Motorists advised to check quality of car insurance cover

Sainsbury’s Bank is advising motorists to check the quality of cover provided by their insurance policies, as they may have inadequate protection.

Indeed, research by the bank reveals that less than 2% of polices provide a similar level of no claims discount to its own 70% discount if you have not made a claim for five years. 11% of policies do not provide a courtesy car as standard and the average amount of personal accident cover is £4,810, when some policies such as Sainsbury’s Bank’s, provide as much as £10,000 for this. Also, only four policies cover the replacement of a child car seat on a new for old basis following an accident, even though the old seat may no longer be safe.

Joanne Mallon, car insurance manager, Sainsbury’s Bank said: "Competition in the car insurance industry is intense and some customers could be tempted to give up elements of their cover to help keep the cost of their premiums down. However, it is possible to find quality cover at a competitive rate. We offer excellent cover and over the past year our premiums have regularly been among the most competitive."

Other areas where Sainsbury’s Bank believes many motorists are penalised in terms of cover include when they have a non-fault accident with another motorist who is identified, but not insured and where the cost of the repair cannot be recovered. Here, the majority of policies penalise the insured motorist by reducing their no claims discount.

Joanne Mallon said: "Premiums are important when buying car insurance but so too is the quality of cover. Finding out you don’t have a free courtesy car for example, could be very expensive and ultimately, extremely inconvenient."

Sainsbury’s Car Insurance offers competitive premiums and could save motorists up to 28%. In addition to offering competitive car insurance premiums Sainsbury’s car insurance also offers motorists an extensive range of cover and benefits. This includes a courtesy car when using one of Sainsbury's Bank's recommended repairers (comprehensive cover only) and a no claim discount of 70% if you have not made a claim in the past five years, rising to 75% after a further five years’ claims free driving with Sainsbury’s car insurance. It is also one of only a few providers to offer new for old replacement child car seats after an accident as a standard feature of its comprehensive policy, even when there is no perceived damage and support and compensation if you’re a victim of car jacking or road rage.