halifax travel insurance faq

Does Halifax Ultimate Reward Travel Insurance Cover?

• Coverage for you, your living spouse, and any children under the age of 18 (or 24 if they’re in full-time education).

Does Halifax travel insurance cover cancellation?

There is now coverage if you are overseas and are ordered to return home or prefer to leave early to avoid having to quarantine when you return due to an epidemic or pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) or a government body. The UK government or the government of the nation you’re visiting could issue the order to come home.

If you or someone you’re traveling with has scheduled to fly and the carrier or a government body refuses to allow you go because you or they are showing symptoms of a contagious sickness at the time of boarding, you or they are entitled for additional cancellation coverage.

If anyone traveling with the insurance holder has been advised to quarantine owing to a potential exposure to COVID-19, cancellation coverage will now be offered for those protected under the policy. Local lockdowns and a broader quarantine order are not included in this.

If you become unwell while traveling, you are still insured for emergency medical care. Anyone planned to go and protected under the policy will still have cancellation and medical coverage if they are required to quarantine on an individual basis.

On December 1, 2021, NHS Test and Trace / NHS Test and Protect (Scotland) contacts a friend you’re traveling with and informs them that they need to self-isolate and will be unable to accompany you. You will be insured for travel cancellation in this case.

You are scheduled to depart on December 1, 2021. There were no restrictions on traveling to your destination at the time you booked. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s travel advice to that place changes two days before your journey begins, and now advises against all but essential travel. As a result, you must reschedule your vacation. You would not be protected for any cancellation expenses in this case, and you would need to seek compensation from the travel provider or another source, such as your credit card issuer.

It is critical that you study the terms and conditions of travel insurance to verify that the coverage matches your requirements.

What is covered by Halifax Ultimate Reward account?

The family travel insurance policy covers you, your spouse or partner (if you live together), and any children under the age of 18, or 24 if they’re in full-time education. Personal goods, specific sports and hobbies, and golf excursions are all covered.

Existing medical issues are not covered unless they are initially agreed upon with the insurer, in which case an additional premium may be required.

• Multi-trip travel around the world, including specific winter sports and golf excursions. There’s also coverage for UK excursions that include at least two nights of pre-booked lodging.
• Your children – any of your children who are 18 years old or younger, or who are 24 years old if they are in full-time education. When traveling with the account holder or a responsible adult, you are covered.
• As long as they reside with you, your partner can be a spouse, civil partner, or partner.
• If your personal baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you may be entitled to compensation of up to £2,500. This includes assets worth up to £500 and a single article, pair, or set of articles worth up to £500.
• Personal money is covered up to £750 in the event of loss or theft. This includes up to £300 in cash coverage. For those under the age of 16, the amount is limited to £50.
• Pre-existing medical issues are not covered unless the insurer has agreed to cover them.
• The excursion with the longest duration is 31 days. A maximum of 31 days of coverage in a calendar year for winter sports.
• Children are only protected if they are accompanied by you, the account holder, or another responsible adult.
• If you go against the recommendation of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or any regulatory authority, you are not covered.
• If you are unable to travel or prefer not to go because the FCDO or another equivalent government organization in another nation advises against travel due to a pandemic, you are not covered.
• When the account holder reaches the age of 71, all coverage terminates. As long as the account holder is under the age of 71, their spouse, partner, or civil partner (with whom they live) is insured until they become 71. Eligible children can also be covered if they are traveling with the policyholder’s spouse, partner, or civil partner.

If you need support when traveling abroad, dial +44 (0)208 239 3931 for Allianz Assistance’s 24-hour assistance line. Call Allianz Assistance at +44 (0)345 124 1400 if you need to lodge a claim or want additional information. You can also submit your claim online through the Allianz Assistance Hub, which is accessible via your banking app or Online Banking.

AWP Assistance UK Ltd (business as Allianz Assistance) administers the policy, which is underwritten by AWP P&C SA.

Please note that these are only a few of the key issues; the policy document included in the Ultimate Reward Current Account Getting Started Guide has complete details of the limitations and exclusions (PDF 1.3MB).

As part of the account application procedure, we will also send you the Insurance Product Information Booklet (PDF 2.4MB).

If your travel has been disrupted, you may also use our helpful travel disruption tool.

Do the Halifax do travel insurance?

Overview of Halifax travel insurance. Halifax’s Ultimate Reward Current Account package account includes travel insurance. For a monthly charge of £17, the account also includes AA breakdown cover, mobile phone insurance, and home emergency cover. AXA Insurance UK plc underwrites its insurance.

What is not covered in travel insurance?

Baggage delay, damage, and loss plans do not cover all of your belongings. Glasses, hearing aids, dental bridges, tickets, passports, keys, cash, and cell phones are all common travel insurance exclusions. These things are sometimes covered, but only up to a particular cost limit, so if you have several expensive electronic items (such as a laptop, tablet, and mobile phone), you may not have enough coverage to cover the loss of all of them.

Is Halifax Ultimate Reward account changing?

If we don’t hear from you by May 15, 2020, your account will be converted to a current account, and you won’t be eligible for monthly Reward Extras. You can upgrade to a Reward Current Account at any time after your account has been converted to a Current Account if you believe it is the ideal account for you.

We’re also adding a £3 monthly account maintenance fee on June 1, 2020, although this won’t apply if you deposit at least £1,500 into your account each month.

Between June and August, we won’t charge the £3 monthly account maintenance cost to help you get acclimated to your new account.

However, you must still pay £1,500 each month to be eligible for your reward.

To help you decide if this account is perfect for you, we’ve highlighted everything you’ll need to do to obtain Reward Extras.

Can I downgrade my Halifax Ultimate Reward account?

It’s good news for existing Halifax customers since if you haven’t received a switching bonus from Halifax since April 2020, you can still claim the bonus.

