Motor insurance can be tough to navigate by yourself, especially when you’re just starting and aren’t familiar with the terminology. You need a step-by-step motor insurance application to get through the process successfully.
We all know that getting quotes from different providers is the first step in choosing the right insurance. However, deciding which provider you want to go with can be stressful and confusing.
If you don’t know what to do or where to start, don’t worry about that. Our guide on applying for motor insurance will take you through each step to make this process easier. So stick with me till the end of this post and without further ado, let’s get started.
Step-by-step Motor Insurance Application
Fill in your details
Once you have narrowed down your shortlist of providers, it’s time to put some details into their online application forms. Most people assume they need a certificate from their employer or a letter from a professional. Insurers don’t ask for any proof of income at all.
Just note that all you need is your National Insurance number, email address, and—for younger drivers—the vehicle registration number. As long as you can provide these things, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get cover. If you still want to prove that you’re earning money, there are two ways you can do so.
It’s either by including a recent payslip with your application form or providing bank statements showing regular deposits. This is particularly important if you’re buying car insurance on behalf of a company rather than yourself.
It’s also worth noting that most insurers will only accept one submission per day when you apply online. So, if you make multiple applications within 24 hours, only one of them will go through.
Choose your cover
Motor insurers have a variety of options when it comes to cover. Liability cover is mandatory, and you’ll need at least third-party cover. Third-party, fire, and theft are common forms of optional motor insurance.
Most common among these is comprehensive cover, which includes fire and theft and protection against damage. Comprehensive policies often include other add-ons such as personal accident cover, windscreen replacement, and legal expenses. You can usually find out more about each type of policy from an insurer’s website.
You probably want to know how much you should pay for your premium; try some car insurance calculator. It shows how much different levels of cover would cost. However, this is based on factors like your age, where you live, and the number of points on your license.
Upload photo proof of address
One of the first steps in applying for car insurance is to prove you’re an existing UK resident, for example. You can do so by providing three pieces of proof of address documentation. This includes a photo ID, a recent utility bill, and an official bank statement.
Insurers will have your name and residential address on file with these documents. They’ll also be able to verify that you are who you say you are—the most important part of getting coverage. After all, they don’t want to insure someone who isn’t going to pay them back if something happens.
The easiest way to get these documents is by uploading photos of each one into your quote request form. Just take a picture with your phone or digital camera and upload it directly onto their site. It’s that easy.
Make sure to include your current address when filling out any forms online. It may seem obvious, but it can often slip people’s minds when they start filling out long forms online. Don’t forget your address, because you might not receive any correspondence from them about your policy.
Whenever they want to contact you about anything related to your policy, they won’t know where to send it. That could mean extra delays and frustration for both you and them. So make sure to double-check your details before submitting anything. For example, if you’ve recently moved home, make sure to enter your new address instead of your old one.
Choose your excess
There are several options regarding how much cash you’re willing to risk when an accident occurs. The most popular choice is ‘excess,’ but you can also opt for a higher deductible or named driver exclusion. Each option has its pros and cons.
Therefore, we advise you to consider your circumstances, affordability, and driving style before making a decision. Choosing a competitive excess is one of the main ways you can save money on car insurance. The higher your excess, the lower your premium will be.
We recommend finding out how much it would cost to repair or replace your vehicle. After that, you can select an excess slightly higher than that figure. This way, if you need to make a claim, you won’t have lost too much cash.
You should remember that most policies include compulsory excess of £200 – so don’t forget about that when calculating your overall costs. The other options are ‘named driver exclusion’ and ‘higher deductible’. Both of these options mean you take more financial responsibility in case of an accident.
Buy online
Once you’ve selected a policy, it’s time to purchase it. However, before doing so, there are a few things you need to know about your choices for purchasing. Some insurers will allow you to pay for your new policy online.
Some might require you to call them directly or visit their office in person. Each insurer has its process and requirements, so be sure to ask questions if something isn’t clear.
Also, remember that payment methods vary from company to company. For example, some companies only accept credit cards as payment, while others only accept cashier’s checks or money orders. Asking these questions up front can save you time and frustration later on.
Finally, keep in mind that policies purchased online won’t take effect until after they review by an underwriter. In most cases, approval is automatic once you submit all of your information correctly. With this step-by-step motor insurance application guide, you should have all it takes.
