A word to the wise comes from Direct Line with a reminder that any modifications made to a vehicle change the risk profile and therefore the insurance premium.
Lots of car owners are making changes to their vehicles now, personalising them with new wheels, sound systems and much more. Drivers are advised by Direct Line to get in touch with their car insurance provider to let them know about these modifications and enable them to recalculate the premium. If this is not done then the vehicle insurance could well be invalid should a claim be made.
A Direct Line spokesperson did say that modifications that improve the safety or security of a vehicle would not usually see premiums increased, though most mods are usually about enhancing the looks or performance of a vehicle and so would incur costs.
Technology is not always right is the message being sent out by car insurance companies such as Direct Line, suggesting drivers should not take the advice of the system blindly.
There have been many occasions when drivers have followed the route given to them by a sat-nav system only to find themselves heading down narrow farm tracks and through deep water. They carry on regardless though feeling that the satellite navigation system cannot be wrong. A big mistake say Direct Line since they have seen an increase in claims because of situations just like these.
If the situation continues then car insurance premiums are sure to rise, a scenario no one wants to see. Direct Line and other car insurance providers have to increase the premiums because of the extra costs they face so it is down to the drivers to make sure they use sat nav as an aid, trusting their own driving knowledge first and foremost.
Being caught using a mobile whilst in the car is going to prove even more costly as insurers will increase premiums for those charged says AA Insurance.
Having checked the situation with 8 different insurance companies across the market AA Insurance found that premiums could cost between 4 and 18 percent more because of a mobile phone offence. This can easily add GBP40 or more to the average annual premium.
A spokesman from AA Insurance explained that using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving means reduced vehicle control, slower reaction times and a heightened risk of an accident. Therefore premiums are naturally going to be more as the risk is greater.
Looking for a great deal on car insurance? Find excellent prices and cover with AA Car Insurance.