However, unlike Natwest, Halifax would not allow you to switch into an existing account and receive a bonus. You will need to create a new account.

If you have a Halifax “Current Account”

The Current Account from Halifax is a no-frills ordinary account. If you have this, all you need to do now is create a Reward or UItimate Reward account.

If you have a Halifax Reward account

Many of you, I’m sure, already have this account thanks to the generous £5 per month offer. As a result, you’ll need to create an Ultimate Reward account. You can downgrade the account once you’ve switched and received the money if you don’t want to maintain it (details below).

If you have both the Reward and Ultimate Reward accounts

If you already have both of these accounts, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Simply downgrade one of your existing Halifax accounts to a different type of Halifax account. After that, reapply for the same account. Then switch back to normal mode! Halifax has confirmed that this is acceptable.

Of course, there may be some differences in your insurance policies if you do this with the Ultimate Rewards account, so compare them before deciding to downgrade the old account.

How do I claim on my Halifax phone insurance?

If you haven’t already done so, you can register your mobile phone number with the insurer via online banking or by dialing 0345 124 1400.

Raising a claim

You must notify the authorities and your airtime supplier as quickly as possible if your phone is lost or stolen. If you do not do these steps, your claim may be denied.

• Your phone’s make and model. Check your instruction manual for this information, or remove the back cover and battery to find a label with this information.
• Your network/service provider. Tip: Your service provider’s information is frequently displayed on your phone’s screen or on your contract or monthly statement.
• The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique identifier for mobile devices. Tip: Dial *#06# on your phone’s keypad to get this information shown on your phone’s screen.
• Click on your Ultimate Reward Current Account once you’ve enrolled into Online Banking.
• Then, under the ‘Account information and benefits menu,’ select ‘View account benefits.’
• Your policy information will be automatically loaded if you’ve already entered your mobile phone insurance data.
• If you want to file a claim, go to ‘View and update details’, then ‘Make a claim,’ and follow the onscreen instructions.

What is Halifax Reward net?

The Halifax Incentive account is now fee-free and offers a £2 monthly reward provided you deposit at least £750, pay out two or more direct debits, and keep your account in good standing. You have until June 12 to determine whether or not to opt-in if you opened your Rewards account after March 13th.

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Halifax: Travel Insurance reviews

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About the Travel Insurance

Do you buy travel insurance before going abroad? There are hundreds of different travel insurance policies on the market, all designed to help you stay protected while travelling...and giving you piece of mind, whether you're enjoying a sun swept beach or on an adverture-packed holiday. But with so many different policies to choose from, finding the right policy for you can be quite confusing. Reading our Halifax travel insurance reviews can help you find out what other travellers have to say. You can also write your Halifax travel insurance review too!

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The three best bank accounts with travel insurance bolted on: We pick our favourites and whether they're worth paying for

• Some bank accounts include annual worldwide travel insurance
• They often also include car breakdown cover and mobile phone insurance 
• Although there is a monthly cost, having such an account may make sense

By Ed Magnus For Thisismoney.co.uk

Updated: 03:28 EDT, 9 August 2022

View comments

Many Britons will feel a bank account isn't something they're prepared to pay for - after all, most current accounts are 'free'.

However, some packaged bank accounts offer a host of benefits that added together could justify their monthly cost.

The typical perks include free annual worldwide travel insurance, car breakdown cover and mobile phone insurance, often with family members included. 

There is also the convenience factor of having three insurance policies taken care of saving both time and effort in having to organise it separately. 

Some bank accounts charge a monthly fee, but throw in perks such as annual worldwide travel insurance.

Michelle Stevens, banking expert at comparison site Finder, says: 'If you and your family are frequent travellers, then a current account with packaged travel insurance could be well worth the monthly fee, especially given the rising cost of travel insurance premiums in the last two years. 

'But before signing up to any premium current account, it’s important you check that the terms of the travel insurance policy - as well as the other account features and perks - suit your needs.' 

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She adds: 'Another benefit of getting free travel insurance with a current account is that a lot of people usually forgo it - up to 8.6million in 2019 - which is not an advisable move. 

'If you get seriously injured abroad then the bill can reach hundreds of thousands of pounds, so having travel insurance included with a current account may result in a lot of people getting covered who may not have done so otherwise.'

We pick our three favourite current account deals for travel insurance, taking into account the monthly cost and the additional perks on offer.

1.  Nationwide Flex Plus  

This account offers worldwide travel insurance as well as mobile phone and European breakdown cover.

It does come with a £13 monthly charge, which, compared to other packaged bank accounts looks relatively cheap.

Its worldwide family travel insurance, includes winter sports, golf, weddings and business cover.

Nationwide offers worldwide travel, mobile phone and European breakdown cover and charges £13 a month for maintaining the account.

Cover for travel essentials includes luggage, documents and cash as well as protecting against travel-specific problems like delays, cancellations and medical expenses.

Then cancellation cover is up to £5,000, the medical expenses cover up to £10 million, whilst cover for travel disruption will be eligible when caused by natural disasters, or airline or travel end supplier failure.

The policy doesn't cover medical conditions unless they have been declared to Nationwide and accepted. In some instances, you can pay for a medical upgrade to your insurance policy.

Two other clauses to be aware of is that the longest trip length allowed is 31 consecutive days. 

For any person to be insured who is aged 70 or over, they must buy an age upgrade to cover them.

Although the monthly cost will add up to £156 a year, it's possible to offset much of this during the the first year, thanks to Nationwide's current account switching incentive.

Non-Nationwide members can currently get £100 for switching, whilst members who switch to the Flex Plus account could get £125.  

Saves the extra admin: Nationwide's annual travel insurance policy is worldwide, and covers a whole family for multiple trips, not just the individual account holder.

