Car Insurance FAQs

The Motor Insurance Database (MID) makes it easy to check if a vehicle is insured. It’s a central record of all insured vehicles in the UK, which all insurers contribute to as members of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

You can:

Check if your own vehicle is insured for free – you’ll just need to confirm you’re the owner or registered keeper of the vehicle.

Check if someone else’s vehicle is insured – you might like to do this if you’ve been involved in an accident. An admin fee will apply.

To enforce vehicle insurance laws, MID is also used by the Police and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Every car belongs to 1 of 50 insurance groups, characterised by factors including:

• known model faults
• the market value for your car
• security features or modifications
• repair cost, ease and availability of parts
• vehicle engine size, age, mileage and condition

Cars in insurance group 1 are the least expensive to insure. Those in group 50 cost the most.

There are services available online where you can look up your vehicle’s insurance group. You'll just need to give your licence plate number, or the make and model of your car.

These insurance groups are defined by the Association of British Insurers (ABI)

Car insurance excess is the amount you'll need to pay towards a claim against your policy. An insurer will pay any remaining costs covered by an insurance policy.

Here’s a really simple example. Imagine you’ve had an accident, causing £2,500 worth of damage to your vehicle. Your car insurance policy requires you to pay an excess of £250, which means your insurer will cover the remaining amount of £2,250.

There are a few types of excess, and more than one could apply to each claim, depending on the terms of your car insurance policy. The most common are:

• standard or compulsory excess – as the name suggests, this is the standard amount you’ll need to pay towards any car insurance claim and is set by your insurer
• voluntary excess – many insurers will allow you to set a higher excess amount. Although this could reduce your annual car insurance premium, you’ll need to pay more if you need to make a claim. Make sure you’re realistic about what you could afford if you had an accident
• age excess – younger drivers could be offered car insurance with a higher excess amount, based on their level of driving experience and insurer insight about accident statistics
• glass or windscreen excess – some policies include a separate excess amount covering glass claims

Excess costs can vary, depending on the policy features you choose. Generally:

• increasing your excess amount could reduce your annual premium
• reducing your excess might increase your car insurance premium

Check the terms of your car insurance policy carefully, so you understand any excess costs associated with making a claim.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) regularly publishes results from their Motor Insurance Premium Tracker. In the first quarter of 2022, they recorded an average annual cost of £416 for comprehensive motor insurance.

The actual cost could be a lot higher, depending on a range of factors, include your age, location, driving experience and the car you’re looking to insure.

To find out how much car insurance could cost with Halifax, get a quote online.

Source: ABI news article 05.05.2022

Your insurer will award you with a no claims discount for every claim-free year of motoring. These can accumulate over the years, and could potentially earn you a discount on your future insurance premium costs. This is also known as a no claims bonus.

Even after a single year you could save up to 25%. After 5 years, you could save as much as 39%.*
*source: BISL Limited annual average as at March 2022

You can take your no claims discount with you if you switch to another insurer. Your new car insurance provider is likely to ask for proof of your no claims, which you can usually get from your previous insurer.

How to give us your proof of no claims

Drivers named on your insurance policy can also earn a no claims discount. This could help to reduce their car insurance costs in future.

If you have an accident:

• you’re likely to lose some or all of your no claims discount if the accident was your fault
• your no claims discount might be unaffected if another driver was at fault and the cost of repairs can be recovered from their insurer
• your no claims discount might be protected if you have comprehensive car insurance and it’s clear that you weren’t at fault. That could apply, even if the other driver is uninsured

For an extra charge, most insurers offer the option to protect your no claims discount, even if you needed to claim.

In really simple terms, the money paid by motorists for car insurance contributes to a collective fund. If an insured driver has an accident and makes a valid claim, the money needed to complete any repairs, or cover any other damage, is paid out of the fund.

The cost of car insurance, also known as a premium, can go up and down over time. The main thing which contributes to that, is the annual number of claims impacting the value of the insurance fund.

