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Discover whether your car insurance policy is still fit for purpose, why you may need to make changes, and what policy class is best for you.
- Reasons why your insurance policy may no longer be fit for purpose.
- Classes of use: which car insurance policy is best for you?
- How to amend your car insurance policy.
Here at LV=, we’re passionate about ensuring everyone has the right insurance to suit them. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about finding the perfect policy that best suits how you drive and what you use your vehicle for.
Check you car insurance is still fit for purpose
Reasons why your insurance policy may no longer be fit for purpose
Changes during lockdown
For many people, lockdowns meant less driving, or perhaps no longer using their car for work. So, you may have been storing your vehicle in different places during the day – e.g. your car used to be in a car park and is now mostly sat on your driveway.You may have made these changes to your insurance policy last year and now things are starting to get back to normal, it’s important to let your insurer know if your circumstances have changed again. Likewise, perhaps you should start looking to make these initial changes now if your mileage has decreased or you’re now storing your car at home.
If you don’t have the right cover for your vehicle, it could result in you breaking the terms of your policy, meaning you may not be able to claim if you have an accident or break-in.
Changes to your job or address
Besides lockdowns, any factor that increases or decreases your mileage needs to be flagged to your insurer to ensure your policy is still fit for purpose. For example, you may have recently started using your car for both personal and professional purposes, so you’ll need to make sure your policy reflects this.Classes of use: which car insurance policy is best for you?
So, what are classes of use? These different insurance brackets decide how your vehicle is categorised regarding its purpose. It is how your insurer calculates the correct charges, which then dictates what you are covered and can claim for in the event of an accident, breakdown or break-in.
It's important you pick the right class of use when looking to make any changes to your vehicle's insurance policy. Put simply, if you insure your car under the wrong class, you could be refused a claim. Also keep in mind you can be prosecuted if you're found to be driving without insurance, or with the wrong level of cover.
There are six different classes of use, these include:
Social, domestic and pleasure (SDP)
This is the right policy for you if your car is used for errands, visiting family and friends, and going on holiday. It encompasses all non-work-related driving.
Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting (SDP+C)
This policy covers everything in SDP but should be chosen if you use your vehicle to drive to work and store it in a public car park (or any public space) during the day. This also includes train station car parks, for example, if you use your car for ‘half’ of a commute.
Business use (SDPC+B) (Classes 1, 2, and 3)
Business use policies are split between three classes, so it’s worth evaluating each policy type, and discussing with your insurer, to see which best suits you and your driving habits.
Generally, however, business use policies should be chosen if you use your car for your job – not just to get to it. This includes visiting clients, for example, if you are a healthcare worker, or travel-based hairdresser or beautician.
In classes 2 and 3, this can also include another named driver, or driving colleagues, clients, or stock around as part of your regular role.
Commercial
In some aspects a commercial policy may overlap with business insurance, so you should make sure you’re best suited to this policy type before making your decision. The commercial class is right for those who are on the road for the majority of the day, either carrying people and goods – for example, driving instructors and taxi drivers.How to amend your car insurance policy
It’s important to note that you can make changes to your policy at any time, and these changes will usually take effect immediately. If you need to adapt your policy in any way, you can call LV on 0800 085 5663 and we will guide you through the process.You should make sure you have all your insurance documents at hand before calling us, so we can make the process as quick and easy for you as possible.
Do you have more questions about your car insurance policy? Check out our handy FAQs page.
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If you’re concerned that your policy is no longer fit for purpose, our comprehensive car insurance ensures you can drive happily knowing you’re covered for anything. Visit our site or call us to find your perfect policy.