On top of travel insurance, account holders get vehicle breakdown cover both in the UK and the rest of Europe and mobile phone insurance for the whole family.

The car insurance is valid whether someone is a driver or a passenger in a vehicle, and comes with no excess to pay and unlimited callouts.

The mobile insurance covers mobiles belonging to the account holder and those belonging to their partner and dependent children. It covers for loss, theft, damage and faults.

2.  Virgin Money's Club M Account

Virgin's Club M Account comes with a £14.50 monthly charge.

Similar to Nationwide, it offers 31 days' worldwide cover per trip. It will cover the account holder and a partner living with them if there're both under 75, so it's a little more generous on that front.

Virgin's worldwide family multi-trip travel insurance - includes winter sports, golf and weddings. Plus, 24 hour access to a doctor at home or abroad.

There's also cover for up to four dependents under 18 - either in full time education or living with the account holder.

Emergency medical treatment, includes falling ill with coronavirus while away, and cover for the journey home, if it's medically necessary.

It also covers lost, damaged or stolen items, and if the baggage is delayed, any essentials will be paid for in the interim period. It also includes cover for delays or missed departures and winter sports as standard.

Account holders are also covered when cancelling or cutting short a trip if they fall ill with coronavirus as long as they didn't know they had it and weren't being tested for it when they booked their trip. 

The cover includes emergency medical, surgical, hospital, treatment and ambulance costs, as well as any additional accommodation and travel expenses if someone cannot return to the United Kingdom.

There is a maximum allowance of 31 days of worldwide cover per trip.

It covers the account holder and their partner living with them if they're both under 75. There's also cover for up to four dependents under 18. 

A claim will be void if it relates to any medical treatment received because of a medical condition or an illness related to a medical condition which a person knew about at the time of opening the account. 

What else? 

On top of the travel insurance it also offers UK breakdown cover with no call out charges, whether as the driver or the passenger and offers help at the roadside and at home.

It also offers worldwide mobile phone and gadget insurance covering against loss theft, damage, and breakdown

Just make sure you've declared any pre-existing medical conditions and don't leave your valuables unattended to be fully covered.

Its Worldwide family multi-trip travel insurance - including winter sports, golf and weddings. Plus, 24 hour access to a doctor at home or abroad.

Virgin current account holders also benefit from various other perks.

It offers access to an easy-access linked savings account paying 1.71 per cent on balances up to £25,000. C ustomers can also benefit from 2.02 per cent on balances up to £1,000 in their bank account.

New customers switching to the Virgin Money Club M Account can also receive a bonus of 20,000 Virgin Points to spend with Virgin Red, thanks to Virgin Money's latest current account switching offer.

Virgin Red is a rewards club that turns everyday spending into points. Once you are a member, you can earn and spend Virgin Points across almost 200 different rewards.

The 20,000 Virgin Points boost means travellers could get a return flight to Barbados, the Bahamas or St Lucia, while bakery enthusiasts could turn their points into 100 sausage or vegan sausage rolls, 61 coffees or teas or 100 doughnuts or muffins.

3.  Halifax Ultimate Reward Current Account  

Halifax Ultimate Reward current account costs £17 per month, the equivalent of £204 per year. However, there are ways to dramatically reduce this via its cashback and switching offers.

The account includes a family travel insurance policy for the account holder, their spouse or partner and children aged 18 or under, or up to 24 if they're in full time education. 

It includes cover for personal belongings, certain sports and activities such as winter sports golf trips.

At £17 a month Halifax is the most expensive of our three top picks. However, its £150 cash incentive and £5 monthly cashback could help account holders to significantly reduce the cost.

Its cover includes, up to £10million for hospital fees, repatriation, medical confinement, funeral and dental costs incurred if taken ill or injured on your trip. 

Up to £5,000 in total for loss of pre-paid travel and accommodation expenses in the case of cancellation or curtailment. 

It covers personal baggage up to £2,500 if it is lost, damaged or stolen. This includes up to £500 for valuables, and up to £500 for a single item or pair or set of items.

It also covers personal money up to £750 for loss, or theft. This includes up to £300 cover for cash. This is limited to £50 for under 16s.

Watch out: 

Existing medical conditions are not covered, unless these are agreed with the insurer first, and an additional premium may be payable.

The longest trip length is 31 consecutive days. For winter sports, a maximum of 31 days cover in a calendar year.

Halifax's travel insurance covers personal Baggage up to £2,500 if it is lost, damaged or stolen.

It's also worth noting that a £75 excess per adult per incident may apply and to be covered trips must start and end in the UK.

All cover ends when the account holder turns 71. As long as the account holder is less than 71, their spouse or partner will also be covered until they reach 71. 

Eligible children can also be covered so long as they are travelling with the spouse, partner or civil partner of the policyholder. 

What else: 

It also offers car breakdown cover with the AA. This covers any vehicle the account holder is travelling in, at the roadside or at home. But only in the UK. 

For mobile insurance, it covers breakdown, accidental damage, loss and theft up to £2,000. 

However, it only Covers one phone per account holder or two in the case of a joint account. An excess of £100 is payable on all successful claims.

The £17 fee makes it a little more expensive than a few others but there are ways to reduce the cost.

Halifax is currently offering a £150 switching incentive for those who switch from another current account.

On top of the £150 bribe there are other perks to take advantage of. There is a choice of £5 a month paid into the account, two film rentals or three magazine rentals, or a free cinema ticket each month.

In order to benefit from this account holders must choose to either Spend £500 on their debit card each month or Keep at least £5,000 in the account at all times.

They must also pay in £1,500 or more into your account each month and stay in credit - keeping your balance at £0 or above.

THIS IS MONEY'S FIVE OF THE BEST CURRENT ACCOUNTS

Chase Bank will pay £1% cashback on spending for the first 12 months . Customers also get access to an easy-access linked savings account paying 3.8% on balances up to £250,000. The account is completely free to set up and is entirely app based. Also no charges when using the card abroad.

