Car Insurance Jargon Buster (Part 2)

Car insurance terminology can be confusing and there can be a lot of detail to take in when it comes to understanding the small print. To help cut through the confusing language and decipher some of those mysterious acronyms we’ve put together a two part car insurance jargon buster.

In this our second part we look at everything from fault claims to write offs. For A-D please click here for part one.

Fault Claims: When you make a claim but your insurer cannot recover the cost from the third party. This could be if you are deemed to have caused an accident or for other reasons that aren’t your fault but where there is no other known party involved such as theft or vandalism.

FCA: The Financial Conduct Authority regulated the car insurance industry as well as other financial services companies.

Green Card: A document that proves to non EU countries that your insurance provider provides the minimum insurance necessary to drive in the country.

Insurable Interest: This is the basic requirement of taking out car insurance and refers to the fact you have an interest in the vehicle being insured and would suffer a loss if it were damaged.

Main Driver: The person who drives the car most of the time as stipulated on the insurance policy.

MID: The Motor Insurance Database is a record of every insured car in the UK.

Optional Extras: Also known as Add Ons, these are benefits, such as breakdown cover and replacement vehicles, that can be added to your policy for a fee.

Policy: This is the main document between you and your insurance provider. It will detail all the terms of your insurance, including the premium and term. Not to be confused with the certificate of insurance, which is required by law.

Premium: The amount paid to your insurance provider to hold the policy. This can be paid in monthly instalments or in one yearly sum.

Schedule: This document forms part of the contract between you and your insurer and shows things like your excess and any endorsements you might have.

SORN: Statutory Off Road Notifications can be obtained from the DVLA are required by law if you plan on not using your vehicle and are keeping it off the public road.

Third Party, Fire and Theft: Will cover your vehicle for theft and fire as well as damage from third parties only.

Voluntary Excess: This is the fee you pay to your insurance provider towards the cost of a claim. You can set your own voluntary excess before taking out the policy, with a higher excess usually resulting in a lower premium.

Write off: If the cost associated with repairing your vehicle is more than your insurance company deems the vehicle to be worth then it will be considered a write off.