Most insurers offer three types of cover:

• Third party – this is the most basic level of car insurance, only covering damage to someone else’s vehicle or property if you cause an accident. It doesn’t cover your own car or property
• Third party, fire and theft – the next level of insurance also covers your car for accidental or criminal fire damage, damage resulting from theft or attempted theft, and if your car is stolen
• Comprehensive – this is the highest level of car insurance, also covering any damage to your car and property if you’re involved in an accident

The cost of your individual insurance premium can vary, depending on a range of factors, including your age, location, driving experience and the car you’re looking to insure.

You might be able to reduce the annual cost by adjusting the amount you’ll contribute out of your own pocket if you have an accident. This is commonly referred to as car insurance excess.

• Increasing your excess amount could reduce your annual premium
• Reducing your excess might increase your car insurance premium

Optional extras might also be available, such as breakdown cover or legal protection, which you can add to your policy for an additional cost to your annual premium.

Yes, you can insure yourself to drive a car that you don’t own. When you apply, just make sure you tell the insurance company that you’re not the registered keeper of the vehicle.

It’s worth knowing that the insurance premium could be higher in this situation. The types of cover you’re able to get might be more limited too.

If you only need cover for a limited period of time, you could look for short-term car insurance.

It might also be more cost-effective for the owner of the car to add you as a named driver on their insurance policy, instead of you applying for separate cover.

The policyholder is the person who took out a car insurance policy and would be covered if there is a claim.

Cover can be extended to include named drivers, who will also be using the vehicle. For example, if your partner uses your car sometimes, or one of your children is learning to drive.

Adding named drivers can increase your premium costs, especially if you’re adding a less experienced and higher risk driver to your policy.

Make sure you check the policy terms and conditions to understand what’s covered, both for yourself, and any named drivers.

You can insure a car without having a valid MOT certificate. However it’s important to know that if you have an accident your insurer might not cover the cost of repairing any damage.

It’s against the law to drive a car which is:

• not taxed
• not covered by a valid car insurance policy
• over 3 years old and does not have a valid MOT certificate.

For your safety, and the safety of others using the road, it’s important to make sure your car is insured and roadworthy.

Source: gov.uk legal obligations of drivers and riders

The annual cost of car insurance is largely based on risk, and how likely you are to make a claim. For example, if you’ve recently passed your driving test and have limited experience on the road, your insurance premium will be higher than that of someone who has a long and claim-free driving record.

Factors which can affect the cost of car insurance include:

• Your age and occupation
• Your estimated annual mileage
• Any existing no claims discount
• Security features or vehicle modifications
• Any amount of voluntary excess you choose
• Whether you live near a crime or accident hot spot
• The insurance group, age and value of your vehicle
• Any named drivers who will also be using your vehicle
• What you generally use your car for. For example, travelling for work
• Where you usually park overnight. For example, off-road or in a garage
• Optional extras, such as enhanced legal assistance, guaranteed replacement car cover, breakdown cover etc

The level of cover you choose will also make a difference to the cost, whether you opt for third party cover, third party, fire and theft or comprehensive cover.

To find out how much car insurance could cost with Halifax, get a quote online.

No, you must have car insurance in order to tax a vehicle.

You can send a payment to tax your car with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), without giving a copy of your insurance documents. However, they’ll check your insurance status before updating their records.

Unless you’ve completed a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) and your vehicle is securely parked on private property, the law is clear. Your car must be insured and taxed.

In addition to the level of cover you choose, there are several things which can affect the cost of your car insurance premium:

• Your estimated annual mileage
• Any existing no-claims discount
• The group, age and value of your vehicle
• Security features or vehicle modifications
• Any amount of voluntary excess you choose
• Whether you live near a crime or accident hot spot
• Any named drivers who will also be using your vehicle
• What you generally use your car for. For example, travelling for work
• Where you usually park overnight. For example, off-road or in a garage
• Optional extras, such as enhanced legal assistance, guaranteed replacement car cover, breakdown cover etc

When shopping around for car insurance, make sure you check the terms and conditions carefully. Price is a key factor, but also make sure you’re getting the level of cover you’re most comfortable with.

One factor which can affect your annual car insurance premium, is the insurance group for your vehicle. There are 50 insurance groups, 1 being the least expensive, and 50 being the priciest.

