Post Office advises customers on car insurance essentials

Posted :25-01-2006

The Post Office is urging people to inform their insurer of any changes to their jobs, addresses or personal circumstances, as they may affect their level of car insurance cover.

To combat widespread consumer ignorance regarding car insurance provision, the Post Office has published guidance to inform customers what personal circumstances may affect your car insurance cover.

The Post Office found that many people retire from their jobs without ever informing their insurer. However, these motorists are likely to be missing out on substantial savings on their car insurance premiums as avoiding the rush-hour trip to work dramatically reduces the likelihood of an accident.

Drivers who have been flashed by a speed camera and subsequently convicted must likewise inform their insurer. If a motorist has undeclared penalty points on their licence they may lose cover in the event of an accident.

Moving house can have a significant affect on car insurance premiums, whether that be an increase or a decrease in cost. For example, if a driver formerly had a garage but is now forced to park on the street they may not be covered if the car is broken into on the kerb.

But perhaps the most obvious measure for motorists to take is to ensure they inform their insurer when they sell the car. Insurance is not automatically cancelled when a car is sold, so motorists must not forget to terminate their policies.

Phil Ashkuri, head of Post Office car insurance, said: "If your personal situation changes in any way, tell your insurer. It’s the best way to avoid running into problems should you be unfortunate to have an accident or need to make a claim.”

Research from Churchill Motor Insurance concluded that 7.4 accidents take place on Britain's roads every minute, meaning the average driver will have nine accidents during their lifetime.


© Adfero Ltd

The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of BDML Connect Ltd