Do I still need car insurance during lockdown?
There have been many rumours going around during the pandemic about insurance companies refusing to pay when customers are making a claim. Others have suggested that car coverage might be invalid while in lockdown. These are simply not true.
With the new lockdown in place, there seems to be widespread confusion about what’s considered essential and non-essential travel. Many also want to know whether insurance is affected by these measures and some are not sure if they even need a plan in place at all.
To make things clear and to put a stop to the confusion, we are going to tell you all there is to know about car insurance during lockdown.
Do I need insurance during the lockdown?
This is one question that there should be no confusion regarding the answer. Yes, you must be insured if you wish to drive on a public road at any stage during the lockdown. It does not matter if you’re travelling to the corner shop to pick up some milk or to your friend’s down the road – you need to be insured.
Failure to get coverage could mean a hefty fine and trouble finding a plan in the future. You might be thinking that a quick 3-minute trip likely will not do any harm, but there’s always the chance you’ll be caught in an accident and get into big trouble.
What’s covered by my insurance during a lockdown?
As mentioned above, it’s not very clear what the insurance rules are when it comes to essential and non-essential travel. Well, the good thing is that you are always covered. Of course, everyone should be following government restrictions, but in the event that you partake in non-essential travel unbeknownst to you, you are still under insurance.
This means that everything that was covered before is still covered now. The only issue is that you could get into legal trouble if you drive when you should not be.
Will my car insurance cost the same during the lockdown?
Many insurance companies understand that many of their clients are having financial difficulties during the pandemic and have offered a few ways to help. Depending on the usage of your vehicle, you can speak to your insurer and see what options are available to you.
Do I need to insure my parked car during the lockdown?
If you have not SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) your vehicle, it is important your car is still insured. If you’re a disabled driver then you’ll love our Adapted Vehicle Insurance & Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Insurance, click here for more information. By keeping your vehicle insured, should anything happen to your car whilst its parked up, you know it is still completely protected. Your vehicle may be tucked away safely and securely, however you never know what could happen, so why not give yourself peace of mind? And remember, lockdown isn’t going to last forever!
Is there a fee if I cancel my car insurance plan?
Usually, when you cancel a plan before it’s ended, you’ll be subject to fees. With the current regulations in place, most insurers will waive this fee as they understand that most of those who cancel are doing so because they won’t be using their vehicle, not because they’re shopping elsewhere.
Is the RAC still helping with emergency breakdowns?
Yes, at the moment, the RAC is still operating and helping anyone who has broken down on the side of the road. As this event is out of your control, you won’t face any legal issues and will be able to claim anything you need to on your insurance.
By now, you should have a clearer understanding of what is and isn’t included in your car insurance during the lockdown and whether you still need to have a plan in place or not. Whatever you choose to do, remember always to follow the government’s rules and regulations.
