CAR ARTICLE

True or False - Car Insurance Myths Revealed

You won't be able to get insurance if you have speeding fines.

FALSE. If you exceed the speed limit by a wide margin you could face a driving ban. While some insurers will not cover you if you have previously been banned or have multiple penalty points, you should be able to get cover - but at a heavily loaded price.

Your premium can't go up if you have no-claims discount protection.

FALSE. Car insurance premiums can rise for various reasons, not necessarily connected to you - maybe there has been an increase in car crime in your area - this would put premiums up. And if by some fluke you have an abnormally high amount of claims in one year, your insurer may reserve the right to up your premiums.

When you protect your no-claims, you protect the percentage discount you get off your basic premium - you are not guaranteed the same - or a lower premium - year after year.

If you have a minor accident, it's better to avoid reporting it.

FALSE. Most insurers require you to report any incident that could result in a claim as a condition of insurance - not doing so could invalidate your insurance. Even if there is no actual amount to claim, come clean - it shouldn't affect your premiums unless you have serial accidents!

Putting the insurance in someone else's name will keep my insurance premiums lower.

FALSE. Only if you are genuinely an 'occasional' user of the car will the premium be reduced. Insurers are wise to this 'scam' and can normally spot a genuine request for an insurance quote.

Be honest with your insurer - many experienced drivers who have not yet had insurance in their own name have been offered an introductory or no-claim discount.