Insurance groups are defined based on a range of things, including:

• Known model faults
• The market value for your car
• Security features or modifications
• Repair cost, ease and availability of parts
• Vehicle engine size, age, mileage and condition

If you can’t remember which insurer your policy is with, there are a few ways to find out:

• Search your email inbox – most insurers will send you a confirmation and important policy details by email. Try searching for ‘insurance’, ‘car insurance’ or even your vehicle’s registration number
• Check your bank statements – look out for payments you’ve made to an insurance provider
• Check that pile of post – you might have received letters from your car insurer
• Do you use price comparison websites? You could sign into your profile to retrieve past quotes. This could help to remind you
• Contact the Motor Insurance Database (MID) – you can check that your car is insured online, then submit a request for more details. You’ll need to give some information to prove your identity

If your policy is due to expire, your insurer will usually contact you at least 21 days before your renewal or policy expiry date.

If your car is uninsured, the Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) scheme will get in touch. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) might also send you a penalty notice.

It’s a legal requirement for your car to be insured and taxed if you’re using, or even just parking a car on public roads. In addition to fines, if you’re found to be uninsured you could be issued penalty points on your driving licence, be disqualified or even face prosecution.

Learn more about driving offenses and penalty points at gov.uk.

When you’re shopping for insurance, you’ll be asked to estimate the value of your vehicle. This is usually the amount you paid for the car, minus any potential decrease in value since you’ve had it – also referred to as depreciation.

There are lots of websites which offer free valuations which could give you an idea, including Autotrader, The AA and some price comparison websites.

Just make sure you factor in any modifications your vehicle has which might increase its value, such as driver assist or entertainment packages. You should also tell your insurer about these.

If you were to have an accident and your car couldn’t be repaired, depending on the type of cover you have and who was at fault, your insurer might only pay out the market value of your car.

The value of your car could also influence the cost of your premium, in combination with other factors like your age, the insurance group for your vehicle, and so on.

If your car is valuable, insurers might dictate a higher excess amount which you’ll need to pay out of your own pocket if you have an accident.

Resist the temptation to underestimate the value of your car though, even if it would help you to save money on your insurance costs. Worse than not receiving your car’s true value when you’ve had an accident, it could invalidate your insurance if you don’t give accurate information.

Like most insurers, you can get a car insurance quote from Halifax online, or by phone. To complete a quote, you’ll need to give us some information:

Your details – we’ll need some basic information, including:

• driving licence details for all named drivers
• Your name, address, date of birth and occupation
• details of any no claims discount, past claims and driving offenses
  

Your car – we’ll ask for information about the vehicle you plan to insure, including:

• an estimate of your mileage for the year ahead
• the make, model and registration number if you know it
• details about any modifications which could affect your insurance premium
• how you plan to use the car, such as commuting to work, domestic, social or business use
• whether your car will be securely parked overnight. For example, in a garage or on the street

Your cover – at Halifax we offer three levels of car insurance:

• Third party – a basic level of car insurance, only covering damage to someone else’s vehicle or property if you cause an accident. It doesn’t cover your own car or property
• Third party, fire and theft – this level of insurance also covers your car for accidental or criminal fire damage, damage resulting from theft or attempted theft, and if your car is stolen
• Comprehensive – this is the highest level of car insurance, also covering any damage to your car and property if you’re involved in an accident

The cost of your individual insurance premium can vary, depending on a range of factors, including your age, location, driving experience and the car you’re looking to insure.

You might be able to reduce the annual cost by adjusting the amount you’ll contribute out of your own pocket if you have an accident. This is commonly referred to as car insurance excess:

• Increasing your excess amount could reduce your annual premium
• Reducing your excess might increase your car insurance premium

Before you choose, think carefully about how much you could realistically afford to pay out if you have an accident.

Optional extras might also be available, such as breakdown cover or legal protection, which you can add to your policy for an additional cost.

When completing a quote and for the duration of the policy, it’s important that the information you give is accurate. Failure to disclose correct and complete information could result in:

• increased premiums
• your policy being cancelled
• having a claim rejected, or partially paid
• your policy being invalidated, meaning you’re no longer covered

You can take your no claims discount with you if you switch to another insurer.

Your new car insurance provider is likely to ask for proof of your no claims, which you can usually get from your previous insurer.

If you’re moving from Halifax, you can access and manage your policy online using My Account. This includes the option to view, download or print your policy documents.

If you’re moving to Halifax, to avoid the cost of your policy increasing or being cancelled, please send in your proof of no claims discount within 21 days of your policy start date.

You can give proof in the form of a renewal invitation, or an insurer's letter.

The proof must relate to a policy you've held within the last two years, showing:

• details about any claims or losses
• the registration details of the vehicle
• the renewal or expiry date of the policy
• no claims information in years or as a percentage

How to give us proof of no claims

When you get a car insurance quote, the insurer will complete a ‘soft’ credit check, confirming that the information you’ve given is accurate.

The credit reference agencies Halifax use include TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

Although they might be visible on your credit report, soft credit searches won’t affect your credit score, or your ability to get credit in future.

When you go on to buy cover though, depending on how you choose to pay, there is potential for impact to your credit score.

If you pay monthly, it’s like taking a 12-month loan with your insurer:

• You’ll pay a bit more to cover any interest
• A ‘hard’ credit check will be completed, which could affect your credit record
• If you don’t keep up with your payments your policy could be cancelled, and your credit score could be affected. If you’re experiencing financial difficult at any time, please get in touch so we can find a way to help

However, this is a flexible option. By sticking to your monthly payments, it could eventually help to improve your credit score.

If you pay annually, there’s no aspect of credit, so you could benefit from:

• a cheaper premium, with no interest to pay
• the option to pay with a credit or debit card

However, if you fall behind with your credit card or other bills as a result of paying your car insurance premium in one go, you could cause damage to your credit score.

More on what affects your credit score

Each insurer sets their own expiry period, but with Halifax your quote is valid for 30 days, giving you time to consider your options.

Of course, if you’re happy with the quote you’ve received, you might like to go ahead and purchase cover. The choice is yours.

Just be aware, if any of your details change between getting a quote and buying cover, your premium costs could go up or down. But it’s important to give accurate information at all times, ensuring you’ve got the level of cover you need.

The Financial Conduct Authority have made some amendments to their General Insurance Pricing Practices (GIPP). New rules were introduced on 1 January 2022, meaning insurers must offer the same price to both new and existing customers.

Previously, existing customers could face an increase in their premium costs when they received a renewal quote, sometimes referred to as a ‘loyalty penalty’.

These new rules could result in lower renewal prices for existing car insurance customers. But, as insurers have a short-fall to make up, costs for new customers could be higher than they have been in recent years.

It’s worth remembering that other factors could affect your car insurance renewal costs, including moving house, making a claim or changing your level of cover.

If you’re an existing Halifax car insurance customer, you can access and manage your policy online at any time using the My Account service. This includes the option to manage policy renewals.

If you’d prefer to chat to us by phone, call: 0344 209 0471

Speak to a representative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm, or 10am-4pm on Sun and bank holidays.

Most insurers offer the option to pay your annual car insurance premium in monthly instalments, subject to status, or as a single payment covering you for the year ahead.

Paying monthly

In essence, this involves taking a 12-month loan with your insurer. That means:

• you’ll pay a bit more to cover any interest
• your application will show on your credit record
• If you don’t keep up with your payments your policy could be cancelled, and your credit score could be affected. If you’re experiencing financial difficult at any time, please get in touch so we can find a way to help
  

However, spreading the cost of your car insurance could help you to:

• avoid a single hit to your monthly budget
• automate your payments with a simple Direct Debit
• improve your credit score over time by sticking to your payment plan

Paying annually

By paying for your car insurance in one go, you could benefit from:

• a cheaper premium, with no interest to pay
• the option to pay with a credit or debit card

Obviously, the main disadvantage is having to pay out a lump sum, all at once.

You should also be aware that, if you don’t keep up with your credit card and other payments, your credit score could be affected, and your accounts or policies could be restricted or cancelled.

The number of miles you’ll drive in the coming year is one factor which can affect the cost of your car insurance premium. In simple terms, miles equal potential vehicle wear and higher risk of incident.

If you overestimate your mileage, you’ll be paying a higher premium than you really need to.

If you underestimate your mileage, you risk:

• increased premiums
• your policy being cancelled
• having a claim rejected, or partially paid
• your policy being invalidated, meaning you’re no longer covered

So, how do you make sure your estimate is as accurate as possible?

