Surprising things car insurance does and doesn't cover

Drivers will almost certainly be familiar with the usual items car insurance covers – such as the cost of repairing or replacing parts after an accident or medical bills. But that’s not all. Here’s what else you might – and might not be – covered for. Details of what's covered in your car insurance policy can be found in your Policy Documents. 

1. Gadgets

You might assume your insurance will cover any factory-installed tech that came with your car, such as rear-view cameras and touchscreens, and you’d be right. But what about removable possessions such as Sat Navs, portable DVD players, and dash cams, or retrofitted tech such as a new stereo?

The good news is all these items are usually protected under your car insurer’s personal possessions and fitted accessories cover, but only up to a certain value – so check this.

If you regularly carry expensive belongings in your car, consider adding them to your household insurance policy as items taken outside of the home.

Regardless of how well you’re insured, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Take them with you or hide them in the glove box so as not to tempt thieves.

2. Car seats

Parents will be well aware that child car seats can be expensive, but do you know that once they’ve been in an accident – even if they appear undamaged – they shouldn’t be used again?

Some insurers will pay for replacement car seats as part of a claim for loss or damage on your vehicle. It’s, however, worth hanging on to the receipt if your car seat was particularly expensive, just in case.

3. If you’re the victim of a scam

If you're tricked or scammed into giving your car away, some insurers will cover you but some will exclude what is known as 'theft by deception'.

There are a number of scams aimed at people who are selling a car privately, commonly by driving away with the car while on a test drive or paying with counterfeit money or a fake cheque. If you’re unlucky enough to fall for a scam, you’ll probably be covered but do check your individual policy.

If you’re selling a vehicle, be cautious. Consider exchanging it using a reputable dealer or ask for payment via direct bank transfer.

4. Using the wrong fuel

This can be a very costly mistake, and easily done if you’re not paying attention.

Many insurers won’t cover you for this error of judgement – but some do and will save you a lot of money if you, or a named driver, accidentally put petrol in your diesel car. If you’ve made this mistake but haven’t started driving yet, it may be worth looking into using your breakdown cover or having your tank drained by a mobile company. That’s because the cost of this may be less than your excess.

1. If the named driver is the main driver

It can be tempting to add a younger or new driver to your insurance as a named driver to save money, you can do this as long as they are not the vehicles main driver. 

But it could prove to be a costly mistake if something happens and it turns out that a named driver is actually the main driver. Your insurer may add on a premium - or your claim could be rejected and you could even be investigated for fraud.

There are other ways to save on insurance if you are newly qualified or seen by insurers as ‘high risk’. Some insurers, for example, will fit a black (telematics) box in the car or use a telematics smartphone app, which reward safe drivers with a discount on their motor insurance policy.

2. Undeclared modifications

Most car insurance policies won’t cover the cost of repairing or replacing non-standard modified car parts if they’ve not been told in advance.

Car modifications include adding a turbo or supercharger to your engine, modifying your car wheels, removing or replacing seats, or tinting windows and changing the steering wheel.

Increasingly manufacturers are offering performance upgrades via Over the Air or dealership installed packages. These are likely to be deemed modifications as well so don’t forget to inform your insurer.  

If you’ve ‘improved’ your car, don’t panic. Most adaptations will be covered as long as you declare them when taking out the policy. 

3. Personalised number plates

Adding that personal touch on your plate can make your car feel extra special. But you should bear in mind that the cost of it almost certainly won't be covered by your car insurance. 

When you register a personalised number plate to your vehicle, always tell your insurer.

The cover provided by motor insurance policies varies widely, so it’s important to do your own research and choose an insurer that offers a package of cover suitable for your needs.