MOTORISTS across the country might be eligible for a refund off their annual car insurance costs because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has introduced a third national lockdown amid rising coronavirus cases until at least the mid-February.
We explain how to get a refund on your car insurance during the coronavirus lockdown
The stay-at-home restrictions mean many drivers will be paying to insure their cars while not actually using them as much.
Some insurers refunded drivers money from their premiums during the first lockdown in March.
But you may still be able to get money off your car insurance during the latest stay-at-home measures.
Which insurers are giving refunds?
Admiral automatically gave all its 4.4 million customers a £25 premium refund during the first lockdown.
A spokesperson told Trending In The News that this won’t be repeated but it has instead reduced prices for renewals and new customers.
The spokesperson said: “It’s too soon to say what will happen in the current lockdown, which is expected to last for several weeks, and we don’t know exactly how this will affect vehicle use.
“Pricing is dynamic and based on claims experience, any changes in our claims experience will be reflected in our pricing for motor customers.
“Admiral has always been committed to doing the right thing for its customers.”
Admiral is also waiving any motoring claims excess fees for NHS or emergency service workers and is offering them a free courtesy vehicle if their vehicle is stolen, undriveable after an accident, or declared a total loss.
Others are still offering refunds to policyholders.
Direct Line, which has more than five million customers and includes the brands Green Flag, Privilege and all the Nationwide insurance products, offered refunds during the first lockdown and launched a Mileage Moneyback scheme in October.
This lets customers register their current mileage and the final mileage at renewal and you will be refunded any difference in pricing based on your usage.
Direct Line said more than 200,000 customers have registered so far and more do each day.
A spokesperson said: “Mileage Moneyback runs until the customer’s renewal date, so for those who registered prior to lockdown any reduction in miles will be taken into account when they register their final mileage at renewal.
“For customers who register for Mileage Moneyback who didn’t apply for a refund during the lockdown period earlier in the year and did not use their vehicle or have reduced mileage, they can still fill out our online form to organise a refund.”
Similarly, Esure is still offering refunds to customers whose mileage is lower than when they first took their policy out.
You can fill in a form on its website or contact Esure customer services 0345 609 8971.
Aviva customers who are driving “significantly less” can also review their annual mileage.
A spokesperson for the insurer said: “Customers who are driving significantly less are able to review their annual mileage and make changes to this if they feel it will be significantly reduced.
“Customers who pay monthly may have their outstanding premium reduced, while annual customers may receive a refund.”
How do you ask for a refund on your policy?
Although no blanket changes have been made, it may still be worth contacting your insurer to ask the question if you feel your annual mileage will be far lower than estimated.
There is sometimes an admin fee for changing policy half-way through so it’s worth checking if one would apply if you do reduce your mileage.
A spokesperson for the Association of British insurers said: “Your motor insurer can advise on any options that may help reduce your premium, or if you are worried about being able to continue to pay premium instalments.
“Any premium adjustments or refunds will be a matter for individual insurers.”
However, there are no guarantees you will get a refund. Car insurers don’t have to pay them as you have entered in a contract for a year to pay for the policy.
All insurers are offering support to customers in financial difficulty due to the pandemic such as switching to a different sort of cover or arranging payment breaks.
For example, Aviva is offering payment deferrals and waiving admin and cancellation fees for customers who are experiencing financial difficulties.
LV has launched a green heart scheme if you’ve been furloughed, you’re self-employed and unable to work, have become unemployed, or have had a reduction in working hours due to coronavirus and you’re struggling financially.
It offers premium refunds and different cover that may save you money.
Find out which shops are still open during lockdown 3.
If you’re not sure what the third lockdown means, or what the rules are, check out our guide.
And if you’re desperate to know when you can get your Covid jab, here’s the online calculator you can use which will give you a clue.
