Vauxhall Insurance
Vauxhall Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions


Annual Insurance
Payments & Fees
Free 7 day
Documents
Cancellation
Renewals
Claims
Cars
Drivers
Cover & Use
Motor Legal Protection
Breakdown cover
Excess
No Claims Bonus (NCB)

Annual Insurance

Can I obtain a quote without a registration number?

Yes, you can obtain a quote without a registration number. However if you wish to purchase the policy you will need the registration number before you can proceed.

How do I retrieve a saved quote?

If you have previously saved a quote, you can retrieve your quote using the retrieve a quote function on the website. You will need your reference, postcode and date of birth to retrieve your quote.

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Payments and Fees

How can I pay for my 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. We accept the following credit or debit cards:

Can I pay monthly?

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. This is subject to our terms and conditions. Where a policy is payable by direct debit, all loan agreements are regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974. You can cancel your credit agreement within 14 days of receiving your paperwork with no penalties incurred. In this instance, full payment of the policy premium will be required in order to continue your contract of insurance with us.

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Documents

What documents will I receive?

All relevant documents for your policy will be provided online or by email, unless you have opted to receive these by post.

Additional documentation:

If additional cover has been purchased, separate policy documentation will be provided for each product. These include:

If any changes are made to your policy mid-term, new policy documents will be provided online or by email, unless you have opted to receive these by post.

What changes in my circumstances do I need to inform you about?

You should inform us of any changes to the information on which your car insurance is based prior to the change being required. This includes changes to any of the information detailed on the policy documentation, such as:

If we are not informed immediately of any changes to a policy, cover may become invalid. This could result in you not being insured, or claims being rejected. If you are unsure whether we need to be informed of any change not listed above, please ask us for help.

Once we are made aware of the changes, we will assess the new details and adjust the insurance premium if appropriate.

We will provide new policy documentation confirming any changes made to the insurance policy if appropriate.

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Cancellation

How do I cancel my policy?

If you do not want to accept the policy and you return the certificate of insurance to us within 14 days, we will refund the premium for the exact number of days left on the policy. We will also do this if you want to cancel the policy within 14 days after the renewal date. You may cancel the policy at any other time by giving seven days notice and returning the certificate of insurance to us.

Will there be any charges if I cancel my policy?

As well as any charges made by your insurance company, we reserve the right to charge an administration fee of £50 for any costs incurred in cancelling the policy.

What happens to the additional cover if I cancel my policy?

When a car insurance policy is cancelled, all related additional cover such as Motor Legal Protection and Breakdown Cover will be cancelled at the same time. The premiums for any additional cover are not refundable outside of the 14 days.

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Renewals

When will I receive my renewal quote?

A renewal notice will be sent in good time before the current insurance policy expires, inviting you to renew your insurance with us. The car insurance renewal notice will contain details of the new policy on offer, including the premium and any changes to the cover or service.

Will my payments automatically continue?

Customers should check their car insurance renewal offer carefully to determine whether they do need to call us - if the renewal offer does not state that your policy will automatically be renewed, you will not be insured if you do not call us. If the renewal offer states that your policy will be automatically renewed, then your payments will automatically continue.

When will I receive my renewal certificate?

Your new car insurance policy documents and a Certificate of Motor Insurance will be sent out automatically when the new period of insurance commences.

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Claims

How do I make a claim?

In the unfortunate event that a claim has to be made by you or a third party, please report the incident to us as soon as reasonably possible by calling the Vauxhall Claims Helpline on 0845 123 1181 or if calling from abroad 0044 1242 712040.

Can I arrange for my car to be repaired anywhere?

If you have Comprehensive Car Insurance cover, you will usually be advised to take your car to an approved repairer, which may avoid you having to get additional estimates. This also usually speeds up the repair process.

Do you provide a courtesy car?

If you have comprehensive cover and your car is being repaired by an approved repairer then a courtesy car will be provided, subject to availability.

If your car is a write off or has been stolen you will not be provided with a courtesy car.

What excess do I pay?

