Every motorist purchases car insurance, hoping that in case of theft, accidents, or unforeseen events, they remain financially protected. Yet many are unaware that doing certain things may render their cover invalid, leaving them disappointed when they least expect it.
Voided car insurance will leave you to cater for any financial obligations arising from accidents or damages and theft. As you reflect on whether you may have violated your insurance coverage in any way, why not take a moment to explore online pokies? So here is how you could be jeopardizing your cover and setting yourself up for loss.
Failing to Disclose Car Alterations
Many car owners think that car modifications are a personal choice and don’t know how they can affect their auto cover. According to your insurer, any changes you make to the car once it leaves the factory are considered modifications.
Car alterations include custom paint jobs, engine upgrades, exhaust system modifications, after-market alloy wheels, turbocharger installations, and tinted windows. These modifications affect the performance, value, and, ultimately, the risks associated with your vehicle.
Cosmetic changes to your car may increase its aesthetic appeal, attracting the attention of thieves. On the other hand, performance enhancers might cause structural integrity and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries. To avoid any pitfalls, notify your insurer of all modifications to keep your cover valid.
Neglecting Policy Updates
Policy updates are necessary when the factors that an insurer considers to calculate your premiums change over time. Changes in your age, occupation, and location can alter your risk profile. The good thing is that factors like moving to a safer neighborhood may lead to lower insurance premiums, saving you money.
Some auto owners are determined to conceal changes to these factors in the fear that they could pay higher premiums. While this could be possible, it pays to weigh the costs of these adjustments against losing your cover due to dishonesty.
Keeping your insurer informed so they can update your policy is a wise decision. When you don’t let them know about any relevant changes, you risk underinsurance. Accurate coverage will ensure you will have adequate help to take care of financial obligations in case of accidents.
Wrong Choice of Driving Footwear
Many drivers underestimate the role of footwear in safe driving. Wearing suitable footwear can help you control your vehicle, especially in dire circumstances where precise control over the pedal is crucial. You need to be able to access the accelerator, clutch, and brake to swiftly respond to changes on the road.
Here are some common examples of footwear that could compromise your ability to effectively control the pedals:
- Bare feet: Driving barefoot leaves you without sufficient grip and can be dangerous as your foot may slide off the pedal when you need to suddenly break.
- Flip flops: Flip flops represent a big hazard as they can easily get trapped or caught under the pedals, affecting your control.
- Thick-soled shoes: When you’re wearing thick-soled shoes, you might not be able to correctly gauge the amount of pressure you’re applying on the pedals.
- High heels: Just like wearing thick soles shoes, high heels tend to affect the pressure you apply on the pedals.
Your insurer expects you to have the correct footwear at all times. If you get involved in an accident where it’s determined that your choice of shoes contributed to the accident, your insurer may dispute your claim or offer a reduced payout.
Hanging Items from the Rear-View Mirror
The rear-view mirror is your reliable companion in safe driving as it enables you to see whatever is happening behind you on the road. However, many drivers find it a convenient spot for hanging dangling items like car fresheners, ornaments, and decorations. Unknown to many drivers, these items can pose a hazard on the road.
These items can cause distracted driving and endanger your life and that of other road users. When you’re distracted, your attention on the road is affected and may lead to a delay in reaction time when required. You may also not be able to make sound driving decisions.
From your insurer’s perspective, proven distractions inside your vehicle can affect your claim. If they suspect that the items dangling on your mirror may have played a role in an accident, they may end up scrutinizing every detail and dispute your claim. So always keep your rearview mirror free from any objects for an uninterrupted view of the road behind.
Carrying Unsecured Pets
Your fur baby is an important part of the family, yet as innocent as they seem, they can introduce hazards in a moving car. They can cause distractions and, in worst-case scenarios, accidents. Your unrestrained pet may move around the vehicle or force themselves onto your lap as you drive, obstructing your view.
Again, in case of an accident, your pet may be thrown around the car, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Your pet may also end up agitated and try to move out of the vehicle to escape the danger. These movements may cause chaos and pose a threat to the car’s occupants.
Insurers expect drivers to secure their pets to prevent such scenarios. You can secure your pet using travel crates, barriers, pet carriers, and specialized seat belts. This way, you maintain your cover’s integrity in case of an accident.
So there you have it, our comprehensive explanation of actions that can nullify your car insurance policy. Keep in mind that a canceled cover may make you a high-risk client in future insurance applications, resulting in higher premiums.
And if you had an auto cover nullified in the past, be honest when your insurer asks about it. By avoiding these activities that compromise your cover, you can stay safe on the road and get the compensation you expect from your insurer when the time comes.