Think about your weekly driving patters, including:

• the distance you travel to and from work
• shopping or running errands
• social trips

Once you’ve worked out a number of miles per week, multiply that by 52, then add a bit extra to account for things like spontaneous days out, or holiday travel.

If you’ve been driving for some time, you might already have an idea about the number of miles you drive in a typical week, month or year.

Your mileage is recorded on your MOT and car servicing certificates, so if you’ve got the last two to compare, that could also offer an indication on your annual mileage.

If you know your circumstances are going to change in the near future, you might want to factor that into your calculation. For example, perhaps you’re starting a new job closer to home, so you won’t be driving as far each day.

Whenever it happens, it’s important to let your car insurer know about a change in your circumstances which might affect your cover.

If you’re an existing Halifax car insurance customer, you can access and manage your policy online at any time using My Account. This includes the option to tweak your cover.

If you’d prefer to chat to us by phone, call: 0344 209 0471

Speak to a representative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm, or 10am-4pm on Sun and bank holidays.

Some cars are fitted with specialist tracking devices, making it possible to locate a stolen vehicle. From an insurance point of view, having one of these security devices fitted could help to reduce the cost of your premium.

Some models of car have security trackers fitted as standard. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking the owner’s manual for your vehicle, or contacting the manufacturer direct.

If you don’t have a tracking device, you might be interested in having one fitted. In addition to the device itself, the security company you choose might also charge a regular fee for using their services.

However, if you’re concerned about security, a tracker could act as a deterrent, as well as affording you peace of mind.

There are a few types available:

• Very High Frequency (VHF) signal tracking – using this technology, a vehicle can be located even if it’s hidden in a garage, underground car park or shipping container
• Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking – satellite technology makes it possible to locate a vehicle anywhere in the world, as long as the signal is not interrupted

There are some systems which use both types of technology.

If your vehicle is stolen, but you have a tracking device fitted, the police will work in collaboration with your chosen security company to find and return your car.

Vehicle security companies might also offer other security features, including:

• sensors which trigger when your car is tampered with/started without a key
• alerts if your vehicle is being driven at an unusual time or place
• Verbal communication with the monitoring system, making it possible to speak to the thief
• Remote engine kill – bringing the car to a safe stop and preventing it from being started again

It’s not a legal requirement for you to have extra security features on your car, but there are potential benefits if you want to invest in added protection.

Thatcham Research independently rates the different car alarms, immobilisers and other security devices which can be fitted to a car, either by manufacturers or security conscious individuals.

Thatcham employ a number of categories to certify or approve each device they review:

• Thatcham category 1 is the top tier, characterised by a combined alarm and immobiliser
• Thatcham category 2 provides a rating for electric immobilisers only
• Thatcham category 2/1 covers category 2 vehicles fitted with an upgraded alarm system
• Thatcham Category 3 provides a rating for mechanical immobilisers only
• Thatcham Category 4 covers wheel locking devices, including specialised wheel nuts
• Thatcham Category S5 provides a rating for vehicle tracking and recovery systems
• Thatcham Category S7 is the same as S5, but with single-location immobilisation
• Q class systems are additions which aren’t approved by Thatcham

Some models of car have security features fitted as standard. For example, car immobilisers have been compulsory for all cars manufactured since 1998.

If you’re unsure which security features your car has, it’s worth checking the paperwork for your vehicle, or contacting the manufacturer direct.

From an insurance point of view, a good Thatcham security rating for your car could help to reduce the cost of your premium each year.

Many people assume that having comprehensive car insurance allows them to drive other vehicles. For example, you might drive a relative’s car once in a while.

It’s important to know that you’re only covered to drive another car if:

• you’re named as a driver on the insurance policy covering the car you plan to use
• your own insurance policy states that you can use another car. You’ll usually find this on your Certificate of Insurance

Of course, the car you drive must also be insured by the registered keeper or owner.

Even if you have comprehensive insurance on your own car, make sure you check the policy details carefully before getting behind the wheel.

You might only be protected:

• For some purposes, such as social or domestic, but not business use
• By third party cover, rather than a higher level of cover you might have on your own car

Cover can vary significantly between policies and providers, so the best way to check what’s covered is to review your policy documents.

