Car Insurance with Points

Yes, our friendly team of advisors are here to talk you through any questions about arranging your cover. They’ll guide you through the decision-making process with their specialist knowledge. If you’d rather speak to the same person every time you call us, just let us know.

Yes, we do need to know of any unspent drink or drug-related convictions.

No, in fact you do not need to let us know. We will need you to inform us of any unspent driving convictions before we provide you with a quote though.

Although some providers are unable to provide cover for customers who have had a policy cancelled, we have access to a panel of leading insurers who we can approach for a quotation who may be able to help.

No, our specialist motor advisors help all kinds of higher risk drivers to find cover. 

Unfortunately, you may be viewed as a higher risk customer by some insurance providers. We have access to a panel of leading insurers who we can approach for a quotation who may be able to help.

There’s no denying that unspent driving convictions can result in a higher insurance premium, but there are things you can try to help reduce it. For example, driving fewer miles can help to reduce your premium. You could also consider increasing the excess on your policy, as insurers will give you a discount if you increase the amount you are responsible for in the event of an incident. 

Insurers may ask you to consent to a credit check for a quotation as it may affect the rate that they charge. In addition, a credit check is required if you choose to pay by instalments via our preferred provider, Premium Credit Limited.

The DVLA provide a list of what constitutes a high risk driver, please see below:

• Exceeding the statutory limit on a public road
• Driving above the legal alcohol limit
• Failure to provide a specimen
• Breaching control of the vehicle
• Dangerous driving
• Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks
• Disobeying traffic light instructions
• More than 12 penalty points in 3 years
• Failing to stop after an accident 

This is a discount awarded for the completion of 12 months of continuous claim free insurance. No Claims Bonus can only be earned and used in your own name and on one vehicle at a time. It is not acceptable if it expired more than 3 years prior to the inception of your new policy. Your No Claims Bonus is reduced after a fault claim (please refer to your policy wording for more details). If you are unsure if your No Claims Bonus is valid you can call our experienced advisors on 01792 522622 who will be happy to help and advise you. Some insurers will allow up to a period of 3 years after cancellation.

This is the first part of each claim which you (not your insurer) must pay. There are two types of excess:

Compulsory excess - this is an excess that has been applied as a requirement by your insurer and will vary according to your personal circumstances and the terms of cover provided. A compulsory excess may be required if you drive a particular vehicle or you have inexperienced drivers on your policy. There is also a compulsory excess for fire, theft, windscreen claims or malicious damage.

Voluntary excess - This will apply where you agree with your insurer to pay a greater part of each claim, in addition to your compulsory excess. A voluntary excess can be increased or decreased at your request during your online quotation and it may affect your premium.

A fault claim is any claim resulting in your insurer being liable (paying for the claim). For example, you are not to blame for a theft claim but your insurer would be liable, as they have no other party to recover the costs from.

If your insurer pays for your damages in the event of a claim, for example where a third party hit your vehicle, but then re-coups their costs via the third party's insurer, this would be a non-fault claim as your insurer was not liable.

Yes, you should inform your insurer of any incident the insured vehicle is involved in, so that your policy is always fully up to date, even if no claim is to be made. All incidents should be reported to 0800 9537 537.

An electronic immobiliser is a device fitted to the vehicle that disables the engine of your vehicle when it is not in operation by you. Some newer vehicles have these factory fitted by the manufacturer and are normally shown within your vehicle brochure. It is also possible to have one fitted by a garage or specialist, who would supply a certificate of installation detailing the exact model of your vehicle's immobiliser. A copy of your fitment certificate may be required.

A manual immobiliser is a device which is usually placed on the steering wheel or gear lever of your vehicle.

There are two types of Thatcham graded immobiliser:

T2 = An immobiliser that has been judged to comply to the Thatcham criteria.

T1 = An alarm/immobiliser combination that has been judged to comply to the Thatcham criteria.

If you would prefer to spread the cost of your car insurance policy, you have the option of setting up a Direct Debit to pay your premium in equal monthly instalments through our preferred provider, Premium Credit Limited (PCL).

To find out more about PCL and direct debit payments, select Direct Debit.

To understand more about how PCL work together with Towergate, please read our Regulatory Information.