Whether it's describing your job in a slightly different way or withholding information about previous claims, people try all sorts of things to get cheaper car insurance.
Thousands of motorists are found out for being dishonest on their insurance applications every year.
The consequences for drivers caught telling fibs on their insurance applications include the insurer cancelling the policy, refusing to pay a claim, treating the policy as if it had never existed or even prosecuting them for fraud.
This means the applicant could end up in court if they are not careful.
According to GoCompare Car Insurance , the five most common lies are:
- How the car is used: There are three types of car usage - social; social and commuting; business use
- 'Fronting' : Some parents arrange insurance for their son or daughter, listing them as an additional driver as opposed to the main driver. Insurers consider this fraud.
- Occupation : Your occupation and the way you describe it will impact on the price you pay for car insurance.
- Withholding information about previous claims or damage to your car: You should declare details of even minor knocks and dents.
- Failing to own-up to penalty points or other driving convictions: Deliberately failing to disclose driving offences is fraudulent.
A spokeswoman for GoCompare added that not changing your address when you move is another way an applicant could potentially invalidate their cover.
She said: “Where you live can have a huge impact on what you can expect to pay for your car insurance. But it’s important to remember that your premium is based on lots of other factors too which, when combined, will determine what you will have to pay for your cover.
"This is why it’s so important to shop around for your insurance every year.
"Don’t assume that because you live in a certain area your insurance will be unaffordable, and never be tempted to tell your insurer you live elsewhere in an attempt to save money as your policy could be invalidated, leaving you without financial protection in the event of having to make a claim.”
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