Millions of us are now on Covid-19 lockdown with many starting to run out of walls to paint or attics to clear. With spare time in hand, this might be the time to check that our car policy paperwork is correct and that we are not inadvertently breaching their terms and conditions of cover.

Lauren Martin is an ACILEx working in the personal injury department at local solicitors Thatcher + Hallam LLP, where the firm covers a broad range of accidents, from defective products, slips and trips to accidents at work.

A large share of Lauren's work involves road traffic accidents and one of the first tick box questions that always comes up is whether or not a driver involved in the accident was covered by insurance.

Here, Lauren Martin explains the pitfalls and hands out some tips on how to stay the right side of the law and properly insured.

Are you actually insured?

The first thing to check out is that you have actually renewed your insurance. A stray letter or change of address can often mean that there is no automatic reminder. If you drive whilst uninsured then you could face a fine, 6-8 penalty points plus disqualification for a period of up to 12 months.

However, even when you think that you are properly insured it is essential to read the small print of that policy. This should be reviewed as soon as you have been sent your insurance documentation. Do not wait until you need to claim to find out if you are actually covered.

If you are in breach of one of the conditions of the insurance, you may well find that the company will 'void' your insurance (i.e. reject your claim).

Choice of footwear.

This is serious! If at the end of lockdown you decide to drive to the beach in your flip flops to celebrate with your family, you could be in difficulties. The Highway Code clearly states that you must wear footwear that must not 'prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'. Like many other drivers that you may know, this may well be the time to keep that spare pair of trainers or shoes in the car for driving purposes and leave your flip flops for when you actually hit the beach.

Pets.

We all love our pets but having them in your vehicle may cause your insurance to be voided. If you have a pet loose and able to roam around your vehicle and you then become involved in an accident, you could be in hot water. The Highway Code states that any vehicle in a car must be 'suitably restrained'.

Anything that could obstruct your visibility or cause a distraction whilst you are driving (e.g. Fido is leaping about from the back to the front of the car whilst you are in motion) is illegal and as well as voiding your insurance, could end up with your prosecution.

The Application Form.

When you come to complete your insurance application, be completely straight. If you are not, then you could put the whole insurance policy at risk of being voided.

A little known issue that may arise and which could make void any supposed insurance cover, is by nominating an older and more experienced person as the main driver on the policy, when in fact you will be the main driver.

This may initially save you a substantial sum on the insurance, but the end result could be disastrous. Don't risk it. There is of course nothing to stop you adding an older and more experienced driver (i.e. a parent) as an 'additional driver' which may reduce your premiums.

The Dangling Mascot.

We have all seen them. Some of us may even have them hanging over the dashboard in the windscreen in our own vehicle. However, along with stickers in your windows or even a swaying air freshener, these may have to be declared as a car modification to your insurer, along with sat-nav, stickers, stripes and logos. Insurers are now increasingly voiding insurance claims as a result of these 'modifications' not being declared.

With an average annual premium of £666.00, car insurance is one of the biggest expenditures for any family. If you are spending this sort of money then make sure that you are properly covered and do not become another 'voided insurance' statistic.'

If you have been affected by any of the above issues, or have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault and want to find out more just click here the Thatcher + Hallam site.

Please do not hesitate to contact William Weller or Lauren Martin at Thatcher + Hallam LLP for a free no obligation chat as to how they may be able to help.

[email protected]

www.th-law.co.uk

01761 414646