Do you cover modifications?
Yes, we have policies that can cover custom and modified bikes, trikes, cars, and motorhomes.
We know that with modified vehicles you may want a policy that doesn't just cover your vehicle, but also all the parts that you have used to modify it. With a number of specialist policies we arrange - such as classic motorcycle, classic car, custom motorcycle, trike, campervan, motorhome and specialist vehicle insurance, the insurer will provide a free agreed value assessment service.
This will mean that should the worst happen and your vehicle be written off (damaged beyond economical repair) or stolen and not recovered, your insurer will settle your claim for the value you agreed - less your excess.
What is the difference between Third Party Only (TPO), Third Party Fire & Theft (TPFT) and Comprehensive insurance?
a) THIRD PARTY ONLY is the minimum level of cover you are required to have by law in order to use a motor vehicle on a public highway.
As the name suggests it protects others – third parties – their vehicles and property if they are involved in an accident for which you are to blame.
With TPO cover you and your vehicle are not covered although any passengers or pillions you carry would be insured. When a claim is made against a third party policy, the policyholder is not required to pay an excess.
b) THIRD PARTY FIRE & THEFT insurance offers the same level of cover as TPO, plus protection against loss from fire or theft.
An excess is only payable for fire and theft claims.
c) COMPREHENSIVE insurance provides the same level of protection as TPFT, plus cover against accidental damage to your vehicle.
This means that regardless of who is to blame for an accident, or your vehicle is damaged by accident, you are covered for loss or damage to your vehicle. If the damage is accidental, your No Claims Bonus (NCB) could be reduced.
When buying insurance it is important to take into account not just the type of cover (TPO, TPFT or comprehensive) but any restrictions or limits that apply to individual policies.
Do I need to let you know when I change job/address/vehicle/other?
If circumstances that affect your policy change you need to let us know.
This is so that we can make sure that you have the right cover to protect you and your vehicle. If you fail to let us know of a change in circumstances that affect your policy it can void your policy and result in the underwriters not paying out for a claim. If we've asked you a question whilst we've quoted you for your insurance premium and your answer has changed, let us know by calling our customer service team on 0330 024 0098.
How do I change my address/vehicle/details?
To amend your policy, you'll have to call our customer service line on 0330 024 0098 and speak to one of our dedicated customer service team members. They will run through the changes to your policy with you in our system to make sure that you continue to have the right cover that reflects your change in circumstances.
How will address/vehicle/other changes affect my policy?
Depending on the change you've made to your policy you may find that it increases your premium. This will be due to your amendment increasing the risk associated with your policy. For example, when it comes to changing your address, your new postcode may be rated differently to your existing one by our underwriters.
If you move to a higher risk area your underwriter will require an increase in premium to reflect the increase in risk that comes from moving to this area. This can be similarly applied to other amendments such as changing your vehicle etc.
The increase in premium will only increase from the time of your amendment until the end of your policy.
I've lost my policy documents, how do I get them back?
At Principal, we email out policy documents to our customers at the start of there policy. If you have misplaced your policy wordings but still hold your insurance documents you can find them here. If you've lost all of your insurance documents we can resend them to you if you contact customerservice@principalinsurance.co.uk with a request to get them resent to you.
I've not received my policy documents, where are they?
If you can't see your policy documents in your email you, may have received them but not to your inbox. Please check your spam or filter folders to double check that your documents haven't been sent to your junk folder
If your documents aren't there then your email address may have been incorrectly inputted into our system. To rectify this please email our customer service team at customerservice@principalinsurance.co.uk.
How do I make a personal insurance claim?
If you need to make a claim you can call our claims number on 0330 024 1376 and the friendly team at Direct Accident will run through a claim form with you. Alternatively, if you'd prefer, you can fill out the form on our claims page and we will get back to you.
Why do you need a copy of my driving/motorcycle licence?
We ask for this so that we have proof that you have the correct licence for the vehicle being insured. If you take out a policy but hold the wrong licence then your insurance may be invalid.
Motorcycle riders may also be asked for a copy of the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate, again to prove they are legally entitled to ride the motorcycle they are insuring.
Documentation is also required for any named drivers or riders also being covered on a policy.
What is a “no claims bonus”?
A no claims bonus (sometimes called a no claims discount) does pretty much what it says on the tin.