Nationwide's FlexDirect Account offers 5% in-credit interest to new joiners when they switch on balances up to £1,500. This rate only lasts for one year. The account is fee free.

Halifax Reward Account pays £150 when you switch. Also earn up to an extra £75 cashback when you spend £750 each month for 3 months. There is a £3 monthly account fee, but that’s stopped by paying in at least £1,500 each month.

First Direct will give newcomers £175 when they switch their account . It also offers a £250 interest-free overdraft. Customers must pay in at least £1,000 within three months of opening the account.

NatWest's Select Account account pays £200 when you switch. The account has no monthly charges, but to be elligible for the £200, you'll need to deposit £1,250 into the account and log into mobile banking app within 60 days.

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Halifax Travel Insurance Review

Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from Halifax!

The experts say:

Are you planning a trip and looking for the best travel insurance? Look no further than Halifax's URCA policy! Rated highly by Which?, it scored an impressive 72%, and placed 33rd out of all 71 providers. It offers superior Covid cover, a whopping £10,000,000 in medical expenses cover, and includes airline failure protection as standard. You'll also get £2,500 of baggage cover and £5,000 cancellation cover. Excess payable on medical claims is not known, but Fairer Finance has not rated this policy - so you can rest assured that your finances are in safe hands.

What Halifax customers are saying right now:

• :thumbsup: Good fraud service and quick response times when calling.
• :ok_hand: Online banking systems that work well.
• :moneybag: Competitive rates and deals available.
• :rocket: Quick and easy account setup process.
• :iphone: An app with good features but minor technical issues.
• 😡 Poor customer service and I.T systems, leading to long call wait times and difficulty in using online banking
• 😠 Broken systems, resulting in frustration and difficulty in accessing accounts
• 😡 Unethical staff practices, such as blocking access to accounts without valid reason and accessing customers' accounts from home

Halifax customer reviews summary

Halifax travel insurance has been receiving mixed reviews from customers lately. From blocked accounts to poor I.T systems, it seems that a lot of people are having trouble with the service. On the plus side, the fraud service is strong and phone calls are answered quickly. Overall, the experience is a bit of a rollercoaster but could be improved with better customer service and more reliable systems. Score: 6/10

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Halifax Travel Insurance

Halifax Travel Insurance Overview

Whether you are traveling within or outside Canada, you need to have peace of mind on your trip. It is equally necessary to ensure that the trip is flexible to your lifestyle, suits your coverage option and offers you the best services. Call Insurdinary today for the best travel insurance for Halifax residents. We will connect you to insurance advisors who offer expert guidance and services on Halifax travel insurance.

To learn more about Halifax travel insurance, click here .

Getting the Best Travel Insurance in Calgary

The unexpected can happen when you travel and you cannot depend on your health or life insurance to cover you. Also, your provincial travel insurance may not be sufficient to cover for trip cancellation, unexpected illness, medical emergencies, multiple trips and so forth. You need more comprehensive coverage. We can help you to get the best coverage you need by connecting you to expert insurance advisors who will guide you through the thick and thin of Halifax travel insurance.

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Halifax travel advisory.

Whether you like it or not, the weather of your travel destination might affect you. You definitely need to put it into consideration even before you travel. We provide you travel advisory for Halifax residents to help you to know the weather conditions of your choice travel destinations.

• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/russia
• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/jamiaca
• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba
• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/dominican-republic
• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/saint-martin
• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/australia
• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/thailand
• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico

Halifax Airports

Halifax has 3 notable airports. The airports are located within and around Halifax and its neighboring cities and serve regional air travel, airline passengers and commercial cargo transportation. Halifax International Airport is the 8th busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic. It is also a hub for several helicopters.

Here are the airports in Halifax:

• Halifax Stanfield International Airport - https://halifaxstanfield.ca/
• CFB Shearwater
• Porters Lake Airport

You also need to consider the best times to arrive as well as the best arrival routes when purchasing Halifax travel insurance.

Choosing the right airport limos

It is very important that you select the right airport taxi or limo service when planning your trip as this can determine the success of your trip. To get the best price and service, you need to reserve early enough to select the best car and you should shop around to make sure you get the best price.

• Atlantis Limousine - +1 902-240-7100 - 146 Stoney Brook Ct, Halifax, NS B3M 3J7, Canada
• AM PM Limousine Halifax - +1 902-292-6780 - Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3V8, Canada
• BLT Limousine - +1 902-449-5676 - 8 Sugar Maple Dr, Timberlea, NS B3T 1G3, Canada
• Flylink Limousines - +1 902-455-0800 - 40 Sedgewick Pl, Bedford, NS B4A 0G5, Canada
• Town Limo - +1 902-456-6345 - 32 Stone Hill Pl, Beechville, NS B3T 2E7, Canada

Halifax Travelers Story

Tammy Bennett was worried when her doctor informed her that her youngest daughter, Skyla Bennett, had developed a tumor in her brain. She knew she had to spend a lot of time in the IWK Hospital in Halifax. Tammy was scared for several things especially about how she would pay for the bills. She was also scared that she might lose her home and how she would take care of all her family without income.

The tumor was located deep in the hippocampus of Skyla’s brain, a region of the brain that controls the memory. Due to the location of the tumor, doctors could not perform a biopsy or a surgery due to the risk associated with it.

Thankfully, Skyla was indigenous and as a result, Bennett got enormous help from the Membertou band council for accommodations and travel. The support from the Membertou was intended to cover the entire trip. Bennett expressed her appreciation to the Membertou stating that the situation would have been hopeless without them.

