Common Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Learner Driver Insurance
Learning to drive can be a tricky thing. You’ll need to put in the time to practice, and deal with the stress that goes along with trying out a new manoeuvre on a public road for the first time.
Perhaps worst of all is the array of unfamiliar concepts and rules that new drivers will need to get to grips with. Insurance is notorious, here. In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for all drivers, and yet it comes in so many different varieties that it’s easy to be bewildered.
Failing to Understand Insurance Needs
To avoid paying over the odds for a product, drivers should consider their needs, and determine exactly what kind of insurance would best suit those needs. Fail to do so, and you might end up paying extra. Worse yet, you might leave yourself vulnerable, with incomplete coverage.
There are three main varieties of insurance to consider. Third-party, which will protect other drivers and pedestrians from your actions, but not you. Third-party, Fire and Theft will protect you against fires and thefts, as well as protecting everyone else. Finally, comprehensive insurance will cover all forms of damage to your vehicle.
When you’re considering the kind of insurance you need, you’ll want to account for the number of miles you’re putting in, the value of your vehicle, and your location in the world. These factors, and more, will be considered by your insurer when deciding on your premium.
You might wish to add in extras like breakdown cover, courtesy cars, and protected no-claims discounts.
Overlooking Policy Limitations and Exclusions
Often, an attractively-priced policy will come with a few strings attached. Fail to consider these, and your insurer might fail to pay out. For example, your insurance might not cover you if you’re driving at a certain time of day, or if you’re carrying passengers. Certain kinds of specialised learner driver insurance might not cover you if you intend to travel long distances, since these products are intended to cover a certain kind of trip around the neighbourhood.
Read your documents thoroughly, and make sure you know what you’re buying.
Failing to Compare Insurance Quotes
There are hundreds of insurers available. It’s a mistake, therefore, to settle on the first quote you’re given. Obtain multiple quotes and see what’s reasonable. Use price comparison sites, and find the best deal!
Neglecting to Disclose Accurate Information
If you give your insurer incorrect information, whether through negligence or malice, then they might arrive at a quote that doesn’t reflect your circumstances. If you’re discovered, then you could end up paying extra – or, you could end up with invalid insurance. Worse yet, you could face criminal charges. For best results, try to be as honest and transparent as possible when you’re applying for a new insurance policy.
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