Motorists who are using their own car for commuting or work purposes have been warned to double-check they have the appropriate level of car insurance cover.
In March 2020, in order to help those who needed to drive to work during the Covid-19 lockdown, but who previously wouldn’t have done so, car insurance companies waived the need for policyholders to update their cover.
This allowed key workers who needed to drive to different locations, and volunteers helping their communities by transporting medicines or groceries, to support those affected by coronavirus – while still on their existing policy.
However, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said on 20 April 2021 that temporary measures put into place to support motorists during the pandemic will end on 30 April.
As a result, car insurance comparison site Gocompare warns, drivers whose car insurance policy does not currently include cover for commuting, and who are using their own car to travel to work, will need to contact their insurer to update their cover accordingly.
The company added that volunteer drivers should check their policy documents to make sure they follow any conditions, such as informing their insurer of their activities to ensure they will be covered for damage.
Check insurance covers ‘new normal’ use
“How a car is used has a bearing on the risk perceived by insurers and therefore the premium charged,” said Ryan Fulthorpe, motoring expert at Gocompare.
“Drivers using their cars for commuting or driving between workplaces are likely to be on the road at busier times of the day and spend more time in their cars, than motorists simply driving for domestic reasons or for pleasure purposes.”
“Following the end of insurers’ pledges to automatically extend cover during lockdown, it’s essential that drivers make sure their car insurance covers them for their new normal usage. If a motorist fails to declare that they drive to work, or drive as part of their work, this could invalidate their insurance, and driving without insurance carries severe penalties.”
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