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Car insurance information

Questions

Buying a policy
  1. What can I do online?
  2. Can I get immediate cover?
  3. Why do I need a password?
  4. What is the difference between comprehensive and third party fire and theft insurance?
  5. Your system does not recognise the make and model of my car - what should I do?
  6. I am trying to get a car insurance quote but your database will not recognise my address.
  7. I am trying to get a car insurance quote but your database will not recognise my vehicle registration number.
  8. I need to enter details of claims and/or convictions. Can I still get a quote online?
  9. How old do I need to be to obtain an online quotation from your website?
  10. When will I receive my insurance documents?
  11. What document would I have to submit as proof of no claims discount?
  12. Will you insure my car if it has modifications?
  13. Can you provide insurance for my vehicle if it has been imported?
  14. Can I insure two cars at the same time?
  15. Can I receive an online quote if I do not have a registration number yet?
  16. How do I retrieve a saved car quote?
  17. I have a provisional licence. Can I still get a quote from you?
  18. If I have a foreign licence, how do I get a quote from you?
  19. Are my spouse and I covered for our business use with our Churchill car insurance policy?
  20. How do I add a driver to my car insurance policy?
  21. How do I get a pass plus discount?
  22. What is multi-car discount?
  23. Can I continue to insure my old car whilst I am trying to sell it?
  24. If I am buying a new car, how do I transfer my existing policy over to the new vehicle?
  25. Do you provide cover for trailer tents?
  26. Who underwrites your car insurance?


Answers

Buying a policy
  1. What can I do online?

    Get a quote, buy a policy and check our road safety advice.

  2. Can I get immediate cover?

    Yes, providing you have a credit or debit card or the facility to pay by Direct Debit we can issue you with immediate cover, this is subject to normal terms and conditions. Please note that if you choose to pay by Direct Debit we may require a deposit from you, payable by credit or debit card.

  3. Why do I need a password?

    We will ask you to save your quote with a password to ensure that no one other than you can view or alter your personal details. This password will enable you to access your personal details and save you having to enter them again.

  4. What is the difference between comprehensive and third party fire and theft insurance?

    Comprehensive covers damage to your car as a result of accident, fire or theft as well as cover for windscreen damage. You are also covered for third party damage if you have an accident. Comprehensive cover includes other items such as personal accident, injury, death of policyholder, medical expenses, personal effects and in-car entertainment.

    Third party fire and theft covers damage to your car as a result of fire or theft and covers for third party damage if you have an accident.



  5. Your system does not recognise the make and model of my car - what should I do?

    Sometimes we are unable to identify the make and model of your car just from the registration mark. When this happens, leave the registration field blank, you will then be asked to search for your car’s make and model manually. Once you have done this, the system will display a list of vehicle models. You should select the model from this list. If you are unable to find the exact car details, please call us on 0800 200 326.

  6. I am trying to get a car insurance quote but your database will not recognise my address.

    Our system relies on a house name or number, and full postcode, which we check via the Royal Mail registered address listings. Our database is updated every six months and should therefore be able to recognise your address. We are aware that there are a small number of properties, which, for a variety of reasons, do not appear on our site. We are currently working to eliminate this problem.

    If you require a quote urgently, then please contact us.



  7. I am trying to get a car insurance quote but your database will not recognise my vehicle registration number.

    In most cases you only have to enter your registration number on the first page and our system will find the exact vehicle details without having to go through the vehicle selection screens. Where our system cannot find the registration number, normally on very new cars that are only just registered, or you don't know the registration number (you may be looking to buy a new car) you are taken through selection screens that drill down through the manufacturer, model and year to a give a short list of vehicles that can then be selected from.



  8. I need to enter details of claims and/or convictions. Can I still get a quote online?

    Yes, we will be taking your driving history into account so we will ask you to enter details of any claims or convictions that you may have (there may be occasions when we need to discuss these details with you).

  9. How old do I need to be to obtain an online quotation from your website?

    To obtain an online quotation from our website you must be over 17 years of age and below 80 years of age.

  10. When will I receive my insurance documents?

    You will receive the documents that you request from us by post in 5 working days.

