Can someone else drive my car? Does it matter where I park my car overnight? What if I need to drive to work?
If you've ever pondered the answers to these commonly asked car insurance questions, ponder no-more because we've done the digging for you. With the help of our underwriters we've put together a list of things you need to keep up-to-date to make sure you're fully covered. Read through our questions to see if we've answered yours:
"I'm not sure of some of the information I need to provide, does it matter if it's not 100% accurate?"
The short answer is yes, it definitely matters. Knowingly misrepresenting information on your insurance policy could result in your policy being cancelled or worse, made void.
If you get a quote before you know all the final details that's fine, but make sure all the information is absolutely correct before you set up and pay for your insurance policy.
"I've said my car will be parked at my mum's address at night but it's usually outside my flat, is that ok?"
Visiting friends or family in a different postcode overnight won't affect your insurance but saying you park it in one place and consistently parking it somewhere different, will.
Think about where you will park the car the majority of the time and stick to it.
"Can I use a broker?"
Elephant quotes are only available directly from us or through comparison websites. If a broker says they have a quote for you from us then walk away immediately, we don't work with brokers. If you allow them to set this policy up it would result in us cancelling the policy down. A quote completed by anyone other than you could result in your policy being laden with mistakes.
"Can my friend drive my car?"
Unless your friend is a named driver on your policy they shouldn't be driving your car. Even if they have the driving other cars extension as part of their policy - basically if they get into an accident we'll only pay out to the third party not for any damage to your car.
"What if my car needs to be repaired?"
If your car needs to be repaired or requires any maintenance you need to take care of it straight away. If you drive a car which isn't roadworthy and get into an accident it could invalidate your claim.
Similarly, you should always drive your care in a careful way, be mindful of speed limits and not be reckless on the roads.
"Do I need to let you know if anything changes?"
If anything changes on your policy schedule you will need to inform us so we can update your information. This includes things like changing the class of use on your car or increasing your declared annual mileage.
If you're unsure of what you need to tell us just call 0333 220 2006 or read through Your Car Insurance Guide.
"If I have an accident but the damage is minor, do I need to tell you about it?"
You will need to inform us about any accident you're involved in even if it's a small accident. Elephant's policy booklets state that if the policyholder, or any driver named on the policy, is involved in an accident or suffer a loss, no matter how trivial, and even if you don't wish you make a claim, you must inform us immediately.
"I'm not really sure how many miles a year I travel is that a problem?"
You will need to declare an average annual mileage to get your quote so take the time to work out how far you travel each week beforehand.
Falsely declaring a low mileage could potentially result in an increased premium, affect your ability to claim or even invalidate your insurance.
"Does social use cover me to travel to work?"
No, if you want car insurance which covers you to drive to and from one place of work you will need to choose social and commuting use. If you travel between sites or use your car for your work you'll need business use.
There are some occupations - delivery drivers for example - which we aren't able to provide with business cover, so make sure you declare accurate information when you set up your policy to ensure you have the right cover in place.
"Can I modify my car?"
Modifications are allowed but due to the amount of possibilities there are when modifying your motor you would need to declare them all when getting your quote to see if we are able to cover your car with them in place.
If you have a policy and intend on modifying your car during the term, you will need to let us know beforehand so we can let you know how that will affect your policy.
You also need to let us know about optional extras such as the chilli pack on a MINI.
"I fancy a trip to Germany, can I drive on the Nürburgring?"
No, the Nürburgring is off limits with an Elephant policy. Just like taking part in any organised motorsports or rallying events.
This information is laid out in the General Exceptions of your cover.
