Frequently asked questions – car insurance

Purchasing my policy

  • Can I get immediate insurance cover?

    Yes, providing you have a debit or credit card we can start your cover immediately. If you wish to pay by direct debit you will also need to have your bank details to hand.

  • I have selected the wrong start date, can I change it?

    You cannot amend the date a policy is due to start. Please call our cancellations team on 0333 321 9788, who will be able to cancel your policy and requote you for the correct start date.

  • Are my details secure over the internet?

    Yes, we use industry standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption technology to keep your personal information and credit/debit details as secure as possible.


General enquiries

  • Why have you asked me to send in my driving licence?

    As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce insurance premiums it is vital that we reduce fraudulent claims. We randomly spot-check the information provided by customers to ensure it is accurate, as this is how the insurers rate policies and determine price.

    To help with this, you have been randomly selected to send us your documentation in order to validate your insurance policy. We will return the documents to you securely.

  • If I have an accident will I get a courtesy car?

    Providing you have comprehensive cover and you use the nominated repairer you will get a courtesy car for the duration of your repair once the work has started. This is subject to availability and not available in the event of a total loss claim. Should the nominated repairer experience any delays with the repair which are outside of their control, they reserve the right to withdraw the courtesy car.

  • If my car is damaged by fire or damaged as a result of a theft or attempted theft will I get a courtesy car?

    Providing you have comprehensive or Third Party Fire & Theft cover and you use your insurer's nominated repairer you will get a courtesy car for the duration of your repair once the work has started. This is subject to availability and not available in the event of a total loss claim. Should the nominated repairer experience any delays with the repair which are outside of their control, they reserve the right to withdraw the courtesy car.

  • Can I drive abroad?

    Yes, you're covered to drive anywhere in the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Serbia. The level of cover and number of days vary, so check your policy documents for full details.

    If no Brexit deal is reached, or a transitional period agreed, from the date the UK leaves the EU, you'll need to provide a Green Card at European borders to prove you're insured.

  • What do I do if I have lost my certificate?

    We can send you a new certificate, however a fee of £5 may apply.
    Please call customer services on 0333 321 9679 .

  • Do I have windscreen cover?

    Yes, if you have a People's Choice comprehensive policy you are usually automatically covered for replacement or repair of a windscreen.

  • Am I insured to drive another car?

    Yes, providing you are over 25 when you take out your policy with us, most People's Choice policies cover you to drive any other private car on a third party only basis, provided the vehicle is insured, the owner has given permission and it is not owned by yourself as the policyholder. Hire purchase or lease agreed vehicles are not permitted and this is for the policy holder only, named drivers are not included.

    This is subject to terms and conditions shown in your policy and where this cover is provided it will be clearly stated on your certificate of insurance.

  • Will you insure my car if it has modifications?

    Any modifications that improve your car's value, performance, handling or attractiveness may be unacceptable. Please call one of our sales advisors on 0333 321 9788 for confirmation.

  • Can I give permission for other people to speak to you on my behalf?

    For security reasons, we can only deal with you, the named policyholder. You can, however, nominate another person to contact us on your behalf if necessary. You will have to provide permission and the nominated person(s) details. For security purposes, we will keep their details on file. Named drivers do not automatically have authorisation to discuss the policy or make any amendments, unless you have given permission.

  • How do I get in contact about my policy?

    Monday–Friday | 8am-7pm
    Saturday | 9am-5pm
    Sunday | 9am-1pm
    Bank holidays | 9am-5pm


Amending my policy

  • What if I want to change some details on my policy?

    Amendments to your policy may include a charge of £25 plus the insurer charge. Please see Our fees for details.

  • I have just incurred a motoring conviction - do I need to advise you straight away?

    You can call us at anytime to advise if you have incurred a conviction. However, it does not need to be added onto your policy until your next renewal.

  • I am moving home - will this affect my premium?

    Yes, your address details are one of the criteria your policy is rated on. Your premium will be adjusted accordingly. Please call our customer services team on 0333 321 9679 for details

  • Can I add drivers on to my policy?

    Yes, providing they meet with the insurer's terms and conditions. Please call our customer services team on 0333 321 9679 for a quote.

  • What if my driving licence type changes?

    If your licence type changes after you have taken out a policy you are required to let your insurer know. Changes to your licence can cause your premium to change substantially. Examples of changes to licence can include: provisional to full license or change of licence category. Further information on driving licences can be found at GOV.UK Driving licences.

    If you need to update your policy or have any other questions relating to this topic please contact our Customer Services team on 0333 321 9679 who will be happy to help you.


My no claims discount

  • Can I protect my no claims discount?

    Yes, providing you have 4 or more years we can usually protect this for an additional premium. We may also be able to offer protection if you have 1 year, although the premium will be higher.