For every claim free year (typically up to a maximum of five years, but sometimes longer), your insurer will award you a bonus in the form of a discount.
The longer you go claims free, the bigger the discount, until you hit your insurer’s maximum NCB tier.
Different insurers offer different tiers and maximum discount levels.
How do I prove my no claims bonus (NCB) entitlement?
In order to transfer any no claims bonus (sometimes called a no claims discount) you have previously built up, to a policy administered by Principal Insurance you need to supply us with written confirmation from your previous broker or insurer of your NCB status.
You can get this by requesting it from them once your previous policy has expired.
You must supply us with proof of your NCB within 14 days of your policy administered by Principal commencing.
If you have any trouble obtaining proof of your NCB please contact us and we will assist as best we can.
A renewal notice is not accepted as proof of your NCB. This is because your renewal is issued before your policy expires and it is possible for a claim to be made in the intervening period.
I’ve been off the road for a while. Why have I lost my no claims bonus?
Typically insurers will wipe the NCB slate clean for drivers and riders if they have not had insurance for two or more years. However, some insurers may extend this period, depending on individual circumstances so please check with us first.
If I make a claim will I lose all my no claims bonus?
How much a claim impacts your NCB will depend upon how many fault claim-free years you have accrued.
NCB discounts are tiered, growing for every claim-free year with the maximum discount level typically reached after five years (although some insurers do offer NCB over longer periods).
So, any fault claim within five years will see a reduction in your NCB.
However, if you have, say, nine claim-free years and then make a fault claim, then you may retain a three year NCB discount level – the difference in full policy years between the five year maximum period eligible for discount and how long you have actually been claim-free.
How much discount on my insurance can I earn through a NCB?
Different insurers operate different NCB schemes and so the discounts available for each claim-free year vary.
If you have a query about your NCB then please check your policy wording or contact us.
I have made a non-fault claim but when I renewed my policy, my NCB was not applied to my premium. Why?
If a claim is still live when your renewal is due then your NCB will be suspended until the claim is settled.
This is because whilst you may believe you were not at fault, it may be that some level of blame is attributed to you by another party’s insurer.
Once a claim has been settled in your favour the NCB will be reapplied and you will be refunded any premium discount due to you.
Can I transfer my no claims bonus to a new policy?
Yes, your NCB discount is transferable. One thing to remember though is that because different insurers offer different bonuses the level of discount may change.
If you have a query about the impact changing your insurer will have on your NCB, please contact us.
What is an excess?
Put simply an excess is the amount an insurer will ask you to contribute towards the cost of settling a claim.
Any excesses you would be expected to pay in the event of a claim will be detailed within your policy schedule.
These will include the main policy excess (compulsory excess) and any voluntary excess you may have opted for, as well as those that might apply to, say, replacing a windscreen.
The main policy excess is usually deducted from your insurance settlement if your vehicle is a total loss or you if your vehicle is being repaired, you may be required to pay this to the repairer.
The compulsory excess is one set by the insurer and cannot be changed. However, you may be able to supplement that compulsory excess with a voluntary excess. Usually you would do this in return for a lower premium, the theory being that in offering to pay a higher voluntary excess you are sharing a higher proportion of the risk.
What is excess protection insurance?
This is an optional additional policy which you may be able to buy to cover the excess due when you make a claim on your main policy.
You will usually be required to settle any excess due (your main policy insurer will normally deduct this from your settlement) and then claim it back on your excess protection insurance.
Can I insure my vehicle and put my son or daughter as the main driver or rider?
No. This is an illegal practice known as “insurance fronting.” It is prohibited because insurance is always calculated on the highest risk.
To be legal and be protected by valid insurance the main rider or driver should be the registered owner or keeper as then an insurer can see they have an “insurable interest” in the vehicle.
If you want to minimise the cost of your son or daughter’s insurance then ask us about specialist schemes for young riders and drivers.
What happens if my information doesn't match my policy?
At Principal we do everything in our power to make sure that you have the right level of cover to suit you.
If the policy you've taken out with us doesn't match with the documentation that you've sent through we will contact you to change your policy to reflect the documentation that you've sent.
This might result in an extra charge if the level of cover has to be increased.
If you're not happy with your new price you can cancel your policy.
What do I need to validate my insurance policy?
When taking out an insurance policy through Principal we validate your details to make sure that you have the right policy.
