Am I legally obliged to inform insurance if car stolen?
Discussion
jimxms said:
My car was stolen NYE, I had slipped an apple tag inside the interior trim panels and was able to track it to where they dumped it. I informed the police who came out and had the car towed to one of their yards as it had a busted ignition.
Am I legally required to notify insurance?
I believe so, as they have a right to be able to assess you accurately with regard to risk. Having your car stolen, whether it costs them or not, will affect the way they assess you as a risk. Hiding that from them if it never comes to light may work for you, not so good if they find out somehow. Just my opinion though, others will perhaps have broader views based on actual experience.Am I legally required to notify insurance?
I understand why you ask the question though, I might well have gone through the same thought process!

Not sure if the question around legality is the right one, I can't think of a law that would be broken if you didn't report it to your insurer. Happy to be corrected of course. However as said before, breaking the terms of your contract is a whole other ball game.
I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
Spleen said:
Not sure if the question around legality is the right one, I can't think of a law that would be broken if you didn't report it to your insurer. Happy to be corrected of course. However as said before, breaking the terms of your contract is a whole other ball game.
I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
Have a look at Fraud Act 2006I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
vonhosen said:
Spleen said:
Not sure if the question around legality is the right one, I can't think of a law that would be broken if you didn't report it to your insurer. Happy to be corrected of course. However as said before, breaking the terms of your contract is a whole other ball game.
I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
Have a look at Fraud Act 2006I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
bad company said:
vonhosen said:
Spleen said:
Not sure if the question around legality is the right one, I can't think of a law that would be broken if you didn't report it to your insurer. Happy to be corrected of course. However as said before, breaking the terms of your contract is a whole other ball game.
I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
Have a look at Fraud Act 2006I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
I suspect that most companies are the same but this is from a random Google search
from here
If I've had an accident or theft but didn't make a claim, do I still have to notify my insurer?
You must disclose all accidents, incidents and thefts even when no claim was made.
Insurers check various databases as part of their validation process and discovery of a previously undisclosed incident may invalidate your policy.
So I would suggest that failing to inform your insurer could result in a fraud claim at a later date (and certainly invalidate any existing policy)
from here
If I've had an accident or theft but didn't make a claim, do I still have to notify my insurer?
You must disclose all accidents, incidents and thefts even when no claim was made.
Insurers check various databases as part of their validation process and discovery of a previously undisclosed incident may invalidate your policy.
So I would suggest that failing to inform your insurer could result in a fraud claim at a later date (and certainly invalidate any existing policy)
TonyRPH said:
I suspect that most companies are the same but this is from a random Google search
from here
If I've had an accident or theft but didn't make a claim, do I still have to notify my insurer?
You must disclose all accidents, incidents and thefts even when no claim was made.
Insurers check various databases as part of their validation process and discovery of a previously undisclosed incident may invalidate your policy.
So I would suggest that failing to inform your insurer could result in a fraud claim at a later date (and certainly invalidate any existing policy)
Invalid the policy yes, fraud no.from here
If I've had an accident or theft but didn't make a claim, do I still have to notify my insurer?
You must disclose all accidents, incidents and thefts even when no claim was made.
Insurers check various databases as part of their validation process and discovery of a previously undisclosed incident may invalidate your policy.
So I would suggest that failing to inform your insurer could result in a fraud claim at a later date (and certainly invalidate any existing policy)
Bigends said:
bad company said:
vonhosen said:
Spleen said:
Not sure if the question around legality is the right one, I can't think of a law that would be broken if you didn't report it to your insurer. Happy to be corrected of course. However as said before, breaking the terms of your contract is a whole other ball game.
I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
Have a look at Fraud Act 2006I believe most insurers will require you tell them of things such as this, after all this will be a factor in assessing risk, etc.
It used to be the offence of obtaining a pecuniary advantage under Theft Act, but now comes under s3 Fraud Act 2006.
The likelihood of your ins company knowing is going to be very very slim.
Each to their own but if I was in the same position I wouldn't bother informing them. They obviously gave you a price based on your post code and driving history, all it would do is give them opportunity to up your premiums. Why should you pay extra for something you're not at fault for..
Each to their own but if I was in the same position I wouldn't bother informing them. They obviously gave you a price based on your post code and driving history, all it would do is give them opportunity to up your premiums. Why should you pay extra for something you're not at fault for..
bad company said:
Invalid the policy yes, fraud no.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/section/2https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/secti...
LosingGrip said:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/secti...
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/secti...
Exactly, no grey area.https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/secti...
Edited by Rozzers on Monday 2nd January 18:43
Whilst I agree the chances of your Ins Co finding out are slim to non existent what will you say if they do find out and more importantly at renewal when you are asked has anything happened or changed in your circumstances would still not saying anything come back to then haunt you ?
Utmost good faith applies to insurance contracts and whilst old fashioned to say it , if it were me I’d certainly advise them whilst ensuring its for their information only ie no claim is being made.
Utmost good faith applies to insurance contracts and whilst old fashioned to say it , if it were me I’d certainly advise them whilst ensuring its for their information only ie no claim is being made.
Draxindustries1 said:
The likelihood of your ins company knowing is going to be very very slim.
Each to their own but if I was in the same position I wouldn't bother informing them. They obviously gave you a price based on your post code and driving history, all it would do is give them opportunity to up your premiums. Why should you pay extra for something you're not at fault for..
Insurance is a contract built on honesty & good faith.Each to their own but if I was in the same position I wouldn't bother informing them. They obviously gave you a price based on your post code and driving history, all it would do is give them opportunity to up your premiums. Why should you pay extra for something you're not at fault for..
Risk is not based on fault alone.
LosingGrip said:
bad company said:
Invalid the policy yes, fraud no.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/section/2https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/secti...
Why do people regularly seek answers to questions about whether or not to tell insurers this or that, when if you don’t, you will ultimately pay a higher price later on in some way than if you did?
You are obligated to provide insurers with all relevant information relating to your vehicle and you to the best of your knowledge and this forms part of your contract with them. To not do this will inevitably result in them invalidating your policy when it comes to light further down the road, pun intended.
I doubt though, if you do tell your insurers that the car was stolen but you recovered it and there is no claim to had, that they will do anything more than make a note of your disclosure. When renewal comes up, they may or may not increase your premium and may or may not insist on the fitting of say a tracker (a proper one).
Trying to mess about with insurance companies really is not a good idea.
You are obligated to provide insurers with all relevant information relating to your vehicle and you to the best of your knowledge and this forms part of your contract with them. To not do this will inevitably result in them invalidating your policy when it comes to light further down the road, pun intended.
I doubt though, if you do tell your insurers that the car was stolen but you recovered it and there is no claim to had, that they will do anything more than make a note of your disclosure. When renewal comes up, they may or may not increase your premium and may or may not insist on the fitting of say a tracker (a proper one).
Trying to mess about with insurance companies really is not a good idea.
Draxindustries1 said:
The likelihood of your ins company knowing is going to be very very slim.
Each to their own but if I was in the same position I wouldn't bother informing them. They obviously gave you a price based on your post code and driving history, all it would do is give them opportunity to up your premiums. Why should you pay extra for something you're not at fault for..
Glad you are happy to pay more to cover him not telling them. Very generous of you! Each to their own but if I was in the same position I wouldn't bother informing them. They obviously gave you a price based on your post code and driving history, all it would do is give them opportunity to up your premiums. Why should you pay extra for something you're not at fault for..
Edited by Dingu on Monday 2nd January 18:51
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