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Car insurance policy FAQs

For FAQs relating to our breakdown assistance cover please take a look at our Breakdown assistance FAQs page.

1. Can I get a quote if I don't have a registration number?

Yes. We understand that there may be circumstances where you won't have the registration number of the car you want to insure - it may be that you're thinking of changing cars and want to find out how much it would cost to insure. You can select from our list of cars to get a quotation, but if you decide that you want to buy a policy, then you will need to know the registration number.

Please note that you can't use the same no claim discount on more than one policy at the same time.

2. Can I cover a personally imported car?

Yes, but only if the car has been built for the United Kingdom market and has a United Kingdom registration number. We do not cover 'Grey' imports or cars not built specifically for sale in the United Kingdom.

3. Do I need to provide evidence of my no claim discount?

Yes, if you decide to take out a policy with us you will need to provide evidence of your no claim discount within 10 days. Please send us proof of your no claim discount within 10 days in the pre-paid envelope we will provide. Failure to do so within 24 days will result in your policy being cancelled.

Your proof of no claim discount is usually one of the documents in your renewal invitation from your most recent insurer. It shows the number of years' no claim discount you have earned. We only accept original proof from UK insurers, relating to a no claim discount which has been earned on a private car insurance policy. We cannot return your evidence of no claim discount once it has been used for your esure policy.

The document must show:

the number of years' no claim discount you've earned;
the expiry date of your last insurance policy; and
any claims you have made

If there has been a gap since your previous motor insurance expired, we will require a short covering letter giving the reasons for the break in cover.

We are unable to accept the following documents as proof of no claim discount:

If proof of no claim is over two years old.
Photocopies or faxes
Certificates of insurance
Insurance quotations
Proof of no claim already used on another policy
Broker or intermediary letters (however, there are some that we do accept, including the AA, RAC and AXA. If in doubt please call our contact centre)

If you already have a policy with us and are buying a second car on which you have not earned any no claim discount then please phone our contact centre on 0845 603 7874 as we may be able to give you an introductory discount.

If you have any difficulty in obtaining this proof, please call us on 0845 603 7874.

4. I've been driving a company car for the last few years. Will you give me a no claim discount?

If you are a company car user who is moving to your own insurance then we will require a letter from your employer confirming:

that you were the sole user of the company vehicle;
the dates you were covered under the company car scheme,
details of any claims which occurred during this period and whether these were settled on a fault or non fault basis; and
that you no longer have a company car and that no more than 3 months have elapsed since you left the company car scheme.

5. What is protected no claim discount for life?

Protected no claim discount for life guarantees that you will not lose your no claim discount for the life of your policy, regardless of the number of claims you may have providing your policy remains in force and you continue to be eligible for this benefit. You may be able to add it for an additional annual premium at the start of your period of cover, if you have four or more years’ no claim discount. No claim discount protection for life can only be added to your policy at the start of the period of cover, and is a benefit that relates to your no claim discount only. It does not protect you against any other changes in your premium.

6. Can you explain the full claims process to me?

If you would like some more information about making a claim on your car insurance, click here to go to our car insurance Claims FAQs page.

7. What should I do if my circumstances change during the period of insurance?

You must tell us immediately if any of the following happens:

you change your car
you make modifications or changes to your car which improves its value, performance, appearance or attractiveness to thieves. This includes, but is not restricted to, changes to the engine, engine management or exhaust system, changes to the wheels or suspension system, changes to the bodywork, such as spoilers or body kits or changes to the windows, such as tinting
you want to use your car for a purpose not included in your Schedule
you become aware of any medical or physical condition of any driver covered by your policy which may affect their ability to drive
you or any other driver covered by your policy are convicted of a motoring offence other than fixed-penalty parking offences
you or any other driver covered by your policy is involved in an accident whilst driving another vehicle or suffers a loss, such as a theft, of any other vehicle or makes a claim on any other motor insurance policy
you change the address at which you normally keep your car
you or any other driver covered by your policy are convicted of any offence relating to fraud, arson or dishonesty
you or any other driver covered by your policy change occupation
you change your annual mileage
you or any other driver covered by your policy cease to be a permanent UK resident

We may then re-assess your cover and premium. If you do not tell us about any relevant changes, we may:

reject or reduce your claim; or
declare your policy null and void.

Please call us on 0845 603 7874 to make any changes to your policy.

8. Am I covered when I drive abroad?

Your policy will provide the cover required for Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, and during sea journeys between these places.
It also provides the MINIMUM cover you need by law to use your car in:

any country which is a member of the European Union; and
any other country for which the Commission of the European Community is satisfied that arrangements have been made to meet the requirements of EC Directives on insurance.

If you ask, we can provide an international motor insurance certificate (Green Card). This will provide less cover than you have at home. The maximum period that you are covered for is 90 days.

In return for any extra premium and an administration fee we may charge, we'll extend the level of cover provided by your policy to named countries in Europe, and certain other countries outside Europe, as well as giving you an international motor insurance certificate (Green Card). This extension to your level of cover doesn't include motoring legal protection and breakdown assistance cover. Your car will also be covered while being carried by a recognised carrier between those countries for the period shown on the Green Card.

