Frequently Asked Questions
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Motor insurance protects motorists against liability in the event of accidents they may cause. It can also provide cover for the motorist's own vehicle. The Road Traffic Act requires all motorists to be insured against their liability for injuries to others (including passengers) and for damage to other people's property resulting from use of a vehicle on a road or other public place. It is an offence to drive your car or allow others to drive it without insurance.
Definition of Liability
"Insurance guarding against the damage or loss that the policyholder may cause another person in the form of bodily injury or property damage".
Definition of Liability
"Insurance guarding against the damage or loss that the policyholder may cause another person in the form of bodily injury or property damage".
Call Us
Call us now on 0800 999 2030 for an immediate quote so that one of our specialists may give you a price indication and cover straight away. Rather than you sit and enter the information yourself, allow one of our enthusiasts to work for you.
Whilst they ask you the questions and work on the best cover and the lowest price straight away, you can relax in the knowledge that they are taking the responsibility for getting the information right and getting the right cover for you, rather than leave it to a computer to decide.
Our UK call centre allows you to deal with real people, who are all car enthusiasts.
Let Us Call You
Use our Call Me Back Form on the right to have a member of our team immediately call you back.
Quicker and cheaper rates by phone - complete the call back form during office hours (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm Saturday for an immediate, no-obligation quote.
Online
Complete one of our online quote forms to tell us about you and what you are looking to insure and you'll get an instant quote or a call back from a member of the Sureterm Direct team who will do their utmost to get the best price for you.
Call us now on 0800 999 2030 for an immediate quote so that one of our specialists may give you a price indication and cover straight away. Rather than you sit and enter the information yourself, allow one of our enthusiasts to work for you.
Whilst they ask you the questions and work on the best cover and the lowest price straight away, you can relax in the knowledge that they are taking the responsibility for getting the information right and getting the right cover for you, rather than leave it to a computer to decide.
Our UK call centre allows you to deal with real people, who are all car enthusiasts.
Let Us Call You
Use our Call Me Back Form on the right to have a member of our team immediately call you back.
Quicker and cheaper rates by phone - complete the call back form during office hours (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm Saturday for an immediate, no-obligation quote.
Online
Complete one of our online quote forms to tell us about you and what you are looking to insure and you'll get an instant quote or a call back from a member of the Sureterm Direct team who will do their utmost to get the best price for you.
At Sureterm Direct we offer the following:
- Car insurance
- Classic car insurance
- 4x4 insurance
- Land Rover insurance
- Motorhome insurance
- Kit car insurance
- American Classic Cars insurance
- Household and Home insurance
Comprehensive Motor Insurance Policies usually covers:
Third Party Insurance Policies usually cover:
Third Party Fire and Theft Policies are generally the same as Third Party policies, but with protection added to cover losses in the event of fire or theft of the vehicle
- Liability for injuries to other people, including passengers
- Liability for damage to other people's property
- Liability of passengers for accidents caused by them
- Liability arising from the use of a caravan or trailer, while attached to the car
- Fire damage and/or theft
- Accidental damage to your own car
- A personal accident benefit certain amounts are paid in the event of the death or specific permanent disablement of the policyholder (and sometimes his or her spouse or family member)
- Medical expenses necessarily incurred, up to a stated limit
- Loss of or damage to personal effects in the car, up to a stated limit
Third Party Insurance Policies usually cover:
- Liability for injuries to other people, including passengers.
- Liability for damage to other people's property.
- Liability of passengers for accidents caused by them.
- Liability arising from the use of a caravan or trailer, while attached to the car.
Third Party Fire and Theft Policies are generally the same as Third Party policies, but with protection added to cover losses in the event of fire or theft of the vehicle
A policy of insurance is intended to compensate a policyholder for the amount of an insured loss that he has suffered and no more. In other works, he should not profit from the insurance. For example, if a second hand Vauxhall Vectra worth £3,000 is the subject of a total loss claim, according to the principle of indemnity, the policyholder will receive £3,000 and not the value of a new Vauxhall Vectra.
