keeping no claims bonus up?

[aclivity]

Through a combination of being in the wrong job in the wrong place and the parlous state of the economy I am in a position of changing jobs very soon. I've had a job offer but its for a lower salary, also as it's in the middle of Manchester driving won't really make much sense, so it looks like we will become a single car family, at least for a while.

I have built up several years of no-claims bonus with my car insurance, and whilst I realise many people only have one car for a family it will still be my intention to look for higher paying jobs again and in turn get a car again sometime.

How long does a no-claims bonus actually last when I don't have a car to insure? If I go for a full 12 months without a car, then go out and get one, will I be essentially treated like a new driver when I come to insure it, despite my 20 odd years of claim free motoring?

What other options exist to keep my no-claims up - potentially buying an old, cheap car and keeping it taxed and insured but very lightly used? Or would it make more sense to swap the insurance on my wife's car each year? Or am I worrying over nothing and the insurance companies will recognise my 20 odd years of insured driving no matter how long it is before I get another car?

Thanks in advance

[The_Burg]

2 years i bleieve, at least it was for a bike. Except Aviva who would hold it for 3 years but wouldn't insure what i wanted.