Save up to £504* on your insurance policy
Compare cheap car insurance
✔ Compare cheap car insurance quotes
✔ Over 110 insurance providers
✔ Get a quote in minutes
✔ Save up to £504*
- How to check your car insurance expiry date?
- What should I do if my car insurance policy has expired?
- What happens if I drive without car insurance?
- Do I need insurance if I don’t ever use my car?
- How can I find a cheaper car insurance policy?
- Stay up to date with your car insurance renewal
- Compare car insurance
How to check your car insurance expiry date?
“The Motor Insurer’s Database: The Easiest Way to Check Your Car Insurance”
One of the simplest ways to check if your car is still insured is through the motor insurer’s database. All you need is your car’s registration number and a declaration that you are the car’s owner or registered keeper. This database updates frequently, but it doesn’t automatically renew, so there may be a delay between buying or renewing a policy and seeing it online.
However, it’s important to note that just because a car is listed on this database, it does not mean that anyone is able to drive it. Insurance policies generally apply to the driver rather than the vehicle, so make sure the policy is in your name or you are a named driver on someone else’s.
Checking whether your car is insured is free and the service also includes the vehicle’s make and model. To access further details such as the insurer’s name and policy outline, you will need to pay a £4 charge.
In addition to the motor insurer’s database, there are other ways to check your car insurance:
- Contact your insurer and ask about the details of your policy
- Check your own records to see if you are currently paying for an insurance policy
- Look through your bank or credit card statements for any outgoing payments
- Search through your emails for a mention of car insurance.
It’s always important to stay on top of your car insurance status, to ensure that you are always properly covered and to avoid any penalties or fines for driving without insurance.
What should I do if my car insurance policy has expired?
If your car insurance policy has expired, it’s important to take immediate action to ensure that you are properly covered while driving. Here are a few steps to take if your car insurance policy has expired:
-
Contact your insurance provider: The first step is to reach out to your insurance provider and inquire about renewing your policy. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and assist you in renewing your cover.
-
Compare rates and cover: Before renewing your policy, take some time to compare rates and cover at Comparoo where you can compare over 110 insurance providers to ensure you are getting the best deal.
-
Update your personal information: If your personal information has changed since you last purchased a policy, be sure to update it with your insurance provider. This will ensure that your cover is accurate and that you are not at risk of any penalties or fines.
-
Get a new insurance disc: If you have renewed your policy, make sure you get a new insurance disc and display it on your windscreen.
-
Don’t drive without insurance: It’s illegal to drive without insurance, so don’t get behind the wheel until you have renewed your policy. Penalties for driving without insurance can include fines and even jail time.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are properly covered and that you are in compliance with the law. It’s always best to renew your policy before it expires, to avoid any gaps in cover and ensure that you are protected in case of an accident.
What happens if I drive without car insurance?
Driving without car insurance in the UK is illegal and can result in serious consequences. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could face fines, points on your licence, and even the possibility of having your vehicle seized.
The first thing that will happen if you are caught driving without insurance is that you will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) from the police. This will typically result in a fine of £300 and six penalty points on your license. In some cases, the police may also choose to seize your vehicle, which can result in additional fines and fees.
If your case goes to court, the penalties can be even more severe. You could face fines of up to £5,000, as well as a disqualification from driving for up to six months. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while driving without insurance, you could be held liable for any damages or injuries caused, which could result in significant financial losses.
Furthermore, driving without insurance can also affect your ability to get insurance in the future. Insurance companies may consider you a high-risk driver and charge you higher premiums or even refuse to insure you.
It is important to note that if you are caught driving without insurance and you are not the registered keeper of the vehicle, you will be asked to prove that you had reasonable belief that there was insurance in place. If you can’t provide this evidence, you will be liable for a fine and penalty points.
In conclusion, driving without car insurance is not only illegal, but it can also result in serious consequences. Always make sure you have valid insurance before getting behind the wheel, to protect yourself and other road users.
Do I need insurance if I don’t ever use my car?
Even if you don’t plan on using your car, it is still legally required to have valid insurance in the UK. This is known as statutory off-road notification (SORN).
A SORN is a declaration that you are not using your car on public roads and will keep it off the road indefinitely. This means you don’t need to tax or insure your car, but you must inform the DVLA of your SORN status. If you fail to do so, you could be fined.
Additionally, if you are the registered keeper of the vehicle and you don’t have a SORN, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and six penalty points on your licence.
It’s important to note that even if your car is not in use, it can still be damaged or stolen, which is why some people choose to maintain insurance cover on their vehicle. This can provide financial protection in case of an accident or theft, even if the car is not being driven.
In summary, if you don’t plan on using your car and it will be off the road indefinitely, you should inform the DVLA by making a SORN declaration. But, if you want financial protection for your vehicle, even if it’s not being driven, you can keep your insurance cover.
How can I find a cheaper car insurance policy?
When it comes time to renew your car insurance policy, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare insurance quotes at Comparoo. You can compare over 110 car insurance providers to ensure you are getting the best deal. Here are some tips to help you save on your premiums:
-
Consider a smaller, less powerful car: These vehicles are typically safer to drive and have a lower risk of being involved in an accident.
-
Improve your car’s security: Installing manufacturer-approved locks and immobilizers, as well as keeping your car in a locked garage overnight, can reduce the chances of theft or vandalism.
-
Avoid adding inexperienced drivers to your policy: Young or inexperienced drivers are often more likely to be involved in an accident, which can result in higher premiums.
-
Choose a fully comprehensive policy: These types of policies offer the most cover, and they’re often the cheapest option.
-
Consider increasing your voluntary excess: A higher voluntary excess tells insurers that you’re less likely to make a claim, which can lower your premiums.
-
Try telematics insurance: This type of cover uses a black box, plug-and-drive device, or smartphone app to monitor your driving habits. Safe and responsible drivers may be able to get cheaper car insurance as a result.
-
Cut down on extra cover: Adding extras to your policy can be a good way to bolster your cover, but they can also add up. Consider removing any unnecessary extras that you can pay for out of your own pocket.
Stay up to date with your car insurance renewal
By setting up reminders for your car insurance renewal dates, you can take one more task off your plate. One way to do this is by creating an account with Comparoo. In your account, you can set alerts and keep track of important information like:
- Your MOT
- Your road tax
- Your car insurance policy
Compare car insurance
Comparoo is a comparison website that allows you to compare car insurance quotes from over 110 providers. By using Comparoo, you can find the cheapest car insurance policy that suits your needs. With just a few clicks, you can compare policies from different providers and find the best deal.
Comparoo allows you to compare policies based on different factors such as cover, deductibles, and discounts. This means that you can find a policy that fits your budget and your cover needs.
On average, Comparoo customers can save up to £504 by comparing car insurance quotes. This is a significant saving that can help you to lower your car insurance costs and keep more money in your pocket.
If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, Comparoo is a great resource to help you find the best deal. With over 110 providers to choose from, you’re sure to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
Car insurance blog
Locking Wheel Nuts: An Essential Guide for Vehicle Security
Related: Driving Age Limit in the UK?
Jan
Is My No-Claims Bonus Still Valid After a Break Between Policies?
Related: Ultimate Guide to Car Running Costs
Dec
Compare Cheap Car Insurance Quotes for Convicted Drivers
Related: Compare Cheap Car Insurance Quotes for Teenagers
Dec
