News

GoCompare summarises the key dates and temporary arrangements impacting motorists

• New announcements impact driver licencing and support measures for policyholders
• 395,000 more driving tests to be made available from 14 September
• Vehicles with an MOT due date of 1 August 2020 onwards will be tested as usual following early ending of Temporary Exemption Certificates.

GoCompare reminds drivers to shop around as peak car insurance renewal season is set to be busier than ever

• Figures reveal 21% of motorists allowed their insurer to auto-renew their policy in last 12 months.
• Number of drivers auto-renewing is at its highest level since February 2017.
• 40% increase in drivers auto-renewing their insurance (compared with February 2020).
• Drivers who allow their insurance to automatically renew without checking prices could be out of pocket by up to £289.

• A third of Brits have experienced a drop in their income due to the COVID crisis.
• 3.6 million people are worried about not being able to pay their bills.¹
• Most households (71%) are taking action to reduce their outgoings.
• On average, money saving tactics saving people £95 a month.

New research reveals 40% increase in drivers auto-renewing their insurance

GoCompare Car Insurance warns drivers to check their car insurance, rescue cover and local driving laws before heading abroad

Insurance comparison site GoCompare has welcomed a proposal from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to extend the temporary measures introduced on 18 May 2020 to help customers struggling to pay their insurance premiums, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

• 376% increase in online searches for e-scooters during lockdown as craze takes-off.
• But drivers face a £300 fine and six penalty points on their licence for a using private e-scooter on public roads, cycle lanes or pavements.
• Newly qualified drivers could face losing their licence.
• Legal government trial for rental e-scooters underway to evaluate future regulation.

• Driving lessons and tests can restart this month in England, but a four-month backlog could make booking professional lessons difficult
• An estimated 370,000 new drivers may have been held back by the lockdown
• Stand-in instructors must know the law regarding supervising learner drivers

Research reveals 29% of drivers admit knowing their car needs repairing.

Motorists with an MOT expiry date on or after 1 August do not qualify for the six-month extension and must book a test as usual.

• Known defects include seriously dangerous faults including worn tyres, brake related problems, issues with lights or seatbelts and, windscreen repairs.
• 17% of motorists are driving a car displaying a service or warning light.
• Drivers can be prosecuted for driving a vehicle that is unsafe or not in a roadworthy condition.
• GoCompare Car Insurance reminds drivers that garages are open for car repairs, MOT tests and servicing.

• Google Trends data shows an increase of 1600% for searches for above ground swimming pools since lockdown began
• Warning that outdoor equipment may not be covered by home contents insurance