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Would you tweak the truth to get a cheaper car insurance quote?

Paloma Kubiak
Written By:
Paloma Kubiak
Posted:
Updated:
12/07/2016

A fifth of drivers tweak information on application forms to get cheaper car insurance quotes but giving false details can invalidate your policy, an insurer has warned.

Of the 35 million drivers on Britain’s roads, nearly a fifth admit they tweak information in order to obtain a cheaper insurance policy.

According to the latest findings from Kwik Fit Insurance services, 92% of drivers understand that giving false information is illegal, but 18% still admit to ‘tweaking’ the details to lower premiums.

This equates to seven million drivers who have changed details about their annual mileage, vehicle value and where the motor’s stored overnight – all factors insurers use to assess risk.

The research found younger drivers (25-34) are most likely to tweak information for insurance purposes with one in seven admitting to altering their annual mileage.

Kwik Fit said that while the insurance premium may be cheaper as a result, it could prove to be a ‘false economy’ as it could lead to drivers having the wrong cover and in some cases, could invalidate the insurance.

It could also lead to motorists being thousands of pounds out of pocket if they have to stump up the money if a claim’s rejected.

Stewart Barnett, head of marketing and eCommerce at Kwik Fit Insurance Services, said: “We’ve all occasionally claimed ‘poetic licence’ with the truth and it usually turns out to be a harmless act.

“But when it comes to insurance, small changes can make a big difference and, in some cases, inaccurate facts could invalidate claims and policies.

“We’re certainly not looking to scold people, but we do want to stress the link between giving false information and the impact on invalidating insurance policies, which could cost dearly.”