This will protect you if you ever have to make a claim and helps us to reduce fraud on behalf of insurers.
We will request some documentation from you within 14 days of the purchase of your policy.
Please note that failure to provide the required documents could invalidate your insurance policy and may result in the cancellation of your policy all together.
To validate your details we will ask you to send in a few documents which allow us to perform some routine checks.
Please note that the relevant documents will be required for any named drivers on your policy, not just the main policyholder.
We ask that you do not send any originals as we cannot be held responsible for any losses.
You can validate your details by uploading your documents using our online validation portal.
The documents we ask for vary depending upon your policy but can include:
- a picture of the front and back of your photocard licence
- a DVLA sharecode relating to your driving licence (see below)
- a copy of your CBT certificate
- proof of your no claims bonus
When do you validate my policy?
We ask you to send across your validation documents within 14 days of taking out your policy through Principal.
If you call us to change some of the details of your policy we may ask for you to send some new documents across to confirm those changes.
What is "Share My Licence?"
Since 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence became redundant and is no longer issued by the DVLA. Further information can be found by visiting the DVLA page here.
The Share Driving Licence service allows GB driving licence holders to share their information which the DVLA holds with others online, while ensuring they stay in control of who sees it.
You can view your driving licence, including the vehicle categories you’re entitled to drive and any endorsements or penalty points you may have, by using the free View Driving Licence service.
You can also use this service to share your driving licence information with Principal Insurance, so we can validate your insurance policy. Driving licence information shared using Share Driving Licence will only be available with the consent of the driving licence holder.
You can view an explanatory DVLA video on the share a driving licence service at https://youtu.be/59w8xqe7foI
How do I generate a code to share my driving licence with Principal?
The sharing feature has been built into the View Driving Licence service on GOV.UK. You can now generate a code to share with Principal Insurance.
This code can be shared by email, text, face to face or over the phone. There is also an option to print or save a summary of the driving licence information.
How do I send my share code and documentation?
Once you have created your code and you are ready to share this with us, visit our online validation portal here.
Our simple tool allows you to upload your share code, images and any documents we have requested to assist us with validating your policy.
What information do you need to validate my policy?
- Driving Licence
We require you to send a photograph of the front and back of your photocard licence. The photograph must be clear enough to make out all the information on your licence as well as the photo of the licence holder.
- DVLA Share Code
Your DVLA share code (see above) gives us access to your online counterpart stating your entitlements, endorsements and convictions. The DVLA no longer supply paper counterpart licences (click here for more details).
- CBT Certificate
Depending on when you learned to ride your motorbike you may have a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate.
If you obtained a provisional licence after 1st December 1990 and still have it, we ask that you send your CBT certificate to validate your policy.
Please note the CBT qualification is only valid for two years. You will need either to pass your motorcycle or moped test within that time, or retake your CBT test on its expiry.
- No Claims Bonus
If you are claiming a no claims bonus discount we require proof to be sent through to us.
This needs to be a photocopy or photograph of an official document, sent by your previous insurer.
This document must state your name and amount of years of no claims on a dated and headed letter from your previous insurer.
- Named Drivers/Riders
If you have a named driver or rider on your insurance policy we will also require the relevant information for them as well.
This will include a copy of the front and back of their photocard licence as well as their CBT certificate if applicable and their DVLA share code.
How do I get my documentation to Principal?
Here at Principal Insurance we are conscious of our impact on the environment and we look to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible.
It's for that reason that we ask you to use our Validation portal to upload your documents.
If you'd prefer to send your documents in by post please send them to: Principal Insurance, Citygate 2, Cross Street, Sale, Manchester, M33 7JR.
What happens if my information doesn't match my policy?
At Principal we do everything in our power to make sure that you have the right level of cover to suit you.
If the policy you've taken out with us doesn't match with the documentation that you've sent through we will contact you to change your policy to reflect the documentation that you've sent.
This might result in an extra charge if the level of cover has to be increased.
If you're not happy with your new price you can cancel your policy.
What happens if I don't validate my policy?
If you have not validated your policy within 14 days, we reserve the right to cancel your policy.
If you have paid for your insurance in full then we will refund your policy in line with our Terms of Business and the cost for the time that you have held the policy.
If you are paying for your insurance monthly your usual monthly payments will cease but you may still owe money to cover the administration fees.
