Insurance FAQs
We’ve put together some simple guides to help you make the right decision about your motor insurance policy. For specific information relating to Car, Motorcycle and Van policies, you’ll find some quick links to these sections further down this page and again on the right hand side in the second information box.
Choosing the right level of Insurance cover
Deciding on the right level of insurance cover for your car often depends on various factors, type of car, mileage and usage its value and of course the premium price. Certain changes to the criteria though can make a difference and it’s worth considering all these factors carefully, compulsory excess is usually fixed based on type of car, age and expierence of the drivers and if there is any protected no claims discount applied to the policy, voluntary excess amounts usually can be adjusted so it may be worth considering a small increase in this but be mindful of this if you have to make a claim which has come about as your fault.
What is the difference between comprehensive car insurance and third party fire & theft car insurance?
Comprehensive covers damage to your car as a result of accident, fire or theft as well as cover for windscreen damage. Comprehensive cover includes other items such as personal accident, medical expenses, personal effects and in-car entertainment. You are also covered for third party damage you are legally responsible for after an accident. Third party fire and theft covers damage to your car as a result of fire or theft and also provides cover for third party damage if you are responsible for causing it.
What is an insurance excess?
An excess is the amount you must pay in the event of any claim, regardless of who is to blame for an incident. The excess varies depending on the car that is covered, the age and experience of the drivers on your policy and if you have opted to take protected no claims discount. If the accident is not your fault it may be possible to recover this excess from the third party, our legal protection policy, if purchased, is designed to help you with this. Details of your policy excess will be advised prior to you purchasing the policy and then confirmed on your policy documentation.
What is a voluntary insurance excess?
In return for a premium discount you can agree to bear a (voluntary) excess (on comprehensive cover) in addition to any compulsory excess, both of which would be payable by you in the event of a claim. The voluntary excess would not be applied to any glass damage claim, but all other claims would have excesses increased by the amount of the voluntary excess you have chosen. You need to weigh up the amount saved at the time of taking the insurance out to the actual costs or total excess that would require paying if you make a claim.
For answers to common questions regarding Hastings Direct insurance policies, choose choose from the list below:
