Mind the car insurance gaps

New research reveals that the quality of cover offered by car insurance providers varies widely, but not according to price.

Sainsbury’s Bank, who conducted the study, is advising drivers to check their policies to ensure they have adequate protection.

While eight out of nine policies offer a courtesy car as standard, just one in 30 offers a replacement child car seat.

Additionally the average amount of personal accident cover across the market is £4,810, while cover of up to £10,000 is available on one in eight policies.

But getting the extra cover levels does not have to mean motorists pay more.

"Competition in the car insurance industry is intense and some customers could be tempted to give up elements of their cover to help keep the cost of their premiums down," said Joanne Mallon, car insurance manager, Sainsbury’s Bank.

"However, it is possible to find quality cover at a competitive rate."

But going for cheaper cover could prove a costly mistake, if drivers do not check what their new policy provides.

"Premiums are important when buying car insurance but so too is the quality of cover. Finding out you don’t have a free courtesy car for example, could be very expensive and ultimately, extremely inconvenient," noted Ms Mallon.

Sainsbury’s Bank also thinks motorists are being penalised for accidents with other motorists who are identified, but not insured and the cost of the repair cannot be recovered.

If this occurred, 98 per cent of car insurance policies penalise the insured motorist by reducing their no-claims discount.