Policy terms may modify this principle.
For example:
Most comprehensive motor policies will pay for a new replacement car if the insured car is less than 12 months old, you're the first owner/keeper of the car and the cost of repairs would exceed 60% of its value as new.
Policy terms may modify this principle.
For example:
Most comprehensive motor policies will pay for a new replacement car if the insured car is less than 12 months old, you're the first owner/keeper of the car and the cost of repairs would exceed 60% of its value as new.
These are often available to policyholders that have a good claims record. For an extra premium, a number of claims are allowed without affecting the discount. Typically two claims are allowed in a 3 to 5 year period. The insurance premium or the excess may be affected, however, even though your discount is protected if you build up a poor claims record or receive driving convictions.
An excess is the first portion of a claim you will be responsible for paying and the insurer will only pay out on the amount above the excess. There may be a number of different excesses in one policy. For example, different excesses might apply depending on whether a claim is for accidental damage or theft. Most insurance policies also have maximum limits the insurer will pay out in the event of a claim. There is usually a separate excess for windscreen replacement claims.
Many policies cover the policyholder while driving a car that belongs to someone else. However, cover is limited to Third Party Only, even if the customer has a Comprehensive policy for their own car. Accidental damage to the borrowed car will not be covered by their insurance.
NOTE: A lot of Specialist Policies for Classic and Niche vehicles do not give this extension as the customer is getting a discount for limiting his mileage. This is because if he had the DOC (Driving Other Cars) extension, he could use someone else's vehicle and the mileage that he does would not be recorded.
NOTE: A lot of Specialist Policies for Classic and Niche vehicles do not give this extension as the customer is getting a discount for limiting his mileage. This is because if he had the DOC (Driving Other Cars) extension, he could use someone else's vehicle and the mileage that he does would not be recorded.
A customer will have third party motor insurance to drive in any European Union (EU) country, as long as their policy was bought from any EU-based insurer. However, this cover is often inadequate and it is advisable for them to contact their insurer to arrange extra cover. Some insurance companies will include a certain amount of days (usually 90 days) Green Card cover for the customer whilst they are using their vehicle in the EU. For example, if the customer has a Comprehensive insurance policy which allowed a 90 day Green Card, they would then have 90 days worth of Comprehensive cover whilst driving in the EU. They could either take advantage of that in one go, or spread it out over the year such as 3 weeks in January, 3 weeks in March and 4 weeks in July.
If the customer does not use their allocated 90 days, they are unable to carry any remainder of this over to the next insurance year.
If the customer does not use their allocated 90 days, they are unable to carry any remainder of this over to the next insurance year.
Social, Domestic and Pleasure Only - Social Domestic and Pleasure, excluding journeys between home and a permanent place of employment and business use.
Social, Domestic and Pleasure and Commuting - Social Domestic and Pleasure, plus use by the Insured and all authorised drivers for journeys between home and a permanent place of employment, provided business calls are not made during a journey
Class One - As Social Domestic and Pleasure, but also includes use by the Insured in person in connection with his/her business or profession.
Class Two - Social, Domestic and Pleasure and the Insured's business excluding use for Hire or Reward
Class Three - Social, Domestic and Pleasure and the Insured's business
Wedding Use - To provide an income to support and maintain the upkeep of the vehicle. It is not available to private hire operators or where the wedding hire is the main form of income
Social, Domestic and Pleasure and Commuting - Social Domestic and Pleasure, plus use by the Insured and all authorised drivers for journeys between home and a permanent place of employment, provided business calls are not made during a journey
Class One - As Social Domestic and Pleasure, but also includes use by the Insured in person in connection with his/her business or profession.