  11. What document would I have to submit as proof of no claims discount?

    The document you are required to submit as proof of your no claims discount is a renewal notice from your previous insurer.  If this does not state your no claims discount (NCD) entitlement or is not available to you simply call your previous insurer and request confirmation of your NCD that you can then forward on to us.



  12. Will you insure my car if it has modifications?

    Modifications that improve your car's value, performance, handling or attractiveness may be unacceptable. If you are unsure whether your vehicle modifications are acceptable or you have any questions, please call 0800 200 326 to speak to one of our Customer Service Assistants.

  13. Can you provide insurance for my vehicle if it has been imported?

    We will insure an imported car provided it can be found by its registration number, or you can find the exact model in our look up table. Age restrictions may apply for some imported cars.

  14. Can I insure two cars at the same time?

    We are able to extend your policy to cover more than one vehicle on a short-term basis.  If you would like to do this, please call us. If you need cover for a second vehicle on an ongoing basis you will need to set up a separate annual policy online.



  15. Can I receive an online quote if I do not have a registration number yet?

    Yes, you will still be able to obtain a quotation without the registration number.  Please fill in the relevant fields surrounding this question.  Once these are filled in please click on the continue button, which will then prompt you to choose the car details.



  16. How do I retrieve a saved car quote?

    If you have saved a quote and entered a password you can retrieve your quote using the retrieve quote function in the bottom right of the Churchill homepage. If you have done a quote but not saved it you will need to enter your details again.



  17. I have a provisional licence. Can I still get a quote from you?

    Yes - when you are asked for your type of licence, please select "provisional".



  18. If I have a foreign licence, how do I get a quote from you?

    If you have a foreign licence, please call us for a quote. Our site is only designed to give quotations for drivers with a UK licence.



  19. Are my spouse and I covered for our business use with our Churchill car insurance policy?

    To find out whether your existing policy includes business use, please check your policy documents or contact us and we'll check for you.

    If the occupation you selected is one of the following: Motor Trade, Retired, Housewife / Househusband, Drivers, Students and Unemployed, the vehicle may only be used for Social, Domestic or Pleasure purposes. For all other occupations the vehicle may be used in connection with your business or those of your spouse, partner or civil partner (not business partner). If you require additional drivers to have business use or are uncertain about the type of use you require, please contact us.



  20. How do I add a driver to my car insurance policy?

    We don't currently offer the facility to change or view policies online. Please call us to check and change your details.



  21. How do I get a pass plus discount?

    The pass plus discount is not available online - please call us to add it to your policy.



  22. What is multi-car discount?

    The multi-car discount will entitle you to a discount for two or more cars that are insured with Churchill when the policyholder of each car lives at the same address. We do not currently offer the multi-car discount online. Please call us to obtain a quote with multi-car discount.

  23. Can I continue to insure my old car whilst I am trying to sell it?

    We are able to extend your policy to cover more than one vehicle on a short-term basis.



  24. If I am buying a new car, how do I transfer my existing policy over to the new vehicle?

    If you are buying a new car and want to transfer you existing policy over, you would need to contact us at our customer services department and amend your current policy. There may be a variation in price and a change in the underwriting criteria for the new car, but this will be discussed with you.



  25. Do you provide cover for trailer tents?

    Our policy covers, on a Third Party Only (TPO) basis, any vehicle insured by us for towing a trailer (including a caravan, trailer tent or horse box) or disabled mechanically propelled vehicle (i.e. towing a broken down car) as allowed by law.  However, we are not liable for any claim arising from loss of the towed trailer or vehicle or property being carried in or on the towed trailer or vehicle and while such trailer or vehicle is being towed for reward.



  26. Who underwrites your car insurance?

    Churchill car insurance is underwritten by Churchill Insurance Company Limited.



No claims discount
  1. What does NCD stand for?

    NCD stands for No Claim Discount and it represents the number of years you have held a policy without making a claim or having a claim made against you. Any No Claim Discount that you have earned can only be used on one policy at a time.