Compulsory excess

Each policy has a £100 compulsory excess which you must pay in the event of a claim. Any additional excesses are stated on your schedule and may apply for young drivers, certain types of car, modifications and protected No Claims Bonus.

Voluntary excess

If you have selected to pay a voluntary excess, this will be added to any compulsory excess that applies. Details are on your Policy Schedule.

If you and another person are involved in an accident that is not your fault, and you have a Motor Legal Protection policy, we may be able to claim your excess back from the other driver's insurer.

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Cars

Will you insure a car that has been imported?

We will only accept imported cars providing that:

Will you insure a Q registered car?

Unfortunately, we are unable to insure a Q registered car.

What is a Thatcham Security device?

A security system which meets the minimum standards set by the Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Centre, who evaluates the effectiveness of car security products.

What is a tracking device?

A vehicle security system which enables the police to track a stolen vehicle via an electronic signal emitted from a sensor concealed in the car. The recovery rates of stolen vehicles with tracking devices are very high.

Will you insure my car if it has a private registration number?

Yes, providing the number has been registered with the DVLA and has been assigned to your car.

Does my policy cover me to drive other cars?

In some cases, you may be covered under your policy to drive someone else's car. The cover is third party only and doesn't apply to any cars owned by or registered hired, rented or leased to you. To see if you have this cover, please check section 5 of your insurance certificate.

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Drivers

I have claims / convictions - can I still get a quote?

We need to know about any claims or motoring convictions for you and any named drivers within the last five years. These will be taken into account when providing a quote and there may be circumstances when we will not be able to provide a quote.

I have a provisional licence - can I still get a quote?

Yes, when you are asked for your type of license, please select 'Provisional'. Terms and conditions apply.

I have a foreign driving licence - can I still get a quote?

We can provide quotes online for drivers who have a UK or full EU licence. We do not quote online for drivers with an international licence but mat be able to provide a quote if you contact us by telephone.

I do not live in The United Kingdom - can I still get a quote?

We do not offer insurance cover to anyone who is not a permanent resident in The United Kingdom. If someone has moved to The United Kingdom from the EU within the last three years, we will be able to provide a quote providing they are a permanent resident. Those who have moved to The United Kingdom from Non-EU countries will be required to become permanent residents and hold a full UK licence.

I have a medical condition - can I still get a quote?

We will accept drivers with medical conditions, providing the DVLA have been notified (where required) and that a valid, unrestricted driving licence has been issued. Should the car require to be modified due to the medical condition, then this is also acceptable.

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Cover & Use

Can you provide immediate cover?

Yes, subject to terms & conditions and providing that you have a valid debit/credit card. If you choose to pay by Direct Debit we will require a deposit, payable by debit/credit card.

What can I use my car for?

This depends on the chosen at the time during your quotation. Generally this is either use of your car for social, domestic and pleasure purposes (SDP) or SDP and commuting to and from a permanent place of work for you and your spouse/partner, if named on the policy.

Business use can be added to the policy by selecting the relevant option from the drop down list.

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What is Motor Legal Protection?

If you are unlucky enough to be involved in a motor accident which was not your fault, it is essential that you have legal representation to ensure that you are not left out of pocket for any expenses that you incur and that you receive adequate compensation for any injuries you may have suffered. Motor Legal Protection will arrange and pay for a solicitor to pursue recovery against the negligent party of your uninsured losses up to the value of £100,000.

Who provides my Motor Legal Protection?

Motor Legal Protection is underwritten by UK General Insurance Ltd on behalf of Ageas Insurance Limited and administered on their behalf by Action Claims.

Is Motor Legal Protection automatically provided with my car insurance policy?

No, this cover is not automatically included. This cover is available for a small extra cost and is an additional option you can choose when getting a car insurance quote.

Who would be covered?

Motor Legal Protection provides cover for all drivers named on your current Certificate of Insurance and for any passengers travelling in your car at the time of the accident. Please see the Motor Legal Protection Policy Summary for more information.

When can I use the Legal service?

