If your car insurance has been refused, cancelled, or voided, this could happen for a wide range of reasons. However, if you are having trouble finding cover for your vehicle, try not to worry as there are plenty of options out there.
What is non-disclosure?
One reason why your car insurance may be voided is due to non-disclosure. If you fail to disclose correct, up-to-date, and relevant information to your insurer, they are entitled to void your policy. You may have failed to disclose information either intentionally or accidentally. Examples include not disclosing motoring convictions or vehicle modifications, or engaging in insurance fronting.
The consequences of non-disclosure
The potential consequences of not disclosing all relevant information to your insurer will depend on how important the information is, and whether the non-disclosure was intentional.
In any case, your insurer could do one of the following:
1. Refuse insurance
If you have been refused insurance, it means you’ve either had a claim rejected, or your insurer has refused to offer you a renewal quote.
It is worth knowing that if you have ever had insurance refused, you have to declare it when you take out new insurance with any insurer.
2. Cancel your insurance
Your insurer might cancel your policy if you do not stick to its terms. If this happens, you usually have seven days to get new insurance before your current cover expires. As mentioned, future insurers will ask if you have ever had a policy cancelled, refused, or voided, and depending on the reason for it, they could refuse to offer you cover as well.
If your policy is cancelled, these are four next steps to consider taking:
- Find out how long you have until coverage runs out.
- Discuss the cancellation with your insurance provider to find out if cancelling is the only option.
- Find another insurer as soon as possible.
Ensure you are continuously covered and never drive without insurance.
3. Void your insurance
Your insurer can void your policy if they believe you purposely did not disclose important information. They may suspect that you tried to make a fraudulent claim. A policy that has been made void will be invalid from the start date, as though it never existed, so any claims in progress will be rejected.
Normal cancellation rules and notice periods will not apply, as above.
Avoiding insurance non-disclosure
Here are six things you can do to ensure your insurance provider has all your correct details and that your policy is valid and not at risk of a breach of contract:
- Tell your insurer if you change jobs
- Tell your insurer if you move home
- Update your regular mileage
- Add drivers to your policy
- Declare any driving convictions
- Report any and all incidents
If you are in doubt, just contact your insurer about anything with regards to your policy.
How long does cancelled insurance stay on record?
Unlike an insurer’s questions regarding spent convictions, administrative enquiries – such as asking if you have ever had a policy cancelled or refused – aren’t subject to time restraints.
This means that you must disclose all incidents of policies being cancelled, voided, or refused, no matter how long ago they occurred
What are the main reasons for policy refusal or cancellation?
You may encounter problems when obtaining car insurance, or when you hold a policy with an insurer, based on various reasons.
Insurers can terminate or refuse your policy for a number of reasons. These can include:
- Missed payments or non-payment
- Multiple claims during one policy term
- Innocent non-disclosure
- Deliberate, fraudulent non-disclosure
- Incorrect vehicle details
- Not adhering to the terms of insurance
- A material change in personal circumstances
- The suspension or revoking of your driver’s license
- if your insurer can see that you’re speeding or otherwise breaking the law.
- Convictions
- If your vehicle has been impounded
- If you have previously had a policy cancelled or refused
Having trouble finding car insurance?
Car insurance companies can deny or cancel your car insurance policy for any reason, except those explicitly forbidden by law. This often happens if an insurer deems you to be too high-risk to insure. If you are having trouble finding insurance, try the following steps:
- Check that you are not making errors on quote forms.
- If you have unique circumstances, use the phone, so you can talk about any issues in more detail.
- Make sure that you are always completely honest about your situation – it pays to be upfront in the long run.
- Try not to worry – there are insurers out there that will likely be able to provide you with cover once you have fully disclosed your unique circumstances.