9. What can I use my car for?

Your online cover allows use of your car for social, domestic and pleasure purposes, commuting to and from a permanent place of work and allows personal business use for you and your spouse/civil partner/partner, if named on the policy.

You are not covered to use your car for commercial travelling, any purpose in connection with the motor trade, carriage of goods or passengers for hire or reward, racing, pacemaking, speed testing, rallies, trials, competitions, 4x4 off road events and track days.
If you want any other people to use your car for business purposes, please call us on 0845 603 7874.

10. How do I get my Certificate of Motor Insurance?

Your Certificate of Motor Insurance is held on our system and will be posted to your contact address by first class mail.

11. Does your policy cover me to drive other cars?

There are certain occupations where cover to drive other cars is not provided and also some age limitations. We'll tell you during the quote if this cover is not available. Full details of this extension are detailed in the policy booklet.

12. How can I pay for my esure policy?

We offer our customers a choice of easy payment methods. You can choose to pay your premium in a lump sum by debit card or credit card. Or, if you prefer, for an additional charge, the cost of your car policy can be spread over the year by paying instalments by direct debit. Paying online is via secure server, which uses advanced encryption technology to ensure your details are safe during transmission.

We accept the following credit and debit cards:

Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Maestro logos

13. What should I do if I don't want you to send me any marketing material?

You can email us at dpo@esure.com or write to the Data Protection Officer, esure, The Observatory, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0SG stating your name, address and policy number if applicable.

14. What should I do if my insurance policy is no longer suitable for my needs?

If your insurance policy does not meet your needs or if you are dissatisfied with the cover provided by your policy, please call our contact centre on 0845 603 7874 to discuss your options.

Your cancellation rights are provided in your policy booklet.

15. How do I complain?

We're committed to providing you with a first class service but we recognise that there may be an occasion when you feel we may not have done this and you wish to make a complaint. We will always try to resolve any complaint speedily and at the earliest possible stage.

In the first instance, please call us.

If it is about our customer service,
Call 0845 603 7874 about car insurance
Call 0845 601 7074 about home insurance

If it is about your insurance claim,
Call 0845 603 7970 about your car insurance claim
Call 0845 601 7076 about your home insurance claim

We will try to resolve your complaint on receipt but if this is not possible then we will send you a written acknowledgement no later than four working days after we receive your complaint. This will tell you the name of the person handling your complaint and enclose our complaints procedure leaflet.

We will write to you to confirm our resolution of your complaint. If we have not resolved it within four weeks, we will write to you again and tell you when we expect to give you our decision.

In the unlikely event that the problem hasn't been solved to your satisfaction, you may contact our Customer Relations Manager who will review your complaint and send you our final decision in writing. Our Customer Relations Manager acts with the full authority of our Chief Executive. The address of our Customer Relations Manager is:

The Customer Relations Manager
esure
The Observatory
Reigate
Surrey
RH2 0SG

If we have not resolved your complaint within eight weeks, or if your complaint is still not resolved to your satisfaction, you have the right to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. The contact details for the Financial Ombudsman Service are:

Financial Ombudsman Service
South Quay Plaza 2
183 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SR
Telephone: 0845 080 1800
www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

The Financial Ombudsman Service will handle most complaints you might have, but there are some instances that fall outside its authority. The Ombudsman's decision is binding upon us, but you are free to reject it without affecting your legal rights.

16. How do I know if my cover has been accepted?

Once you've entered your payment details, the "payment confirmation" page will be displayed. This page is confirmation of your cover, and will display your policy number and cover start date. Your policy documents, including your Certificate of Motor Insurance will be posted to you by first class post.

17. How can I renew my policy?

Before the renewal date of your policy, we will provide you with details of the terms on which your policy may be renewed.

If you pay your premium by direct debit:

Your policy will automatically be renewed on these terms.
In the event that you do not wish to renew your policy, you should tell us before the renewal date.
If you do not tell us and your policy is renewed, we will continue to make deductions from your bank account for the new premium.

If we are unable to offer you a policy we will let you know and you may be provided with details of the terms (including any changes to existing terms) on which your cover will continue via another insurer. By taking out this policy you agree that your data may be used to allow an alternative insurer to provide you with these terms before your existing policy expires.

If you pay your premium by direct debit and your insurer changes at renewal:

Your policy will automatically be renewed by the alternative insurer.
In the event that you do not wish to renew your policy with the alternative insurer, you should tell them before the renewal date.
If you do not tell them and your policy is renewed, deductions will continue to be taken from your bank account for the new premium.

18. Can I renew my policy if I haven't yet received my renewal invitation?

About 4 weeks before your policy is due for renewal, we'll provide you with the details of the terms on which your policy may be renewed. However, you can renew your policy up to 6 weeks before the renewal date. To do this please call our Customer Service Department on 0845 603 7874 (office hours : Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 2pm.)

19. Can I renew my policy on this website?

Yes, some car insurance policies can be renewed online. Your renewal invitation will tell you if you can use this facility.

20. Do you offer competitive rates for women drivers?

At esure we like to think we offer competitive rates to drivers with over 4 years no claim discount. However if you are looking for car insurance designed specifically with women in mind why not take a look at our sister brand Sheilas’ Wheels for a car insurance quote.