    Protected no claims will ensure your discount remains intact even if you have an accident and need to make a claim. To remain eligible, you can make up to two claims in a three year period.

    No claims discount protection does not protect the overall price of your insurance policy. The price of your policy may increase following an accident even if you were not at fault

  • What do I need to send in as my proof of no claims discount?

    We will always try to contact your previous insurer to confirm your no claims discount. As long as you have provided their details, you should not have to send in any documents. However, if we cannot confirm this information, we will ask you to send in either your most recent renewal invite or a letter confirming your no claims discount from your previous insurer.

  • I have missed a direct debit payment. What should I do?

    You will need to discuss your options with our accounts team. Please call 0333 321 9679 .

  • I can't afford to pay for my insurance. What should I do?

    You will need to discuss your options with our accounts team. Please call 0333 321 9679 .

  • Why has my direct debit amount changed?

    If you make any changes to your policy your remaining direct debit instalments will be adjusted accordingly.

  • I no longer want my insurance policy so I have cancelled my direct debit. Will this cancel my policy?

    No, cancelling your direct debit only means you will stop making payments to us. Your policy will still be in force so you will still be required to pay for your days on cover. If you no longer need insurance please call our cancellations team on 0333 321 9679 Fees apply.


Renewing my policy

  • Will my policy automatically renew?

    Yes, to make things easier for you, in most cases we operate on an automatic renewal basis. Your renewal documents will clarify what type of policy you have and whether it is set to automatically renew.

  • Can I opt out of automatic renewal?

    If you would prefer us not to automatically renew your policy please call our renewals team on 0333 321 9679 .

  • How do I cancel my renewal?

    Please call our renewals team to cancel on 0333 321 9679 .

  • Will I be charged if I cancel my renewal before the start date?

    No, the cancellation fees are only applicable once the policy is in force.

  • What happens if my policy has renewed automatically but I have taken insurance elsewhere?

    We will need to see a copy of your certificate from your new insurer. Providing the certificate shows you took the policy on your renewal date we will issue a refund of any payment we have taken and cancel your renewal from the inception date.

  • What happens if I have an on-going claim, or have had a claim after my renewal quote was issued?

    Any claim that is still being resolved will affect your renewal price. It will be assessed as a worst case scenario in all cases and once the claim is settled your premium will be adjusted accordingly.

  • How do I stop my policy from renewing?

    Unless you've opted out, your policy will renew automatically on your renewal date. Auto renewing doesn't cost any more, it just keeps things simple for you and makes sure you're never left without insurance.

    If you want to stop your policy from renewing, give us a call on 0333 321 9750 . You can also opt out of auto renewal at any time by changing your preferences in MyAccount. This will make sure that, unless you tell us otherwise, your policy will end on your renewal date and you’ll no longer be insured by us.

    If you don't want to renew because you’ve had your renewal quote and aren't happy with the price, please call us on the numbers below. We can talk you through your options and may be able to find a better solution.

  • How can I contact you about my renewal?

    There are lots of ways to get in touch.

    If you need your renewal quote

    Your renewal invite will be available in MyAccount around three weeks before your renewal date. All you need to do is log in and check the details are correct and you're happy with your renewal price. If you want to go ahead, simply go to the renewals section to accept your renewal and arrange payment (if required).

    Your renewal price should match the price you would be offered for a like-for-like quote as a new customer. If you do find a new quote from us that has the same details but is a cheaper price, just get in touch on 0333 321 9750 and we’ll take a look.

    To discuss your quote

    If you want to talk to us about your quote or you've found a better price with a different insurer, please do get in touch on 0333 321 9750 . We can go through all your options and are often able to find a better solution for you.

    You can update your policy in MyAccount up to three days before your renewal date. Simply:

    1. Log in, select View policy and choose the policy you want to change.

    2. Select the change you want to make and add your new information.

    3. You'll be given a quote, which includes any change to your total price and any fees you need to pay.

    4. Select continue if you want to go ahead. If the change lowers your price you'll be due a refund. Or if your price has gone up, you can choose how to pay.

    To pay for your renewal

    Unless you’ve opted out, your policy will renew automatically on your renewal date. So, if you're happy with your renewal quote and we have payment details for you, there's no need to do anything.

    However, we may have asked you to get in touch if, for example, your payment card is expiring so please call us on 0333 321 9750 .

    Paying for your car insurance renewal

    In most cases, you can pay online in MyAccount.

    1. Log in and select Renewals.

    2. Follow the instructions on how to make a payment.

    3. If you get stuck, just start a webchat and we'll guide you through the steps.

    Your policy will still renew without payment but you’ll need to arrange payment as soon as possible to avoid any charges.

    If you're worried about paying for your renewal

    Please get in touch as soon as possible on 0333 321 9750 .

    We can talk you through your payment options and may be able to find a payment plan that's more affordable for you.