Some medical appointments and treatments cannot be done in the patient’s home. The Department of Health and Wellness, MSI, handles such appointments. This includes up to $1,000       for round trip travel for patients and another $1,000 for round trip travel for an approved escort. It also includes up to $125 each day for accommodation with a maximum of $1,500 per month. For a patient to request this financial support, he/she needs to be referred by a Nova Scotia specialist and an MSI medical consultant needs to pre-approve the patient.

The Bennetts spent $100-150 for transportation, $75 for food per day, $15 for tolls and parking per day, and $125 for accommodation per night. Each trip attracts these expenditures. Bennett and her daughter were required to embark on the trip every two weeks and stay up to a week for treatment when Skyla was first diagnosed. But the travel frequency has dropped to once or twice a year.

Irrespective of the support from Membertou, Bennett lost income because she had to close her at-home daycare or hire someone else. In their last trip to Halifax, she lost up to $800. Even though the Membertou’s help was relieving travel cost weighed greatly on the Bennetts.

To learn more about Halifax travel insurance click here .

Travel Insurance Related Pages

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance  is a type of insurance that offers coverage for losses or medical expenses that may occur while you are traveling. It can help protect you from eligible unforeseen events that may disrupt your travel plans, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or delays, lost or stolen baggage. Travel insurance policies typically offer a variety of coverage options that you can select based on your needs and travel plans. These may include emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation or interruption coverage, baggage loss or delay coverage, rental car coverage, and more. When you purchase travel insurance, you pay a premium in exchange for coverage during the period of your trip. The cost of your premium depends on a variety of factors, including the length and destination of your trip, your age, and the level of coverage you select. Travel insurance can help ease your mind during your travels and help you mitigate financial and medical risks that may arise. However, it's important to carefully review your policy and understand what is and isn't covered, as well as any exclusions or limitations that may apply. Planning an exciting trip? Get your AXA Travel Protection plan today and ease your mind knowing that you have coverage in case of eligible, unexpected and unforeseen events that could occur during your trip.

Receive a  free quote  within minutes Or call us at  855-327-1441  to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors. Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM Central Time

Related articles.

Need Help Choosing a Plan?

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.

Why Travel Insurance is a Must

Do you have house or apartment insurance or car insurance, dental insurance or private medical insurance? Ask yourself “why?”

If it’s not because the banker requires that it be covered (car loan or mortgage), it is because you have decided that the risk of something bad happening is too great not to be covered.

I have owned cars for more than 40 years. During that time, I have had one claim — for a cracked windshield — yet I have paid, I estimate, about $30,000 in premiums. House insurance, likewise:   no claims and about $25,000 in premiums. Why do I continue to pay these premiums?

Because I get peace of mind.

That is what insurance is all about for most people. I know that if I have a serious problem, I am covered and that helps me to sleep better.

The same is true for travel insurance. Will one get a return on “investment”? Probably not, and truth be told, the traveler probably doesn’t WANT a return — it means sickness during travel or an accident or missed connection or vacation ruined in some other way. But isn’t it reassuring that one has this protection in case it is needed?

Travelers often have concerns and questions about paying extra for travel insurance. After all, they have just spent a lot of time trying to ensure they get the lowest price for the trip they are taking. They often ask “why add to that cost”?

There are some options to purchasing separate coverage for travel insurance.

Some credit cards offer insurance. But who does it cover and what are the limitations?

Some work places have travel insurance for the travel done by their employees. Again, what coverage does it offer?

Be sure to find out the right answers. Call the credit card company, who will probably give their insurance company’s phone number. Get all responses in writing (very difficult to prove a phone conversation) and be sure to understand the limitations.

Be sure to ask if the coverage is Primary or Secondary. Secondary usually means that one pays up front for services and gets reimbursed upon filling out a form when back home. That’s OK if costs are up to $1000 to have a broken arm set in the Caribbean but NOT OK if one is hospitalized with a heart attack, especially in the United States, where the disbursement of a single pill in a hospital can cost $100 and treatment for a heart attack can cost several hundred thousand dollars!

Same thing for work travel insurance: be sure to understand the coverage. Most work travel insurance coverage has significant limitations. Away in a foreign country and experiencing a problem is not the place to discover that one’s insurance is insufficient.

There are various options available through private companies that offer coverage for trip cancellation alone to full — or Deluxe — packages that have a range of features, including of course, full medical, but also offering flight and accident insurance, baggage loss and delay, just to mention a few. Be sure to talk with a travel agent to get the proper coverage needed: one may have medical coverage already but can opt to purchase trip Interruption and Cancellation separately to top up coverage. Note that separating travel insurance into its individual component parts often results in a higher cost per section. Full coverage packages tend to be more economical.

And travel agents can advise of the proper procedure to initiate a claim.

At-destination-car-insurance is another concern — personally I have found it to be better to look at CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) coverage under my credit card and then either pay the liability insurance at the rental counter or ensure that my present car insurance policy is “transportable” — in other words, my provincial car insurance covers me while I am away. However, keep in mind that, in this case, any accident while away can affect one’s driving record in your own province AND can cause significant time loss to your vacation while the matter is settled. Be sure to discuss this with a travel agent and your present car insurance agent.

Another factor to consider is that in the event of an accident, insurance purchased at the car rental desk allows the traveler to drop the keys off (assuming there is no criminal liability) and be done with it, whereas your personal car insurance from home may require you to lose as much as a day — or more — of your travel time to sort things out.

Finally, keep in mind that though the decision to purchase travel insurance is the individual’s to make, this decision can affect others close to you. If, for example, hospitalization is needed in the US and incurs a bill of $200,000, who is going to pay that bill? Are family members going to have to come up with the money to help out?  Sometimes the risk the traveler is prepared to take can have far-reaching consequences for loved ones back home!

