Renewal season is when most people discover what their motor policy does not cover. A few minutes of checking now saves a great deal of frustration later.

1. What is your excess, and can you afford it?

The excess is the portion of every claim you pay yourself. A low premium usually means a high excess. If your excess is more than you could comfortably find on the day of an accident, the cover is not doing its job.

2. Is the sum insured still realistic?

Vehicle values move. If your car is insured for less than it would cost to replace, you will be underinsured and the insurer may apply average, reducing what they pay on a partial loss too.

3. Who is covered to drive it?

Many policies restrict cover to named drivers, or exclude drivers under a certain age. If a family member or an employee drives the vehicle, check that they are covered before something happens, not after.

If you are not sure of the answers, send us your policy schedule. We will read it and tell you plainly where you stand.