    Please don’t cancel any payments or Direct Debits without speaking to us first. Missing payments means you run the risk of your policy being cancelled and we don't want you to be left without insurance.

    If you don't want to renew with us

    All you need to do is give us a call on 0333 321 9750 . Your policy will then end at 11.59pm on the day before your renewal date. You'll no longer be insured by us so please make sure you've got alternative cover elsewhere.

  • Can I opt out of automatic renewal?

    Yes, you can. Auto renewing doesn't cost any more, it just keeps things simple for you and makes sure you're never left without insurance.

    If you want to stop your policy from renewing, give us a call on 0333 321 9750 . You can also opt out of auto renewal at any time by changing your preferences in MyAccount. This will make sure that, unless you tell us otherwise, your policy will end on your renewal date and you'll no longer be insured by us.

  • When will I receive my renewal quote?

    Your renewal invite will be available in MyAccount around three weeks before your renewal date. All you need to do is log in and check the details are correct and you’re happy with your renewal price.

    Unless you’ve opted out, your policy will renew automatically on your renewal date. Auto renewing doesn’t cost any more, it just keeps things simple for you and makes sure you’re never left without insurance. If you’ve opted out of automatic renewals, please call us on 0333 321 9750 to let us know you want to stay or simply opt back in to renew automatically.

    If you've found a better quote – please do get in touch on 0333 321 9750 . We can go through all your options and are often able to find a better solution for you.

    If you're worried about paying - Please get in touch as on 0333 321 9750 soon as possible. We can talk you through your payment options and may be able to find a payment plan that's more affordable for you. All conversations are confidential and if it's easier, we can talk to a relative, friend or debt counselling organisation about your account - we'll just need your OK first.

    If you need to change your details - You can update your car insurance in MyAccount up to three days before your renewal date. Simply:

    1. Log in, select View policy and choose the policy you want to change.

    2. Select the change you want to make and add your new information.

    3. You'll be given a quote, which includes any change to your total price and any fees you need to pay.

    4. Select continue if you want to go ahead. If the change lowers your price you’ll be due a refund. Or if your price has gone up, you can choose how to pay.

    5. If you don't want to carry on, select Cancel changes.

  • Can I renew my policy online?

    Yes, you can renew your car policies in MyAccount.

    However, unless you’ve opted out, your policy will renew automatically on your renewal date. So, if you're happy with your renewal quote and we have payment details for you, there's no need to do anything.

    If you've previously told us you didn't want to renew automatically, making a renewal payment before your renewal date will mean your insurance continues for another year. Simply:

    1. Log in and select the Renewals tab.

    2. Select accept and then fill in your card details to pay.

    Your renewal price should match the price you would be offered for a like-for-like quote as a new customer. If you do find a new quote from us that has the same details but is a cheaper price, just get in touch on 0333 321 9750 and we’ll take a look.

  • Will I be charged if I don't want to go ahead with my renewal?

    Unless you've opted out, your policy will renew automatically on your renewal date. If you don’t want this to happen, just give us a call on the number below. Your policy will then end at 11.59pm on the day before your renewal date and you won’t be charged anything. You'll no longer be insured by us so please make sure you've got cover elsewhere.

    Alternatively, you can call us on 0333 321 9750 on to let us know you don't want to renew with us.

    If your policy automatically renewed but you're insured elsewhere

    No problem, just call us on 0333 321 9750 and we'll cancel your policy from your renewal date without charge. Your new policy needs to have started on your renewal date so we may ask you to send a copy of your new insurance certificate to confirm this.

    You also have a 14-day cooling off period from your renewal date to cancel without paying a cancellation fee. However, you'll still need to pay for any days you've been insured for from your renewal date.

  • Will my renewal price be the same as if I bought a new policy from you?

    Yes, your renewal should match the price you would be offered for a like-for-like quote as a new customer.

    If you decide to shop around and find a cheaper quote from us online, the first thing you need to do is check the details to make sure all the information is like-for-like and it’s the same type of policy. If everything matches, all you need to do is get in touch on 0333 321 9750 so we can take a look.

    You should also contact us if you have any questions about your renewal or you want to know what other options are available. Most people who talk to us end up staying, so it’s worth a quick call to chat it through.


Making a claim

  • I have had an accident. How do I make a claim?

    If you need to report a claim, you must report it as soon as possible and call our 24 hour helpline, details of which are in your policy documents.

  • How quickly do I need to report an accident?

    All claims should be reported as soon as possible and, at the latest, within 48 hours of the incident.

  • Why do I need to tell you about an accident so quickly?

    By notifying us as soon as possible about an accident, we can settle your claim quicker and, if your car is repairable, notify one of our approved repairers as soon as possible. Furthermore, quickly notifying us of the accident means the details of the incident are fresh in your mind and will help us mitigate the costs involved in dealing with your claim, helping us to keep our prices as low as possible.

