My child has just started driving. What is the best way for me to insure them?

Many car insurance companies offer their own specific ‘young driver’ insurance policy. Insuring young drivers on their own policies is best. This way they will be able to collect their own no-claims bonus, and this will help to lower their insurance premiums. Children are often insured as secondary drivers on their parents’ policies, with the parent cited as the main driver, even when the child is the main car user. Parents may mistakenly see this as the cheapest way to insure their child. However, often this isn’t the cheapest option, and should a car insurance firm find out that the child is the main driver they may not pay out on a claim as the information provided to them is incorrect.

Do I need to pay my car insurance premium on a car that I am taking off the road for a period of time?

Your car insurance company will usually ask you to return your Certificate of Motor Insurance, then suspend your cover and refund part of your cover for the length of time your car is off the road. This is provided your vehicle will be out of use for 28 days or more, not as a result of any loss or damage covered by your insurance policy. During this period, your insurance firm will usually provide cover for loss or damage caused by theft or fire while your vehicle is locked up securely. However, policies differ between car insurance firms, so it is best to check the details with your insurer before taking your car off the road.

Can I insure my car for driving outside the UK?

Yes. Most insurers can extend your policy to provide you the same cover within the European Union and some other European countries. Some insurers will provide you with a courtesy car in the event of a breakdown, accident or theft, but more often than not, they will pay you for self-drive car hire for a limited time – usually 14 days. However, you will be required to pay an extra premium for this extended cover, and are usually asked to give at least two weeks notice before extending your insurance. Again, policy differs between insurers, so contact your own insurance company to find out the terms and conditions of their policy.

Always use a reputable firm for your car insurance. Try starting with Kwik Fit Insurance, who offer a 20% discount when you go online to buy car insurance