We endeavour to work with you to make sure you remain insured and will often contact you to give you 7 days to submit your validation documents before cancelling your policy. However, this is entirely at our discretion.
Who do I contact if I need more information about validation
If you are looking for information you can call us on 0330 024 1730.
If you would like to ask a question outside of these hours please email us and a member of the Principal customer service team will reply as soon as possible.
Our Customer Service centre is open 8.30am-6.30pm weekdays, 9am-1pm Saturdays.
Do you cover modifications?
Yes, we have policies that can cover custom and modified bikes, trikes, cars, and motorhomes.
We know that with modified vehicles you may want a policy that doesn't just cover your vehicle, but also all the parts that you have used to modify it. With a number of specialist policies we arrange - such as classic motorcycle, classic car, custom motorcycle, trike, campervan, motorhome and specialist vehicle insurance, the insurer will provide a free agreed value assessment service.
This will mean that should the worst happen and your vehicle be written off (damaged beyond economical repair) or stolen and not recovered, your insurer will settle your claim for the value you agreed - less your excess.
Can I transfer a no claims bonus earned on my car policy to a motorcycle policy?
No. NCB is attributed to the vehicle rather than the individual so you cannot transfer discount earned for a car, motorhome or van to a bike, or combine motorcycle and car NCBs.
Can I drive a motorhome on my car insurance?
No.
Motorhomes differ from cars in their use, value and other risk factors. It is important then that you take out a specialist motorhome insurance policy.
You may, though, be able to insure both a motorhome and a car (or cars) on a multi-vehicle insurance policy.
Do you cover modifications?
Yes, we have policies that can cover custom and modified bikes, trikes, cars, and motorhomes.
We know that with modified vehicles you may want a policy that doesn't just cover your vehicle, but also all the parts that you have used to modify it. With a number of specialist policies we arrange - such as classic motorcycle, classic car, custom motorcycle, trike, campervan, motorhome and specialist vehicle insurance, the insurer will provide a free agreed value assessment service.
This will mean that should the worst happen and your vehicle be written off (damaged beyond economical repair) or stolen and not recovered, your insurer will settle your claim for the value you agreed - less your excess.
Motorcycle Insurance: What is Driving Other Cycles (DOC)?
Some policies we offer include cover for ‘driving other cycles’. Whilst insurers may not quite have got the phraseology right, DOC enables you to ride other motorcycles and be covered by third party insurance (see above for levels of cover).
However, for the DOC provision to be valid you must have the owners’ consent to ride their bike which itself must be insured.
Remember you will only be covered third party so, for example, should you damage the other bike you cannot claim for the cost of its repair.
DOC is offered only with certain policies and when riders satisfy particular conditions. If this is cover you need or want, please discuss with us before you take out your insurance.
Can you arrange insurance for a heavily modified motorcycle?
Because we are a specialist insurance group satisfying specialist needs, it is rare that we are unable to arrange insurance for a modified or custom motorcycle or trike.
Indeed many insurers on our panel do not limit the number of modifications your bike may have as long as it remains road legal. Please ask for details of the insurers we use to compare modified and custom motorcycle insurance quotes.
Because your bike is a non-standard and perhaps even a “one-off” we may need to arrange a “one off” insurance policy. We are happy to do this, but of course it may take a little longer so we suggest you contact us a couple of weeks before your renewal is due.
You may also need to provide us with photographs and other documentation so we can more accurately determine the insurance value and risk of your motorcycle.
Do I need commuting cover on my motorcycle?
Most motorcycle insurance policies do not include commuting cover as standard.
If you are going to use your bike to commute, even if only occasionally, then you will need commuting cover and your premium will be adjusted to reflect this.
Students should note that riding to college is classed by insurers as commuting so you will need that extra cover.
Do you cover modifications?
Yes, we have policies that can cover custom and modified bikes, trikes, cars, and motorhomes.
We know that with modified vehicles you may want a policy that doesn't just cover your vehicle, but also all the parts that you have used to modify it. With a number of specialist policies we arrange - such as classic motorcycle, classic car, custom motorcycle, trike, campervan, motorhome and specialist vehicle insurance, the insurer will provide a free agreed value assessment service.
This will mean that should the worst happen and your vehicle be written off (damaged beyond economical repair) or stolen and not recovered, your insurer will settle your claim for the value you agreed - less your excess.