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account. This includes the option to view, download or print your policy documents.

Halifax comprehensive car insurance covers glass damage as standard, providing an emergency helpline which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 0330 018 1889

You also have the option to book online with our preferred partner, Auto Windscreens.

Your no claims discount will not be affected by your claim, but if the glass has to be repaired or replaced, excess charges might apply.

If your car insurance doesn't include windscreen cover, you’ll need to pay for the cost of replacement windows or repairs yourself.

In addition to accidental and criminal damage, windscreens can be affected by:

• chips resulting from loose stones and debris on the road hitting the glass
• cracks resulting from glass weakened by heat and chilly weather
• both can impair your vision and distract you, which isn’t what you want when you’re driving

Below are some basic tips for vehicle glass care:

• Keep washer fluid and anti-freeze topped up
• Replace your windscreen wipers as soon as they show signs of wear
• If frost is expected, use a cover to protect the windscreen overnight
• Defrost your windscreen slowly – avoid using hot water or sharp scrapers

Car insurance can vary significantly between policies and providers, so the best way to check what’s covered is to review your policy documents.

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account. This includes the option to view, download or print your policy documents.

We only offer a courtesy car with our comprehensive cover, but you can add a guaranteed replacement car to any of our policies for an additional cost.

Courtesy cars are supplied by the garage repairing the vehicle as a result of a claim, subject to availability

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. You won’t qualify if your car is stolen or written off.

If you have guaranteed replacement car cover, we’ll provide a car from a leading national rental network, whether your car is stolen, written off, is un-driveable or you’re simply waiting for a courtesy car to become available.

If your policy is due to expire, your insurer will usually contact you at least 21 days before your renewal or policy expiry date.

If you don’t take any action, most insurers will automatically renew your policy, preventing you from becoming uninsured.

If you don’t want to auto-renew with us, or you’d like to discuss the renewal quote you receive from Halifax, please get in touch.

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account. This includes the option to manage policy renewals.

If you’d prefer to chat to us by phone, call: 0344 209 0471

Speak to a representative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm, or 10am-4pm on Sun and bank holidays.

Car insurance can vary significantly between policies and providers, so the best way to check what’s covered is to review your policy documents.

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account. This includes the option to view, download or print your policy documents.

It’s important to check the details of your car insurance policy before you drive outside the UK.

In terms of Halifax car insurance, whether you choose comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, or just third party, you’re covered when driving in:

• Great Britain, including Northern Ireland
• throughout the European Union and European Economic Area
• the Channel Islands
• the Isle of Man
• Switzerland

If you’re planning to drive further afield, you’ll need to arrange extra cover. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply to all levels of cover.

Below is useful information about Green Cards, also known as International Motor Insurance Cards.

On 30 June 2021, the EU Commission announced their decision to waive Green Card requirements.

From 2 August 2021 onwards you no longer need apply for or provide proof of a Green Card. This applies to vehicles, towed cars and trailers when driving in the EU and European Economic Area.

You don’t need a Green Card to drive in: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

But you might need a Green Card to drive in: Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Iran, Israel, Moldova, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine.

It’s important to check the details of your car insurance policy before you drive outside the UK.

Cover in some countries is subject to the agreement of your insurer. An extra premium cost might apply, in line with the terms of your policy.

If you’re travelling to a country where you’ll need a Green Card, contact us at least 21 days before you travel: 0344 209 0471

Speak to a representative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm, or 10am-4pm on Sun and bank holidays.

If we’re happy to provide cover and you’ve paid any extra premium costs, we’ll issue and send your Green Card to your home address.

Before you travel, remember to pack your Green Card, a copy of your certificate of insurance, your driving licence and V5C logbook. If there isn’t one on your registration plate already, display a UK sticker on your vehicle.

To drive in some European Union and European Economic Area countries, you might also need an International Driving Permit.

If you’re planning to tow a trailer, you might need to register that before you travel.

Helpful gov.uk guides:

• Driving abroad
• How to register a trailer
• International driving permits
• Driving abroad – vehicle insurance

You’ll also find useful information from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

Before you drive towing a caravan, trailer or horse box, it’s important to check the details of your car insurance policy, driving licence and your vehicle’s safe towing weight.