  2. If my No Claim Discount (NCD) has been earned in another country, is it still acceptable?

    The policy must have been issued by an insurer from an EU country (proof must be written in English). NCD earned in Australia, New Zealand or South Africa is acceptable provided it is written in English and the NCD level is shown in years and not as a percentage.



  3. Do the years I've spent driving a company car count towards my no claims discount (NCD)?

    If you've previously driven a company car, not a pool car, including business and pleasure use, we may be able to offer you a no claims discount.  You must have surrendered the company car within the last year, be claim free and able to supply a letter from your employer to confirm this information.



  4. Can I use my NCD from my motorbike insurance for my car insurance?

    Yes, you can use your motorbike no claim discount for your car insurance, but only providing you have surrendered the motorbike policy.



  5. What is your no claims discount protection (NCDP) scheme on car insurance?

    Our no claim discount protection (NCDP) scheme is available to policyholders with either 4 or 5 years' discount. Under the scheme you will not suffer any loss of no claim discount if you make no more than:

    • One fault claim in a period of cover; or
    • Two fault claims in any three consecutive periods of cover


Service and cover
  1. Can I change or view my policy online?

    No. Our Customer Service pages are temporarily unavailable whilst we upgrade our online services. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and aim to have them available later this year.

  2. Does my policy cover me to drive abroad?

    Yes, we will automatically extend your existing cover to travel within the EU for up to 90 days. If you are travelling outside the EU you may wish to extend the level of cover you have in this country to the countries that you are visiting abroad.

  3. Does my policy cover me to drive other cars?

    It may well do. Each policy differs depending on customer requirements. We do not automatically insure you to drive other cars so you should check your Certificate of Motor Insurance to see if you are covered.

  4. How do I amend my car insurance policy?

    Please call us to check or change your details.



  5. If my vehicle is in a garage and I need to cover a hire car under my insurance, can I add it on?

    You can hire a car and cover it under your car insurance if your car is in a garage. The hire car can be used in the event of an accident, fire or theft claim. Just contact us with full details of the vehicle and the duration it is to be covered and we will add the vehicle on for you. A small charge may be made dependent on the vehicle details.



  6. Can I temporarily add a driver to my car insurance?

    You can temporarily add a driver to your car insurance. Please contact us with full details of the additional driver and we will add the driver for you. The charge will be dependent on the details of the risk.



  7. Why haven't I received a cover note for my car insurance policy?

    We do not issue cover notes, only Certificates of Insurance for the period of cover. These are sent out within four working days of the policy being accepted. We issue a confirmation email that is sent to you after accepting a policy on the Internet. This is usually sent to you within 24 hours.



  8. How can I view the car insurance policy documents?

    The car insurance policy documents are available to read online on this website.



  9. I normally receive my certificate with my renewal but I haven't this year. Where is it?

    When you receive your renewal letter, please read the "What to do now" box on the left hand side. If your policy is due to renew automatically, please check all your details are correct. If anything needs changing, please contact us. Your new certificate of insurance will then be sent to you after your renewal date.

  10. Can I get a copy of my car insurance certificate?

    Please call our customer service department to request this.



  11. If my car is going to be off the road, can I freeze my insurance payments?

    You are able to change the level of cover you have. If the car is not going to be used we can reduce your cover to Accidental Damage, Fire & Theft or just Fire and Theft only - this is known as a laid-up policy. We require that the car is kept in a locked garage, you have no road use whatsoever and the Certificate of Insurance must be returned. The premium will be adjusted to reflect the reduction in cover.

    Alternatively we can suspend the cover completely. Payments will need to be taken, however providing your suspension exceeds 28 days we will offer a return premium for the time you have spent on suspension in excess of this period. Please remember that if your car is off the road you need to inform the DVLA and request a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) certificate.



  12. Do I get a refund if I sell my car after paying my insurance premium?

    If you have paid an annual premium and the policy is cancelled prior to renewal date, a partial refund would be made (provided no claims have been made during the period of cover).



