MOTOR WAYS  <back

“LEAVING your car behind will also require some forward planning” advises Keith Frampton of TF Insurance Services, commenting on the arrangements to be made by Service personnel deployed to the Gulf..

“Will the vehicle continue to be used whilst you are away – perhaps by a spouse or friend? Very few policies now cover ‘any driver’ and so your insurers will require full details of your intended drivers.

Is the policy due for renewal whilst you are away? If so, ensure that you make appropriate arrangements for this before you go. Often insurance companies are unable to advise you how much will be required to renew the policy until 30 days before the expiry date. You may therefore, need to have this paid for you in your absence.

If no one will be using the car whilst you are away check with your insurers to see whether they can amend the cover to a so-called ‘laid up’ basis. This reduces the level of cover provided by the policy either to Fire & Theft risks only (if the vehicle is kept in a garage throughout the period) or with added Accidental Damage cover if the vehicle is to be kept in a secure compound ‘behind the wire’.

This modified cover means that no Third Party (road risks) cover is provided thus reducing your premium significantly. You will need to surrender your Certificate of Motor Insurance during this period and providing this is for a minimum period of 30 days a ‘credit’ can often be obtained.

This ‘credit’ (which is not normally refundable outright) can then be used against future premiums during the life of the policy such as the next renewal premium.

Unfortunately, the ‘laid up’ facility is not available from all insurers. Check with your broker or Insurer when arranging/renewing your insurance..