Car Insurance FAQs

Car Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

UIA Car Insurance is arranged and administered by Heath Lambert Limited. 

Click to expand the area you are interested in to see answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you are unable to find the answer to your question please contact us.

• What is a fault claim?
  A claim that is either your fault or where your insurance company cannot recover from any other person involved.
• What is a protected no claim discount?
  If you have a fault claim, your no claim discount is normally reduced at next renewal. This protection allows a set number of claims within a pre-defined period of time without reducing your no claim discount. Please refer to the respective insurers policy wording for more information or give us a call. This cover will incur an additional payment.
• What is an excess?
  Excess is the amount you pay if you make a claim for loss or damage to your vehicle. If the accident is not your fault you may be able to claim a reimbursement from the person at fault. There are two types of excess, voluntary and compulsory (see below).
• What is a compulsory excess?
  The insurance company may only be prepared to grant cover if you agree to pay the first amount towards any claim. Most frequently, young drivers have to bear a compulsory  excess which may be as much as £500. There is typically a compulsory excess for fire and theft of £100 on every policy.
• What is voluntary excess?

  When you take out an insurance policy you may obtain a discount on the premium if you agree to pay towards the cost of any claim for loss or damage to your vehicle.

• What is a tracking device?
  It allows police (or a tracking organisation) to track a stolen vehicle via an electronic signal emitted from a sensor concealed in the car. Up to 10% discount is available off your premium if your car is fitted with a tracking device.
• What is a Thatcham security device?

  The Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre evaluates the effectiveness of car security products against The British Insurance Industry's Criteria for Vehicle Security. Up to 10% discount is available if the vehicle is fitted with a Thatcham Category One security device.

• Can I pay my car insurance online by instalments?

  Yes, provided you are aged 18 or over with an annual premium of £125 or more. We will need a deposit to start your insurance and you can pay the balance by Direct Debit over the following 10 months. A credit charge is payable and this will be added to your total premium.

• Can I drive abroad on my policy?

  You can drive your car abroad at any time providing you are travelling in the EC or to certain other countries that meet the EC insurance requirements (we will advise you of these countries when you tell us that you wish to travel abroad). Our policies provide full policy cover for up to 90 days depending on the insurer within any one annual period of insurance, without extra charge (within the EC). (Many other policies only provide the minimum cover required to meet legal requirements of that country and may not provide cover for any damage to your car, even if you have comprehensive cover in the UK.)

• Where can I find more information about travelling abroad with my vehicle?

  You can find more information about travelling abroad with your vehicle, including what to do in the event of an accident and how the Green Card system works, by visiting the Motor Insurers' Bureau website 

• What assistance do I get immediately following a claim?

  Call us on 0800 496 3257 and we will do all we can to help you sort it out.

• Is it safe to pay for my policy on the Internet?

  Yes. Our site uses 256-bit encryption that disguises and protects your personal and payment details and prevents them from being accessed by or disclosed to third parties.

• What can I do if I cannot get a quote but need immediate cover?

  If you have difficulty getting an online quote, please call a UIA Advisor on FREEPHONE 0800 496 3256  

• Is immediate cover available?

  Yes immediate cover is available providing your payment is authorised.  Your documentation will be sent to you in the post and should be with you within 5 working days.

• Where can I find more information about travelling abroad with my vehicle?
  You can find more information about travelling abroad with your vehicle, including what to do in the event of an accident and how the Green Card system works, by visiting the Motor Insurers' Bureau website.