Class Two - Social, Domestic and Pleasure and the Insured's business excluding use for Hire or Reward
Class Three - Social, Domestic and Pleasure and the Insured's business
Wedding Use - To provide an income to support and maintain the upkeep of the vehicle. It is not available to private hire operators or where the wedding hire is the main form of income
Unfortunately with insurance, your policy is affected by a claim, not blame. For example; you could lose up to 2 years No Claims Bonus, and a claim is marked against your policy if your car is stolen or catches fire (again not your fault but a claim is still made against your policy). The same is true when you are hit by either an uninsured motorist or hit by someone whilst parked who then makes a sharp exit.
So premiums are calculated, and No Claims Bonus is lost, on claim not blame - sometimes called the No Blame Bonus.
So premiums are calculated, and No Claims Bonus is lost, on claim not blame - sometimes called the No Blame Bonus.
Insurance Certificate or Policy
Contact us for duplicates. Some companies may charge for this service.
Vehicle Registration Document/V5/Logbook
The DVLA will issue you with a duplicate. This can take between 2 and 6 weeks. You can obtain the form you need from the Post Office or by visiting www.dvla.gov.uk.
MOT Certificate
You can get a copy from the MOT test centre that issued the original for a small fee. If you cannot produce this document, or a copy, it may affect the vehicle value for claim settlement.
Driving Licence
You can get a copy from the DVLA. Their telephone number is 0870 240 0009.
Contact us for duplicates. Some companies may charge for this service.
Vehicle Registration Document/V5/Logbook
The DVLA will issue you with a duplicate. This can take between 2 and 6 weeks. You can obtain the form you need from the Post Office or by visiting www.dvla.gov.uk.
MOT Certificate
You can get a copy from the MOT test centre that issued the original for a small fee. If you cannot produce this document, or a copy, it may affect the vehicle value for claim settlement.
Driving Licence
You can get a copy from the DVLA. Their telephone number is 0870 240 0009.
You must...
Obtain the name and address of any persons involved in the accident and any witnesses. This should include details of any passengers in any other vehicle involved.
Report any claim, accident, theft or loss as soon as possible by contacting the telephone helplines shown in your insurance documents. The sooner we know about an incident the sooner we can start helping you.
Send any writ, summons or letters unanswered in connection with any claim, accident or loss to us as soon as you receive them.
Tell us at once if you receive any notice of prosecution, inquest or fatal accident inquiry connected to the incident.
Report any theft or your vehicle being taken without your consent immediately to the police and obtain a crime reference number.
You must never...
Admit that the accident was your fault.
Attempt to negotiate the settlement of a claim from another person without written permission.
We will...
Defend or settle any claim made against you on your behalf.
Obtain the name and address of any persons involved in the accident and any witnesses. This should include details of any passengers in any other vehicle involved.
Report any claim, accident, theft or loss as soon as possible by contacting the telephone helplines shown in your insurance documents. The sooner we know about an incident the sooner we can start helping you.
Send any writ, summons or letters unanswered in connection with any claim, accident or loss to us as soon as you receive them.
Tell us at once if you receive any notice of prosecution, inquest or fatal accident inquiry connected to the incident.
Report any theft or your vehicle being taken without your consent immediately to the police and obtain a crime reference number.
You must never...
Admit that the accident was your fault.
Attempt to negotiate the settlement of a claim from another person without written permission.
We will...
Defend or settle any claim made against you on your behalf.
Convictions
The more motor convictions on your license - potentially the higher the premium.
Learner Drivers
Although learner drivers may lack experience and be a greater risk they can take a course which shows that they are proficient drivers. This is a Pass Plus scheme for which some insurance companies may cut premiums by as much as 30%. There is also an Advanced Driver course which can reduce their premiums.
Modifications
Attempting to make your car look like it should be in a Fast and Furious film is all well and good but your insurer may raise your premium if there are any differences from the factory standard particularly on engine modifications.
Parking Location
The safer the place you leave your car the lower the risk. If you leave your car on the street overnight then an insurance company will say that this is a greater risk than a car kept securely overnight in a locked garage.
