Can You Have 2 Insurance Policies on the Same Car in the UK?
Table of Contents
Technically, yes, you can have two car insurance policies on the same car in the UK. But in practice, it’s rarely advisable. Having dual insurance doesn’t double your protection and can actually lead to complications if you need to make a claim.
Key points
Why Someone Might Try to Insure the Same Car Twice
Some drivers consider taking out two policies on the same car for reasons like:
- Two different people regularly driving the car and each wanting their own cover
- A named driver wanting extra protection not offered by the main policy
- Parents insuring a child’s car in their name, with the child also buying a separate policy
But even with good intentions, dual insurance can cause more harm than good.
What Happens If You Make a Claim with Dual Insurance?
UK insurance operates under a principle called “contribution”. If two insurers are covering the same risk, they may split the payout, or argue over who’s responsible. This can result in:
- Delays in processing your claim
- Refusal to pay until liability is agreed
- Policy cancellation for breaching terms and conditions
When Is Dual Insurance Allowed or Useful?
There are very few legitimate cases, such as:
- Gap insurance alongside a standard policy
- Breakdown cover separate from your main insurer
- Company cars that are insured by the employer, but you take out a separate personal policy (with approval)
These aren’t true “dual insurance” scenarios, as they cover different risks.
Better Alternatives to Dual Insurance
If more than one person drives the car regularly:
- Add them as a named driver to the existing policy
- Choose an insurer that allows shared driving and flexible cover
- For short-term use, consider a temporary car insurance policy
Is it illegal to have two insurance policies on the same car?
No, but it’s generally discouraged and can cause complications with claims.
Can two people be insured separately on the same vehicle?
It’s possible, but most insurers prefer one primary policyholder. Adding a named driver is the simpler option.
Will both insurers pay out if there’s a claim?
Not necessarily. They may dispute liability, which can delay or reduce your payout.
Does having dual insurance affect your no-claims bonus?
If both policies are active, only one will be used to handle the claim, and that’s the one where your no-claims bonus may be impacted.
In Summary
- You can have two policies on the same car, but it’s not recommended
- Dual insurance may delay or complicate claims
- It’s better to add a named driver or use short-term insurance when needed
When it comes to car insurance, more isn’t always better. A single, well-structured policy is usually all you need to stay protected and stress-free.
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