  • What is a total loss?

    If the cost of the repairs is more than your vehicle's current market value, it is likely we will consider it to be beyond economic repair. This is often referred to as a total loss. In these cases, we will make you an offer for your vehicle based on it's market value. Please refer to your policy booklet for full details.

  • What happens if my car has been stolen/set on fire?

    Once you have registered a claim, our Validation team will arrange a telephone conversation with you to discuss the circumstances and what will happen next.

  • What is an uninsured loss?

    These are costs you may incur as a result of an accident, that are not already covered by your motor insurance policy. For example, the policy excess. If you have additional products on your policy, like legal protection, the provider may be able to assist in recovering reasonable costs from the person responsible.

  • What happens if the accident is not my fault?

    Our main concern is to get your vehicle repaired or settlement out to you if it is a total loss. We will then try to recover our outlay from the responsible party. If we are successful then making the claim will not affect your no claims discount.

  • What happens if the accident is my fault?

    If you have a comprehensive policy we will arrange for your vehicle to be repaired or settled on a total loss basis, we will also endeavour to contact the third party and assist them in settling their claim as quickly as possible. If you receive any correspondence from any other parties involved in the incident please forward it to us and we will try and respond on your behalf.

  • How long will my claim take to settle?

    Every claim is different so we are unable to put a timeframe on how long it will take to conclude. We will, however, endeavour to process your claim as quickly as possible with minimal disruption and keep you informed every step of the way.


Other services

  • Do you offer legal expenses cover?

    This is an additional product. Our legal expenses cover, managed by Arc on behalf of Inter Partner Assistance SA, provides you with assistance when claiming for the following in the event of an accident that is not your fault.

    • Compensation for not being able to use your vehicle
    • Any excess you may have paid under your motor insurance policy
    • Compensation if you or any passenger are injured or killed
    • Compensation for damage to your clothes, luggage or personal belongings
    • Reasonable costs for a hire vehicle whilst yours is being repaired
    • Repair costs if you don't have comprehensive motor insurance cover
    • You are covered for claims reported within 180 days of your accident
    • Legal costs to defend prosecution arising from a motoring offence
    • 24/7 Legal advice.

    You are not covered for:

    • Any legal costs you pay before Arc agree to pay them
    • Any claim if there is less than a 50% probability of success

    The insurer is Inter Partner Assistance SA. Full terms and conditions can be found in our optional extras booklet. You may be able to get legal support after an accident without this policy, but you would need to arrange this yourself.

  • Do you offer personal accident cover?

    Personal accident is an optional extra available to you. It provides valuable benefit for death or certain specified injuries following an accident in the insured car. Also, cover is provided for your clothing and personal effects following a road rage incident. Please check your policy documents to see if this is included. If you would like to add this to your policy call 0333 321 9679 for details.

  • When can I add optional extras onto my policy?

    Some extras can be added at any point in your policy, please call our customer services team on 0333 321 9679 for details.

    Do you offer breakdown cover?

    Breakdown cover is not included in your policy; however it is available as an optional extra.

    RAC

    We offer four levels of breakdown cover; roadside recovery, UK recovery, home service, and European cover. If your vehicle can't be driven because of a breakdown, your insurer will arrange for the service as shown below.

    Service Roadside Roadside
    & Recovery
    Roadside,
    Recovery &
    at home
    European motoring assistance
    Misfueling in the UK
    UK-wide coverage
    Roadside assistance
    Caravan and trailer service
    Recovery away from home
    Emergency driver
    Cover at home
    Cover in Europe

Cancelling my policy

  • What if I change my mind and no longer require the policy?

    You can cancel your policy at any time. Cancellation, however, is subject to our fee — which is £25 if cover has not started or within the first 14 days and £45 at all other times — plus whatever your insurer will charge for your time on cover. Please see full terms and conditions for details.

  • Will I have to cancel my policy if I buy a new car?

    No, in most cases we can simply change your vehicle details on your policy. Depending on your new vehicle, the premium will be adjusted accordingly. Please call our customer services team on 0844 879 3103 for a quote.

  • How do I cancel my renewal?

    Please call our renewals team to cancel on 0333 321 9679 .

  • If I cancel my policy, what are the fees?

    Cancellation is subject to our fee — which is £25 if cover has not started or within the first 14 days and £45 at all other times — plus the insurer charge for your time on cover. Please see full terms and conditions for details.

  • I no longer want my insurance policy so I have cancelled my direct debit. Will this cancel my policy?

    No, cancelling your direct debit only means you will stop making payments to us. Your policy will still be in force so you will still be required to pay for your days on cover. If you no longer need insurance you will need to speak to our cancellations team and cancelling is subject to our fee — which is £25 if cover has not started or within the first 14 days and £45 at all other times — plus whatever your insurer will charge for your time on cover.

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