When the travel agent offers to discuss travel insurance, take the time to listen. Make an informed decision, not one based on adding $120 – $150—usually less than 10% of the cost of your trip – to the cost of a bargain basement trip, which has just been negotiated

Travel Insurance - Are You at a Risk?

Most of us travel, whether it be for business or for vacation.

While some prefer to take their chances regarding travel insurance, many people, with a variety of credit cards available, think that the travel insurance that is included with a credit card will cover all their insurance needs while away.  They might be surprised to find that they are not….

It is very difficult for anyone to do an in-depth comparison of coverage among the different credit cards, considering that even one bank might offer several categories of credit card, with different insurance coverages for each, and options for coverage constantly changing.

You may recall some time ago, when a volcano erupted in Iceland, it interrupted flights across the Atlantic for weeks. Many travelers made the very costly misinterpretation that they were covered by their credit card insurance, but they were not. How do you find out if you are covered for what you think you are covered?

Some points to discuss with your credit card company (I suggest getting responses in writing)…

1.  Your tour operator cancels your trip. In most cases, the tour operator will refund you your money, but what about airfare and other related expenses? 2.  Acts of war or local protests. Terrorism may be covered by your policy but acts of war or civil unrest are often excluded. 3.  Pre-existing medical conditions. This applies not only to yourself and traveling companion, but also any close relative, for example. If a medical condition exists prior to travel, you may not be covered. 4.  Baggage delay. Check to see what the delay of time requirement is. If it is 24 hours or longer, and you arrived at 6:00 PM the night before your cruise which departs at 4:00 PM the next day, you may not be covered. 5.  Illness or death of a pet. Pets are increasingly being considered as members of the family. Does your insurance cover for the cancellation of a trip if your pet is very sick or dies? 6.  Loss or damage to keys, money, documents, tickets or credit cards. These are often excluded under insurance policies. 7.  Sports injuries: many hard adventure sports are excluded from coverage — bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain climbing or white water rafting are likely to be excluded. 8.  Pregnancy and childbirth. When vacations are often booked a year or more in advance, a pregnancy can create major problems for a planned vacation. Be sure you understand the tour operators’ rules for travel while pregnant because that is usually not covered under travel insurance. 9.  Self-inflicted injury or psychological illness. Coverage for these problems is often excluded. 10. Divorce. If one of you files for divorce from the other, that is usually excluded from coverage. 11. If you do not leave an appropriate amount of time between connections, a weather delay that breaks the connection may not be covered.

Check with your travel agent to see if the insurance that is offered covers these situations – often, booking through a travel agent who represents a full-fledged travel insurance company, you may find that coverage is available.

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Travel Insurance For Canada: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Updated: Apr 30, 2024, 1:13pm

Table of Contents

Do you need travel insurance for canada, what type of travel insurance do you need, what does travel insurance for canada cover, what does travel insurance exclude, best travel insurance for canada, frequently asked questions (faqs).

From hiking trails in Ontario to traversing the slopes of the famous ski resort town of Whistler, there is no shortage of places to visit in Canada.

The vast North American country is a popular destination for travel-loving Aussies. In addition to a growing share of business travelers, more than 350,000 Australian tourists typically visit Canada each year.

While visitor numbers faded during the Covid-19 pandemic, the multitude of Australians heading to the Great White North has picked up in the last two years, particularly to experience the country’s stunning landscape.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t compulsory, but it’s highly recommended to cover for any lost or stolen baggage, the possibility of your trip getting cancelled due to an emergency, illness such as Covid-19 or bereavement, and to cover medical expenses.

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website recommends that travellers purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip.

As in any foreign country, medical care in Canada can be expensive for visitors, with a visit to a doctor potentially setting you back by hundreds of dollars.

The Australian government won’t cover these costs, and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Canada, so you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare either.

In addition, given the large geography of the country covering a variety of destinations from beaches to mountains to national parks, it is wise to hold insurance cover for a multitude of events and a variety of potential risks including natural disasters, crime or other types of emergencies.

International travel cover for Canada is generally available in the following ways:

Basic travel insurance

This type of policy is broadly focused on cover for unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses, but also includes insurance for luggage, personal liability and other essential benefits. It is usually the cheapest option available and is suitable for those traveling on a budget or for single trips.

Comprehensive travel insurance

This type of insurance typically includes higher amounts of cover for the essentials benefits such as medical expenses, luggage, personal liability, and so on. In addition, it includes cover for travel delays, rental vehicle excess, loss of passports and credit cards, hijacking, disability, accidental death, and more, depending on your policy.

Some insurers offer variations of the comprehensive policy that are suitable for multiple trips within a 12-month period.

Optional add-on policies

Given the growing number of Australians heading to Canada for cruises, road trips or to the ski slopes, some insurers have come up with add-on policies specifically tailored for a variety of adventure sports and transport options available. These include cruise packs, winter sports packs and even higher cover for rental vehicles.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Most international travel insurance policies will cover medical and hospital expenses, ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, as well as personal liability if you injure someone, or damage property while you’re in the country.

Policies will also cover, within limits, lost or delayed luggage and possessions, the costs of trip delays, interruptions or cancellations, and lost or stolen travel documents.

Comprehensive policies usually offer a broader cover to include personal accident cover in case of an injury during your trip that leads to permanent disability or death, and insurance excess payment if your rental car meets with an accident.

If you are planning to take advantage of Canada’s vast offering of adventure sports and activities, make sure these are covered by your policy—or that there is an option to add it on.

Most comprehensive policies will include popular sporting and leisure activities such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, and so on. However, more extreme activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, snow skiing or snowboarding will generally require an additional adventure sports cover at extra cost.

