A reader wants to check the rules surrounding their No claims discount

Emma Banks, our insurance expert from LV answers the question.

Mrs Creek asks:

My husband had built up his no claims bonus from May 2001- December 2007, and then as we downsized to one car he went on my policy as a named driver. We are now in a position where we need two cars again but when trying to get insurance he has been told that as it's over three years since he had a policy in his name, his previous years with no claims no longer counts. Is this correct? The quotes we are getting are doubling the premium because of this? Also would it be legal if I took the policy out in my name and added him as a named driver again?

Emma answers:

Generally most insurers won’t be give you an no claims discount unless you’ve been consistently insured for a number of years or with just with a short break of around a year. This is because a no claims discount is a reward for consistent safe driving, so if there is no record of your driving ability for a number of years, insurers are unable to confirm you are a safe motorist.

Some insurers, including LV=, will match your NCD if you are a named driver on a policy and take out a policy in your own name so its worth contacting the insurer you and your wife are currently with. It is legal for your wife to take out another policy in her name as long as she is the main driver and, again in many circumstances, insurers will match her NCD on this second policy.

If you have a question for Emma, go to the myfinances.co.uk Ask the Insurance Expert section.

Or for more information on your insurance options go to LV's insurance site.