The cover can be used following any road traffic accident involving your car, which is not your fault. Action Claims will pay the legal costs of appointing a solicitor to help recover any uninsured losses (such as excesses).

Would I be covered in any other car?

No, legal assistance will only be provided for the car detailed on the current Certificate of Insurance.

Would I be covered whilst abroad?

Please see the Motor Legal Protection Policy Wording for details of the geographical limits.

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Breakdown cover

What is covered under my breakdown policy?

  1. Roadside Rescue: provides roadside assistance throughout the UK as long as you are at least one mile from your home. Europ Assistance will aim to fix the car, but if it cannot be fixed it will be taken to the nearest garage. On request, a message can be passed to your family or colleagues to let them know about your situation.
  2. Home Rescue: If a prompt local repair is not possible, Europ Assistance will arrange onward passage for you, up to seven passengers and your car to any single mainland UK destination. If you are towing a trailer or caravan at the time, this can also be recovered (subject to certain weight and size restrictions). This level of cover also provides assistance if your car breaks down at your home, call-out fees and labour charges needed to start your car are covered. If your car cannot be repaired at the scene of the breakdown, it will be taken to the nearest available garage.
  3. European Rescue: provides all the benefits of Roadside and Home Rescue. This is extended to include recovery of the car and up to 7 passengers to any one place you choose. Also, if your car breaks down while it is more than 25 miles from your home, and cannot be repaired at the roadside or at a garage during the same day, Europ Assistance will arrange and pay the cost of alternative travel arrangements or necessary emergency overnight accommodation. Roadside assistance and recovery is also provided whole travelling within the European Union and other countries specified in the geographical limits (see Breakdown Cover Policy Wording for details of geographical limits).

Please see the breakdown cover policy wording for full information.

Who provides my breakdown cover?

Breakdown cover is provided by Europ Assistance.

Is breakdown cover automatically provided with my car insurance policy?

No, this cover is not automatically included. This cover is available for an extra cost and is an additional option you can choose when getting a car insurance quote.

Is my car still covered if I am not driving it?

Yes, the breakdown cover applies to the car, and covers any one who is named on your policy schedule whilst driving the car. It also extends to any caravan or trailer you may be towing at the time.

Am I covered if I am driving someone else’s car?

No, the breakdown cover only applies to the car detailed on the current Certificate of Insurance.

Would I be covered whilst abroad?

You would only be covered abroad, in the specified territorial limits, if you choose the European Rescue level of cover. For territorial limits, please refer to the European Rescue Cover Policy Wording.

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Excess

What is a voluntary excess?

On a Comprehensive policy you can choose to pay a voluntary excess. The voluntary excess is the amount you volunteer to pay towards a claim, and in turn, may reduce your insurance premium. Any voluntary excess chosen is in addition to any compulsory excess.

What is a compulsory excess?

A compulsory excess is the first part of a claim which you must pay. More than one excess can apply to your policy as shown on your policy schedule. You must pay all excesses that apply as the first part of any claim.

When would I pay a windscreen excess?

If your windscreen has to be replaced and you have comprehensive cover, then you would pay the windscreen replacement excess as shown in your schedule. If your windscreen can be repaired, you would not need to pay any excess.

Can I claim back an excess?

It is possible to claim back your excess from the Third Party if they are deemed at fault. Alternatively, if you take our Excess Protection additional cover, you con clam back up to £500 of the main excess on your policy.

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No Claims Bonus

Do I need to provide evidence of my NCB?

Yes, an original car insurance renewal notice is probably the simplest way to prove NCB. We will also accept a policy schedule or a letter from your previous insurer stating who the NCB applies to, when it was earned and the amount of discount earned. We can only accept NCB where the previous insurance policy expired less than 2 years ago.

What is protected NCB?

If you have earned 4 or more years NCB in your own name, then for an additional premium you may be able to protect it. Protected NCB allows you to make up to two claims within a three year period without your NCB being affected

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Free 7 day

Quotes

Can I obtain a quote without a registration number?

As this is a free policy there is a validation process rather than having to obtain a quote. Before the free 7 day policy can be issued, the vehicle registration number would be required.