Paying Monthly
Not all insurers make it clear that although they allow you to pay monthly instead of in one lump sum, they may well charge you interest. This would make the total amount you pay higher than the original quoted premium. If at all possible it may well be advisable to pay the insurance in one go, unless you're lucky enough to find an insurer who offers interest free installments!
Security
A vehicle with a car alarm, immobiliser or tracker is potentially less likely to be stolen. Insurance companies will recognise this and may lower the quote they offer for a vehicle with security.
The more motor convictions on your license - potentially the higher the premium.
Learner Drivers
Although learner drivers may lack experience and be a greater risk they can take a course which shows that they are proficient drivers. This is a Pass Plus scheme for which some insurance companies may cut premiums by as much as 30%. There is also an Advanced Driver course which can reduce their premiums.
Modifications
Attempting to make your car look like it should be in a Fast and Furious film is all well and good but your insurer may raise your premium if there are any differences from the factory standard particularly on engine modifications.
Parking Location
The safer the place you leave your car the lower the risk. If you leave your car on the street overnight then an insurance company will say that this is a greater risk than a car kept securely overnight in a locked garage.
Paying Monthly
Not all insurers make it clear that although they allow you to pay monthly instead of in one lump sum, they may well charge you interest. This would make the total amount you pay higher than the original quoted premium. If at all possible it may well be advisable to pay the insurance in one go, unless you're lucky enough to find an insurer who offers interest free installments!
Security
A vehicle with a car alarm, immobiliser or tracker is potentially less likely to be stolen. Insurance companies will recognise this and may lower the quote they offer for a vehicle with security.
Make sure that the information you gave on your proposal form, declaration or statement of insurance is, as far as you know, correct and complete.
Your premium is based on the information you supplied at the start of the insurance and when it is renewed. If you have failed to give complete and accurate information, this could lead to your claim being denied or the insurance not being valid.
If a claim is made which you or anyone acting on your behalf knows is false, fraudulent or exaggerated, we will not pay the claim and cover under this insurance will end. If you or anyone acting on your behalf provides false or stolen documentation in support of a claim, we will not pay the claim and this insurance will end.
After loss, damage or accident you must give your insurance company full details of the incident, in writing, as soon as possible. You must also give them any information and assistance that they may ask for.
You must send every communication about a claim (including any writ or summons) to the insurer without delay and unanswered. You must also tell them if you know about any future prosecution, coroner's inquest or fatal accident inquiry involving anyone covered by this insurance.
All reasonable steps must be taken to protect your vehicle from loss or damage and to maintain it in an efficient and roadworthy condition. The insurer must be allowed to examine your vehicle at any reasonable time.
Your premium is based on the information you supplied at the start of the insurance and when it is renewed. If you have failed to give complete and accurate information, this could lead to your claim being denied or the insurance not being valid.
If a claim is made which you or anyone acting on your behalf knows is false, fraudulent or exaggerated, we will not pay the claim and cover under this insurance will end. If you or anyone acting on your behalf provides false or stolen documentation in support of a claim, we will not pay the claim and this insurance will end.
After loss, damage or accident you must give your insurance company full details of the incident, in writing, as soon as possible. You must also give them any information and assistance that they may ask for.
You must send every communication about a claim (including any writ or summons) to the insurer without delay and unanswered. You must also tell them if you know about any future prosecution, coroner's inquest or fatal accident inquiry involving anyone covered by this insurance.
All reasonable steps must be taken to protect your vehicle from loss or damage and to maintain it in an efficient and roadworthy condition. The insurer must be allowed to examine your vehicle at any reasonable time.
In the event of being involved in an accident or having your car stolen, vandalised or damaged in any way, you can call us to report a claim on 0800 999 2030. We will provide you with all the support you need and talk you through all the steps involved. As a Sureterm Direct customer we guarantee you will always receive the highest standards of service.