Most travel insurance policies to Canada will not provide cover in the following cases:

• Illegal activities: Insurers will reject any claims arising if you knowingly act illegally or dangerously.
• If you are under the influence: Insurance cover is specifically void if you cause a disturbance through drunken behaviour or under the influence of drugs.
• Unattended luggage: Insurers will ignore any claim for loss if your luggage is stolen while it was left unattended in public.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Insurers can avoid claims for any major medical conditions, if they have not been made aware of these before taking out a policy.
• Extreme sports: International travel insurance policies generally don’t provide automatic coverage for things like extreme sports, snowboarding or surfing. An optional add-on cover is required for these activities.

Most travel insurers in Australia offer insurance policies for travel to Canada. What policy suits you best will depend on your requirements including duration, age, and the type of cover.

It will also be determined by your specific needs, such as whether you are taking part in snow sports or other adventure activities.

An easy way to compare travel insurance policies is to use an online comparison tool, or read through our leading picks of travel insurance policies for Australians . However, always consider whether or not they include the extras you will require for your trip, and any pre-existing medical conditions you would require cover for.

Featured Partners

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Canada?

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t mandatory, but is highly recommended.

The Australian Government urges travellers to purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip, especially for medical cover.

Medical costs can be extremely expensive in a foreign country, especially if you have to visit a doctor, dentist or hospital in an emergency, so travel insurance is very handy.

Does my visa card have travel insurance?

Not every credit card comes with travel insurance. Complimentary travel insurance is typically offered on premium credit or rewards cards that have higher annual fees. In addition, this may not cover all circumstances or emergencies. By comparison, a travel insurance policy will offer more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.

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Prashant Mehra is a freelance journalist based in Sydney. He has more than 20 years of international experience covering financial news, including with Reuters and the Australian Associated Press (AAP). He writes about business, markets, the economy and investing.

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How can I check if a car is insured? expandable section

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Check if your own vehicle is insured for free – you’ll just need to confirm you’re the owner or registered keeper of the vehicle.

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What is car insurance excess? expandable section

Car insurance excess is the amount you'll need to pay towards a claim against your policy. An insurer will pay any remaining costs covered by an insurance policy.

Here’s a really simple example. Imagine you’ve had an accident, causing £2,500 worth of damage to your vehicle. Your car insurance policy requires you to pay an excess of £250, which means your insurer will cover the remaining amount of £2,250.

There are a few types of excess, and more than one could apply to each claim, depending on the terms of your car insurance policy. The most common are:

• standard or compulsory excess – as the name suggests, this is the standard amount you’ll need to pay towards any car insurance claim and is set by your insurer
• voluntary excess – many insurers will allow you to set a higher excess amount. Although this could reduce your annual car insurance premium, you’ll need to pay more if you need to make a claim. Make sure you’re realistic about what you could afford if you had an accident
• age excess – younger drivers could be offered car insurance with a higher excess amount, based on their level of driving experience and insurer insight about accident statistics
• glass or windscreen excess – some policies include a separate excess amount covering glass claims

Excess costs can vary, depending on the policy features you choose. Generally:

• increasing your excess amount could reduce your annual premium
• reducing your excess might increase your car insurance premium

Check the terms of your car insurance policy carefully, so you understand any excess costs associated with making a claim.

How much does car insurance cost? expandable section

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) regularly publishes results from their Motor Insurance Premium Tracker. In the first quarter of 2022, they recorded an average annual cost of £416 for comprehensive motor insurance.

The actual cost could be a lot higher, depending on a range of factors, include your age, location, driving experience and the car you’re looking to insure.

To find out how much car insurance could cost with Halifax, get a quote online .

Source: ABI news article 05.05.2022

What is a no claims discount? expandable section

Your insurer will award you with a no claims discount for every claim-free year of motoring. These can accumulate over the years, and could potentially earn you a discount on your future insurance premium costs. This is also known as a no claims bonus.

Even after a single year you could save up to 25%. After 5 years, you could save as much as 39%.* *source: BISL Limited annual average as at March 2022

You can take your no claims discount with you if you switch to another insurer. Your new car insurance provider is likely to ask for proof of your no claims, which you can usually get from your previous insurer.

How to give us your proof of no claims

Drivers named on your insurance policy can also earn a no claims discount. This could help to reduce their car insurance costs in future.

If you have an accident:

• you’re likely to lose some or all of your no claims discount if the accident was your fault
• your no claims discount might be unaffected if another driver was at fault and the cost of repairs can be recovered from their insurer
• your no claims discount might be protected if you have comprehensive car insurance and it’s clear that you weren’t at fault. That could apply, even if the other driver is uninsured

For an extra charge, most insurers offer the option to protect your no claims discount, even if you needed to claim.

How does car insurance work? expandable section

In really simple terms, the money paid by motorists for car insurance contributes to a collective fund. If an insured driver has an accident and makes a valid claim, the money needed to complete any repairs, or cover any other damage, is paid out of the fund.

The cost of car insurance, also known as a premium, can go up and down over time. The main thing which contributes to that, is the annual number of claims impacting the value of the insurance fund.

Most insurers offer three types of cover:

• Third party – this is the most basic level of car insurance, only covering damage to someone else’s vehicle or property if you cause an accident. It doesn’t cover your own car or property
• Third party, fire and theft – the next level of insurance also covers your car for accidental or criminal fire damage, damage resulting from theft or attempted theft, and if your car is stolen
• Comprehensive – this is the highest level of car insurance, also covering any damage to your car and property if you’re involved in an accident

The cost of your individual insurance premium can vary, depending on a range of factors, including your age, location, driving experience and the car you’re looking to insure.

You might be able to reduce the annual cost by adjusting the amount you’ll contribute out of your own pocket if you have an accident. This is commonly referred to as car insurance excess.

• Increasing your excess amount could reduce your annual premium
• Reducing your excess might increase your car insurance premium

Optional extras might also be available, such as breakdown cover or legal protection, which you can add to your policy for an additional cost to your annual premium.

