Motoring tips and advice

Here are a few practical hints that could prevent you from having to make a claim. We hope you find them useful.

Fix chips in your windscreen before they become cracks

• If you notice a small chip call the Windscreen Cover Claims Helpline on 0845 610 0361 and we’ll repair it
  for free, and it won’t affect your No Claims Discount.*
  
• Otherwise you may end up having to pay an excess for a new windscreen.
  

How to deter thieves

• Clean portable sat nav suction cup marks off your windscreen – this could prevent thieves from breaking into your car to look for your sat nav equipment.
  
• Never leave personal possessions on display in your car.

Travelling abroad

• Make sure you’re aware of the country’s road laws.
• In some countries you may to need to carry a tool kit, high visibility vest, warning triangle or fire extinguisher.
• Take your driving licence with you plus your registration documents, Insurance Certificate and Green Card if required.

Identity theft

Increasingly thieves steal or copy number plates to avoid paying parking tickets, speeding fines or at petrol
forecourts. You should inform the police or the DVLA if:

• your number plates are stolen
• you receive a mystery parking fine, speeding ticket or court summons.

Check you’re putting the right fuel in your car

It’s all too easy to fill a car with petrol instead of Diesel (and vice versa). When you fill up:

• double check you’ve picked up the right pump 
• if you do put the wrong fuel in your car, never start the engine.

*Comprehensive Cover only

What to do if you’re involved in an accident

If you’re involved in an accident, you're legally required to:

• give your name, address and insurance details to anyone who has a good reason to ask for them – namely the other driver
  

• report the incident to the police within 24 hours if you or anyone else is injured, and provide your Certificate of Motor Insurance within five days of the incident.

Although it may go against your nature, you should never apologise or admit fault until you have spoken to us.

You should also collect the following information:

• Full details of the other driver(s).
• Registration numbers of all vehicles involved in the accident.
• Where, when and how the accident happened.
• Injuries or damage caused.
• Names and contact details of witnesses.
• Police officers’ details and report references.
• Photographs of the scene or any damage, if possible.