Your insurance policy – it depends on the terms of your policy, but many insurers only provide third party cover for damage you cause to someone else’s property, but not any repairs to your caravan, trailer or anything transported inside. For your peace of mind, you might want to get an extra insurance policy to provide enhanced cover.

If in doubt, it’s worth contacting your insurer.

Your driving licence – what you can legally tow depends on:

• when your driving licence was issued
• whether you’ve taken any advanced driving tests
• the combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of your towing vehicle, trailer and load

If your licence was issued before 1 January 1997, you can drive a towing vehicle and trailer with a MAM of up to 8,250kg.

To tow more, you would have to pass a category C theory test and the C1+E practical test. This would allow you to drive a rigid lorry towing a trailer with a combined MAM of up to 12,000kg.

If your licence was issued between 1 January 1997 and 19 January 2013, you can:

• drive a vehicle with a MAM of up to 3,500kg, towing a trailer of up to 750kg
• tow a trailer over 750kg if the combined MAM of the trailer and vehicle is under 3,500kg

To tow more, you’d have to pass a B+E trailer test, allowing you to tow a trailer of any size.

If your licence was issued after 19 January 2013, you can:

• tow a trailer weighing no more than 750kg
• tow a trailer over 750kg if the combined MAM of the trailer and vehicle is under 3,500kg

To tow more, you’d have to pass a B+E trailer test, allowing you to tow a trailer up to 3,500kg.

Your vehicle’s safe towing weight – anything you’re towing should never be over 85% of your towing vehicles kerb weight. That’s the weight of your vehicle, excluding passengers or cargo.

To find this out, refer to your vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. This can be located in a few places, depending on the car, but start with the inside of the door frames, or under your car bonnet.

In addition to the 17-digit chassis number, you’ll also find information about tyre pressures and your vehicle weight. Figure A is the gross weight (MAM) of the vehicle. Figure B is the gross train weight, which is the maximum combined weight for your vehicle and anything you’re towing.

To calculate the maximum weight for a trailer, caravan or horse box, subtract figure A, from figure B.

To weight a trailer or caravan, you’ll need to visit a local weighbridge. There could be a small fee for this service. It’s useful to weigh your car and whatever you’ll be towing when they’re both empty, and again once you’re all packed.

If the weight exceeds the legal limit, not only will it be illegal to drive and tow, but if you had an accident your insurance could be invalidated.

Other tips for when you’re towing something:

• The maximum length of a trailer should be more than 7m
• The maximum width of a trailer should be no more than 2.55m
• If you’re towing something wider than your vehicle, you must use towing mirrors
• You should have working lights and reflectors on your caravan, trailer or horse box
• You must use a tow bar that’s designed for your vehicle, and which meets EU regulations
• You must display a number plate on your trailer which matches that of the towing vehicle

Also watch your speed and driving position when towing a caravan, trailer or horse box:

• In built-up areas, observe a maximum speed limit of 30mph
• On a single carriageway the maximum is 50mph
• On a dual carriageway or motorway, it’s 60mph

When towing, it’s illegal to drive in the outside lane of a motorway.

Source: gov.uk towing with a car

It’s worth checking your policy information, but drivers named on your insurance policy might be able to earn a no claims discount, which could help to reduce their own car insurance costs in future.

When your car insurance policy is ending, you usually have two options:

1. Stay with your current insurer

Most insurers will automatically renew your policy, just so you don’t end up being uninsured. Simply get in touch if you don’t want to auto-renew, or you’d like to discuss the renewal quote you get

If your policy is due to expire, your insurer will usually contact you at least 21 days before your renewal or policy expiry date.

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account. This includes the option to manage policy renewals.

If you’d prefer to chat to us by phone, call: 0344 209 0471

Speak to a representative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm, or 10am-4pm on Sun and bank holidays.

2. Shop around for a new deal

Just make sure you have a new policy in place to pick up from the date that your old policy ends.

You can take your no claims discount with you if you switch to another insurer. Your new car insurance provider is likely to ask for proof of your no claims, which you can usually get from your previous insurer.

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account. This includes the option to view, download or print your policy documents.