  13. What is your cancellation procedure including refunds for car insurance?

    Our cancellation procedure requires you to send the Certificate of Motor Insurance along with a covering letter to us. Once we receive the Certificate, we will then cancel your policy and calculate the refund from the date we receive the certificate. This is provided no claim (that would normally affect No Claims Discount) has arisen since inception or last renewal date. If a claim has been made the full annual premium normally remains payable following cancellation. Any refund will depend on when you wish to cancel your policy. A cancellation fee may apply. This fee reflects the administrative costs of providing the policy. Our current cancellation rates can be found on your Schedule, or call us. Where a policy is being paid by instalments there may be an outstanding balance to be settled following cancellation. If you cancel before your policy is due to start, we will return any premium you have paid in full. There are several alternatives to cancellation that may apply including substituting the vehicle on cover, reducing the level of cover and suspending the policy.



  14. Can I use a hands free kit with my mobile phone when driving?

    It is illegal to hold a hand held mobile phone or similar device while driving a motor vehicle. It is also illegal to hold a mobile phone and use it for texting, internet access or video operation while driving a motor vehicle.  There are various penalties imposed if you get caught.

    Provided that a mobile phone can be operated without holding it, a hands-free kit with a mobile phone is not prohibited by the regulation.

    However, hands-free kits can be distracting and you risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of a vehicle if you use a hands free kit when driving.  If there is an incident, the use of a hands free kit with a mobile phone might result in charges of careless or dangerous driving.

    Further information about the use of mobile phones when driving can be obtained on the Department for Transport website.



Churchill Legal Assistance Service
  1. How much cover does Churchill Legal Assistance Service (CLAS) provide?

    CLAS will provide for up to £100,000 of legal costs to help you to recover uninsured losses that cannot be claimed from any insurance policy, these include:

    • Compensation for injury or death
    • Your excess
    • Loss of earnings
    • Compensation for damage to your personal belongings (if you do not have Comprehensive cover)


  2. Does my policy include Churchill Legal Assistance service?

    CLAS is not automatically included in your policy, it is an optional extra which you can buy in addition to your car insurance for as little as £1.84 a month.



  3. When can I use Churchill Legal Assistance Service?

    If you have bought CLAS, the cover can be used following any road traffic accident involving your car which is not your fault.  We will pay the legal costs of appointing a solicitor to help recover any uninsured losses.



  4. If I buy Churchill Legal Assistance Service, who would be covered?

    CLAS provides cover for all drivers named on your current Certificate of Motor Insurance and for any passengers travelling in your car at the time of the accident.



  5. Would Churchill Legal Assistance Service cover me in my other car?

    No, CLAS can only provide cover for the car described in your current Certificate of Motor Insurance. 



  6. Would I be covered by Churchill Legal Assistance Service if I go abroad?

    CLAS provides cover within Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and any other country described in your current policy booklet.



  7. Would I be covered by Churchill Legal Assistance Service if the driver at fault leaves the scene of the accident without swapping details?

    It is important that you take the driver’s details, their vehicle registration number as well as the make and model. The details of the driver responsible for the accident are necessary if we are to recover your losses from them. 



  8. Will you pay compensation under Churchill Legal Assistance Service if I am injured as a result of a road traffic accident and unable to work?

    If you are involved in a road traffic accident which is not your fault we will pay the legal costs of recovering compensation for any injuries received and any loss of earnings sustained.



  9. If I need to use Churchill Legal Assistance Service are there any additional costs other than the annual premium?

    No, you only pay the annual premium.  All expenses related to your legal claim are covered by the policy.



  10. Do I need Churchill Legal Assistance Service if I know a solicitor?

    CLAS will pay the other side’s costs if you lose as well as any expenses relating to your claim, such as medical reports and counsel’s opinion.



Enhanced Courtesy Car (ECC)
  1. What is Enhanced Courtesy Car?

    Enhanced Courtesy Car is available on your motor policy for an additional premium. The additional benefits include:
    • A replacement car for repairs and for total loss or if the car is stolen
    • A courtesy car of a similar size to your own (up to a Class F car) or small van


  2. What is meant by similar sized car?

    Unlike the majority of hire car products, Enhanced Courtesy Car will provide you with a car of a similar size to your own. We look to match the physical size of your car (up to a large family estate car) and consider your engine size although we can’t guarantee a precise match. If you have a van you will receive a small van and if you have an MPV you will receive a mini MPV which seats 7 people.