Do I need insure a trailer towed by my motorhome?
Yes.
Trailers are not necessarily covered so if you plan to to tow you must declare this when getting your motorhome insurance quote.
You will also usually be able to secure third party only (TPO) cover a car that you tow.
This will protect against damage, injury or death caused to a third party by the car whilst being towed.
It's important that you adhere to towing regulations, taking into account width and weight restrictions and using a type approved tow bar .
You must be able to see the road behind you. If you cannot you could receive points on your licence and a fine of up to £1,000, so make use of towing mirrors.
The rules for towing a trailer changed in December 2021. If you passed your car driving test from 1 January 1997, you’re now allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (the loaded vehicle weight).
You can get more information on current towing rules by clicking here.
Can I freeze my motorhome insurance when not using it?
The short answer is 'yes'.
However, bear in mind that if you've taken out a 12-month road insurance policy and decide to cancel it for, say, six months over winter, whilst you may receive a pro rata refund from your insurer, you will need pay a cancellation charge.
If you do decide to take your vehicle off the road, you will need declare it using the government's Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) scheme.
You may want to consider insuring a SORN motorhome against theft and fire risks. We can help here through specialist SORN motorhome insurance.
Can other people drive my motorhome?
You can usually add a named driver, such as your spouse or partner, to your motorhome insurance quote.
Otherwise, other legally qualified drivers can drive your motorhome with your permission.
However, they will only be covered on a third party only (TPO) basis.
This means that your vehicle and its driver would not be covered in the case of accident or theft.
What types of motorhome insurance quotes are available?
When getting a motorhome insurance quote you will usually be offered a choice of Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft (TPFT) or Third Party Only (TPO) insurance. You can learn more about these by clicking here.
Most motorhome owners will likely want cover for Social, Domestic and Pleasure (SDP) use. This does what it says on the tin, covering you when you use your vehicle only for personal use.
If you want to use your motorhome for business you will need take out the appropriate level of business class insurance.
Commuting is not covered on an SDP policy so if you are using your motorhome to get and from work, make sure you secure additional cover.
If you don't use your motorhome year round, you might want to consider officially declaring it off road using the Statutory Off Road Notification system.
Whilst your vehicle is laid up you won't need road insurance but you might want to protect it with specialist SORN insurance. This covers your vehicle against fire and theft risks.
What is the best motorhome insurance?
There is no one simple answer to this.
The best motorhome insurance quote for you may not be the best for someone else.
When getting your motorhome or camper van insurance quote, make sure that you are being quoted for the right and best level of cover for your needs.
Check for things like the level of contents insurance provided and, if you require them, whether it includes cover for towing, bikes, breakdown, vandalism and so on.
When you compare motorhome insurance quotes, make sure you're comparing like for like. There may be a reason why a quote looks like cheap motorhome insurance when set against other policies!
How do I get a cheap motorhome insurance quote?
Cheap is not necessarily the best option.
It's important to make sure you buy cover that meets your needs, providing the appropriate level and type of cover that you require.
But there are ways of cutting your motorhome insurance quote down to size.
These include agreeing to limit your mileage, taking additional security and storage precautions, fitting reversing cameras and sensors, joining a recognised caravan or motorhome club (please ask us for details) and agreeing a voluntary excess (the amount you would pay towards the cost a claim).
Classic motorhome insurance also tends to be cheaper than its modern equivalent.
Of course one of the best ways of reducing your premium is to have notched up a few years' claims-free driving experience.
Can I get a temporary motorhome insurance quote?
Whilst the standard policy term is 12 months, we do now arrange temporary insurance for motorhomes, cars and vans. To arrange a quote online please visit our Temporary Car Insurance page. Alternatively please call 0330 024 0093.
Can you park a motorhome on the street in the UK?
Yes and no.
As long as your campervan or motorhome is road legal - insured, with a current MOT and in a roadworthy condition - you can park it in designated bays or on the road or street as standard parking rules or restrictions allow.
However, that does not mean that you can just park up anywhere and stay overnight.
It is illegal in the UK to "wild camp" in a motorhome or campervan. This is also the case in much of Europe.
When it comes to your insurance, it's always wise to stick to the law. It's possible that if you've parked illegally and there's an incident or accident, this could affect your claim.