Broker News

Following our communication dated 10th May regarding the withdrawal of the ABI Pledges, we would like to share with you some updates to our levels of insurance cover. With lockdown restrictions easing and travel to workplaces becoming more routine, we would recommend drivers check their insurance cover to make sure it is appropriate for their needs.

Change in occupation

A customer’s employment status and occupation will need to be up to date on the policy record.

Whilst we will not void an existing customer’s policy as a result of their occupation details being incorrect following a change in circumstance as a result of the pandemic, we do expect policies to be updated with the correct information at the next renewal, after which time incorrect details could affect their cover.

Vehicle use

If a customer’s driving activities have changed as a result of the pandemic, please update details of their vehicles on the policy record. Particularly if they are looking to continue to do any of the following, which they did not previously have cover for:

• Use their vehicle to drive to work, rather than using public transport
• Drive to different locations for work purposes
• Drive more miles than declared, as a result of voluntary work
• Use their vehicle to make deliveries

As previously mentioned, we will not void an existing customer’s policy as a result of their vehicle use being incorrect following a change in circumstance as a result of the pandemic, please update policies with the correct information at the next renewal, after which time incorrect details could affect a policyholders cover.

Vehicle use abroad

Should a customer be looking to use their vehicle abroad, please ask them to notify you of any use which is outside of their standard policy cover. Please note, an additional premium may be required if this isn’t standard cover on their policy.

However, if a customer remains abroad as a result of the pandemic, please contact us directly and we will talk through the policyholder’s options with you.

Document collection and validation

As you would expect, requests and validations of documentation are now required, for example NCB proof and Driving Licences. We may need to cancel policies if this documentation is not received within the timelines given.

Motor (car, commercial vehicle, motorcycle):

MOTs

Customers should be able to obtain an MOT as garages have now fully re-opened. It is therefore important that a valid MOT is in place, as without this, cover could be affected.

Laid up /suspended use cover

As you will know, it continues to be a legal requirement to have valid vehicle insurance in place unless a customer has registered the vehicle as being off the road and applied for a SORN. If a customer has seen a change in their annual mileage please let us know and we can review their insurance cover.  Please be aware it may result in an adjustment of their premium.

Schemes

For other classes of business, including Schemes, we confirmed ways in which we were able to be more flexible because of the pandemic. We hope this helped ease what has been a very difficult year for everyone. Where applicable, customers received communications providing details of this, and whether this flexibility applied only whilst in lockdown or would remain in place once the pandemic was over. Any agreements put in place for the duration of the lockdown period only will no longer be applicable.

If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us at: brokermanagement@markerstudy.com.