but this can significantly affect your premiums. If you are caught lying about your details, your insurer can reduce your pay out and may even refuse to pay at all.

“If you move address, receive points for a driving conviction or have an accident, even if that is only a minor knock or ding, you need to notify your insurer immediately. Don’t risk waiting until your policy is up for renewal, as if you need to make a claim and a previous incident has not been reported, you could find that your policy isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.”

Debra continued: “In the worst case scenario you could land yourself in hot water with the police and get a record for fraud, making it difficult and considerably more expensive to get cover in the future.”