Christmas drivers are being urged to make sure they are covered by their car insurance (Image: Getty)
As an estimated 29.3 million Christmas getaway journeys are made see friends and family in the run-up to Christmas day, and experts are warning drivers not to accidentally invalidate their car insurance cover or even risk a fine for breaking the law.
According to the RAC, the number of car trips made over this year’s festive holiday will be the highest since 2013 and nearly half of these – 14.3 million – are being crammed into this weekend.
Overloading your car with extra passengers, having someone else drive your car – even if they are insured on another car – and using your car for present deliveries, can all invalidate a policy.
The AA has also wared that thieves will steal phones, wallets and even shopping bags from cars, urging people: “Don’t leave valuables in your car. If you really have to leave something behind, hide it out of sight in the glove box or boot.”
Drivers who have been tempted to cover their car in Christmas car decorations have also been warned they face £2,000 in fines.
Car dealership Group 1 Automotive warned that, whilst decorations may look nice, they could block a motorist’s view of the road.
“It’s important to decorate your car with all safety measures in consideration so you, and other road users, don’t get distracted or have an accident.”
Legal expert Matt Dolman from Lawsuit Legal News also highlighted the potential penalties for improperly transporting Christmas trees, which fall under strict road safety laws.
He said: “Rule 98 of the Highway Code is crystal clear: you must not overload your vehicle or trailer beyond what’s recommended by the manufacturer. Additionally, loads must be secured safely and must not stick out in a way that’s deemed dangerous.”
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Things that can invalidate your car insurance this Christmas
The most common reasons for not paying out a claim on a car insurance policy according to LV were:
- the car was being driven by someone who was not on the policy,
- the car was stolen with keys were in the ignition
- the car was stolen with the engine was running
- the car was left unlocked
- the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- the car was being used for deliveries
Make sure your driver and vehicles are covered
According to LV the issue which is most likely to invalidate cover is when a driver is not covered on the policy. If you are sharing the driving with a partner on your way home this Christmas make sure they are added you to their policy as a ‘named driver’. It is also always worth checking that any family member or friend you allow to drive your car, has insurance that covers them to use your vehicle.
If your child is driving your car you will also need to make sure they are covered too and if you are driving another person’s car you may be insured with your own insurance but it is likely to be third party only so will only cover damage to the other car if you have an accident.
Be honest with how you use your car
If you have a side hustle doing deliveries then make sure your car is insured for business purposes, as social and domestic cover will not cover you if you have an accident.
If you are going to be transporting presents in your car, then either make sure your car is attended or that valuables are kept out of sight as much as possible. Not all car insurance policies will cover you if things are stolen from your car.
Annual mileage
If you give your insurer the incorrect annual mileage, so if you tell your insurer that you drive 2,000 miles per year, but it turns out you’ve actually driven over 1,000 miles in the last year, this may invalidate your policy or suggest that you’re using your car for a different use than that stated in your policy.