Payments & Fees

How can I pay for my policy?

The 7 day insurance product is free.

Documents

What documents will I receive?

All of your documents for your Free 7 Day policy will be sent to your dealer/retailer, including your Cover Note

Cancellation

How do I cancel my policy?

If you do not want to accept the policy you must return the Cover Note of insurance to us, as the cover is free there is no premium to return.

Will there be any charges if I cancel my policy?

No.

Claims

How do I make a claim?

In the unfortunate event that a claim has to be made by you or a third party, please report the incident to us as soon as reasonably possible by calling the Vauxhall Claims Helpline on 0845 123 1181 or if calling from abroad 0044 1242 712040.

Can I arrange for my car to be repaired anywhere?

The 7 day insurance policy provides Comprehensive Car Insurance cover and you will usually be advised to take your car to an approved repairer, which may avoid you having to get additional estimates. This also usually speeds up the repair process.

Do you provide a courtesy car?

There is no courtesy car provided to 7 day insurance customers.

What excess do I pay?

Compulsory excess

Each policy has a compulsory £500 excess which you must pay in the event of a claim. Any additional excesses are stated on your schedule and may apply for young drivers, certain types of vehicle, modifications and protected no claims bonus.

Voluntary excess

There is no voluntary excess applicable to the 7 day policy.

Cars

Will you insure a car that has been imported?

We will only accept imported vehicles providing that:

Will you insure a Q registered car?

Unfortunately, we are unable to insure a Q registered car.

What is a Thatcham Security device?

A security system which meets the minimum standards set by the Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Centre, who evaluates the effectiveness of car security products.

What is a tracking device?

A vehicle security system which enables the police to track a stolen vehicle via an electronic signal emitted from a sensor concealed in the car. The recovery rates of stolen vehicles with tracking devices are very high.

Will you insure my car if it has a private registration number?

Yes, providing the number has been registered with the DVLA and has been assigned to your car.

Does my policy cover me to drive other cars?

Your 7 day policy does not cover you to drive other cars

Drivers

I have claims / convictions - can I still get cover?

We need to know about any claims or motoring convictions for you and any named drivers within the last 5 years. These will be taken into account when providing a quote and there may be circumstances when we will not be able to provide a quote.

I have a provisional licence - can I still get cover?

No, we are unable to provide 7 day insurance cover to provisional licence holders.

I have a foreign driving licence - can I still get cover?

We can only provide 7 day insurance cover for drivers who have a full UK or full EU licence. We do not accept international licences, although the DVLA allow drivers from some countries to transfer their driving licence to a UK driving licence. Please check with the DVLA with regard to the transfer and exchange rules.

I do not live in The United Kingdom - can I still get cover?

We do not offer insurance cover to anyone who is not a permanent resident in The United Kingdom. If someone has moved to The United Kingdom from the EU within the last three years, we will be able to provide a quote providing they are a permanent resident. Those who have moved to The United Kingdom from Non-EU countries will be required to become permanent residents and hold a full UK licence.

I have a medical condition - can I still get cover?

We will accept drivers with medical conditions, providing the DVLA have been notified (where required) and that a valid, unrestricted driving licence has been issued. Should the car require to be modified due to the medical condition, then this is also acceptable.

Cover & Use

Can you provide immediate cover?

Yes, subject to terms & conditions.

What can I use my car for?

Your policy allows use of your car for social, domestic and pleasure purposes and commuting only. Business use can also be provided if requested.

Excess

What is a compulsory excess?

A compulsory excess is the first part of a claim which you must pay. More than one excess can apply to your policy as shown on your Cover Note. You must pay all excesses that apply as the first part of any claim.

When would I pay a windscreen excess?

If your windscreen has to be replaced then you would pay the windscreen replacement excess as shown in your 7 day insurance cover documentation. If your windscreen can be repaired, you would not need to pay any excess

Can I claim back an excess?

It is possible to claim back your excess from the Third Party if they are deemed at fault.

No Claims Bonus (NCB)

This is not applicable for the 7 day insurance cover.