    We cannot guarantee you will get the same car as your own as this would involve matching makes and models of cars, colours, optional extras and modifications which is not possible for us to do.



  3. How does the travel fund work?

    The travel fund is for customers who are injured and unable to drive. Currently the motor insurance market offers little provision if you are unable to drive the courtesy or hire car you are provided. The travel fund means that instead of a car you will be entitled to claim back receipts for public transport and taxis for up to £50 a day, up to a maximum £500. As with any claim costs you must make every effort to control their costs. You cannot claim for lifts given by friends. If you chose the travel fund you will not have access to a hire car.

  4. How will the emergency allowance work?

    All customers, whose car is not drivable as a result of an insured claim, are entitled to claim costs for getting to their original destination immediately after the incident. Claims of up to £50 for public transport or taxi costs can be refunded by sending in a receipt as part of their claim.

  5. Who does ECC apply to?

    It applies to all drivers insured under the policy.

    The travel allowance is paid only for travel by the driver and only one amount of up to £500 is payable per claim.



  6. Can I use ECC more than once a year?

    Once purchased ECC can be used whenever a valid claim is registered. There is no limit to the number of times it can be used in one year.

  7. Is NCD affected?

    ECC as a product will not impact NCD, however it can only be used when a valid claim has been registered which may impact NCD.

  8. Do you provide a hire car for disabled drivers?

    No, however disabled drivers will be entitled to hire a suitable car or use alternative transport means as required through the travel allowance benefit.

  9. Do I have to pay an excess if I have an accident in the hire car?

    An excess will be payable if you have an accident in a hire car provided under the enhanced courtesy car option. If you have a comprehensive policy you will pay the current level of excess on Your policy. For Third Party Fire and Theft customers you will pay a standard accidental damage excess of £250. The windscreen excess is £75.



Payment
  1. How can I pay for my policy?

    If you would like to buy your policy online, we can accept payment from the following Credit or Debit cards in one lump sum: Visa, Access, MasterCard, American Express and Switch.  If you would like to pay for your premium by Direct Debit you can pay in one lump sum or monthly instalments. If you choose to pay by Direct Debit, you will be asked to pay a deposit using one of the card types listed above.  We do not accept Solo and Electron online but if you select direct debit lump sum you can enter the sort code and account number shown on your Solo and Electron card.  If paying by card, "card number" refers to the long number shown across the middle of your card (this is between 16 and 21 digits).

  2. Is it safe to pay for my policy on the Internet?

    Yes. Our site uses 128-bit encryption that disguises and protects your personal and payment details and prevents them from being accessed by or disclosed to third parties.

  3. Can I pay for my policy using someone else's account or card details?

    When you pay online, you are required to confirm that you, as the policyholder, are the account or card holder. If you wish to use someone else's details, you should call us as we will need to speak to the account or card holder for their permission.

  4. Can I pay by instalments?

    You may be eligible to pay by instalments, subject to our normal instalment criteria.



Claims
  1. How do I make a claim?

    If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident or have your car stolen, vandalised or damaged in any way, you can call us to report a claim on 0845 603 3590. We will provide you with the support you need, details of the repairer nearest to you and all the steps involved. As a Churchill customer, you will always receive the highest standards of service.

  2. How do I track my car claim?

    Please call us on 0845 603 3590 to discuss your claim.

  3. What is an excess?

    An excess is the amount you must pay towards any claim.

  4. Do I have to pay an excess if my windscreen is repaired?

    Yes, you do need to pay a small excess if your windscreen is repaired. An excess is also payable when a windscreen is replaced.



  5. Will I be supplied with a courtesy car while my car is being repaired?

    If your vehicle is damaged as a result of a claim that is covered by your policy, providing you are using one of our recommended repairers to repair your vehicle, we will offer you a courtesy car for the duration of the repairs. If your vehicle is stolen and not recovered or damaged beyond economical repair, we are unable to provide a courtesy car but will settle your claim as quickly as possible.