People are being warned to check the small print on their motor and home insurance policies as relaxations in the pandemic lockdown may have resulted in changes to the terms of their cover.
How it affects motor insurance
Special coronavirus measures put in place to protect drivers who were forced to drive into work during lockdown, when they would otherwise have used another method of travel, ended on April 30.
That means drivers who insured their car only for social, domestic or pleasure purposes, but following the pandemic used their car to travel to work, will have to make sure that their policy now shows the correct cover. During the pandemic, commuting use was automatically given to anyone who needed it – but that pledge has now ended, so if a driver is still commuting, their insurer will need to be made aware.
If you need to upgrade your cover or you are in the process of gathering motor insurance quotes, book a call back at a time that suits you and we will do our best to beat your lowest quote.
Check insurance meets your needs
A statement from the Association of British Insurers said: “As restrictions change and travel to workplaces becomes more routine, it will again become necessary for drivers to check their insurance cover is appropriate for their needs.
“You will need to speak with your insurer or broker if there are ongoing changes to your working and driving activities since taking out the policy.
“This includes using your own vehicle to commute to work or driving to different locations for work purposes. As was common practice before the pandemic, this will apply to all roles.
“Insurers appreciate this may continue to be a difficult time for some customers and will be ready to discuss insurance cover, including options for those who may be experiencing financial hardship.”
Support continues for Covid-19 volunteers
if you’re using your own vehicle for voluntary purposes, such as to transport medicines or groceries to support others who are impacted by Covid-19, this will continue to be covered at no extra cost by the vast majority of insurers. However, some insurers may wish to be informed of this use so volunteer drivers should check their individual policy.
How changes affect working from home
The ABI is also considering special support for those who have been forced to work from home. If you are continuing to work from home, you won’t need to contact your home insurer but if any of the following apply to you, you might need to review your home insurance policy.
Client meetings at home
You have visitors to your home on business matters, for example, if you have a face to face client meeting.
Goods at home
Your business makes or sells goods from your home or you store any of these items at your home, particularly if the goods valuable or include hazardous or flammable material (such as gas cylinders or fireworks)
Other services
You’re offering any other services from your home. For example, this would apply to jobs such as providing beauty treatments, hairdressing, child minding, dog grooming or being an exercise instructor.
Converted home office
You’ve adapted your property (i.e. using an outbuilding as your home office or have undertaken any major renovation works) or acquired new business equipment that belongs to you. Cover for any business equipment (i.e. laptop) will usually be the employer’s responsibility but check with your employer if unsure.
Save time and money with Adrian Flux
The past year has been a very tough time for all of us and we don’t want you to ruin things now by having insufficient insurance cover for your car or home.
Read your insurance documents and know what you are covered for and if it’s not right, or you need a new quote, call Adrian Flux on 0808 588 0570.
Our telephone service is quick and efficient and can save you money — 81.5% of all customers receiving an online quote in August 2022 could have obtained a cheaper quote over the phone, based on the information they provided.