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Driving during lockdown could invalidate your car insurance
Be careful.
Drivers in England have been warned that driving in the lockdown could invalidate their insurance.
Until December 2nd, England is in lockdown with the public being told to stay home unless for one of the governments specific reasons.
The general stay-at-home message has 32 pages of regulation which additionally outlines exceptions to the rules.
Such exceptions include education, recreational purposes or to buy food or other essential items.
People found to be leaving their home for an illegitimate reason, could be fined £200.
Uswitch.com have now warned people that if they have an accident while out driving in lockdown you may find your car insurance won’t cover the damage.
This could mean you are left with thousands of pounds in repairs to pay.
Florence Codjoe wrote on the Uswitch.com website: “You could end up paying thousands for repairs.
“If you’re unsure about cover during lockdown speak to your insurer for clarification.”
She also added that drivers should not cancel their insurance unless they have access to off-street parking as it is illegal to park on the road without car insurance.
Specialist motoring lawyer Nick Freeman, said: “Essential travel is largely defined as shopping for necessities, picking up medical supplies, caring for a vulnerable person and getting to and from work if you cannot do so from home.
“Anything else is not really acceptable. If you have an accident and can’t prove your journey was essential your insurance may be void.”
John Neill, of Castle Insurance Services, said: “If it’s a non-essential journey and being used outside the terms of the policy then there may be grounds for an insurer to reject a claim.”
If you are unsure of your cover – speak to your insurance provider for clarification.