Can I insure a car I don’t own? expandable section

Yes, you can insure yourself to drive a car that you don’t own. When you apply, just make sure you tell the insurance company that you’re not the registered keeper of the vehicle.

It’s worth knowing that the insurance premium could be higher in this situation. The types of cover you’re able to get might be more limited too.

If you only need cover for a limited period of time, you could look for short-term car insurance.

It might also be more cost-effective for the owner of the car to add you as a named driver on their insurance policy, instead of you applying for separate cover.

What’s the difference between a policyholder or regular driver, and a named driver? expandable section

The policyholder is the person who took out a car insurance policy and would be covered if there is a claim.

Cover can be extended to include named drivers, who will also be using the vehicle. For example, if your partner uses your car sometimes, or one of your children is learning to drive.

Adding named drivers can increase your premium costs, especially if you’re adding a less experienced and higher risk driver to your policy.

Make sure you check the policy terms and conditions to understand what’s covered, both for yourself, and any named drivers.

Can you insure a car without an MOT? expandable section

You can insure a car without having a valid MOT certificate. However it’s important to know that if you have an accident your insurer might not cover the cost of repairing any damage.

It’s against the law to drive a car which is:

• not covered by a valid car insurance policy
• over 3 years old and does not have a valid MOT certificate.

For your safety, and the safety of others using the road, it’s important to make sure your car is insured and roadworthy.

Source: gov.uk legal obligations of drivers and riders

How are car insurance premiums calculated? expandable section

The annual cost of car insurance is largely based on risk, and how likely you are to make a claim. For example, if you’ve recently passed your driving test and have limited experience on the road, your insurance premium will be higher than that of someone who has a long and claim-free driving record.

Factors which can affect the cost of car insurance include:

• Your age and occupation
• Your estimated annual mileage
• Any existing no claims discount
• Security features or vehicle modifications
• Any amount of voluntary excess you choose
• Whether you live near a crime or accident hot spot
• The insurance group, age and value of your vehicle
• Any named drivers who will also be using your vehicle
• What you generally use your car for. For example, travelling for work
• Where you usually park overnight. For example, off-road or in a garage
• Optional extras , such as enhanced legal assistance, guaranteed replacement car cover, breakdown cover etc

The level of cover you choose will also make a difference to the cost, whether you opt for third party cover , third party, fire and theft or comprehensive cover .

Can you tax a car without insurance? expandable section

No, you must have car insurance in order to tax a vehicle.

You can send a payment to tax your car with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), without giving a copy of your insurance documents. However, they’ll check your insurance status before updating their records.

Unless you’ve completed a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) and your vehicle is securely parked on private property, the law is clear. Your car must be insured and taxed.

What affects the cost of car insurance? expandable section

In addition to the level of cover you choose, there are several things which can affect the cost of your car insurance premium:

• Any existing no-claims discount
• The group, age and value of your vehicle

When shopping around for car insurance, make sure you check the terms and conditions carefully. Price is a key factor, but also make sure you’re getting the level of cover you’re most comfortable with.

Will the age and condition of my car affect my insurance premium? expandable section

One factor which can affect your annual car insurance premium, is the insurance group for your vehicle. There are 50 insurance groups, 1 being the least expensive, and 50 being the priciest.

Insurance groups are defined based on a range of things, including:

• Known model faults
• The market value for your car
• Security features or modifications
• Repair cost, ease and availability of parts
• Vehicle engine size, age, mileage and condition

Back to top

Can I get temporary insurance on a car? expandable section

If you’re borrowing a car for a brief period of time, or you just need cover while you shop around for a policy to suit your longer-term needs, temporary insurance could be a cost-effective option.

Halifax Temporary Car Insurance is perfect for a day out or weekend away. Need to borrow a friends car, or want to lend yours to a family member?

• Get comprehensive insurance for the exact time you need it
• We can provide cover for anything from 1 hour, up to 30 days
• Flexible – only pay for the cover you need

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply to all benefits.

Halifax Temporary Car Insurance is underwritten by Aviva and is arranged and administered by Dayinsure. 

More on Temporary Car Insurance

Do I need enhanced cover for business use? expandable section

If you use your car for work-related travel, other than commuting to your normal workplace, make sure your insurance will cover you if you have an accident. Common examples include:

• Attending conferences or meetings
• Travel between offices or clients
• Visiting customers
• Errands for work

This could increase the cost of your premium, simply because you’re likely to be covering more miles, at busier times and on unfamiliar roads.

There are three types of insurance for business use, so pick the one which best suits your needs:

• Class 1 provides cover for travel between offices, or occasional client visits
• Class 2 offers the same cover as class 1, but includes a named driver, usually from the same business
• Class 3 provides cover for drivers who travel regularly for work, such as reps or salesmen

Each of these options also cover social, leisure and domestic use. However, they won’t cover using your car as a taxi, or to make deliveries, so you might need specialist insurance in those situations.

Can I insure my electric vehicle with Halifax? expandable section

Yes, you can. Car insurance from Halifax also covers a few extras, specific to electric vehicles:

• Battery cover – whether your battery is leased or owned, we cover accidental damage, fire and theft
• Charging cable cover – again, you’ll be covered for accidental damage, fire and theft

Just be aware, some manufacturers might expect you to buy separate battery insurance.

What types of car insurance are there? expandable section

Some insurers offer more specialist types of cover, including:

• Multi-car insurance – allowing you to insure two or more cars under a single policy, and potentially save money on the cost of your premium
• Telematics or ‘black box’ cover is most popular with young drivers. This involves having a device fitted to your vehicle which monitors the way you drive. Safer driving could result in cheaper premiums
• Classic car insurance – as vintage cars are often only used for leisure; specialist cover could be cheaper than conventional insurance. Just be aware that mileage limits might apply
• Insurance for driving abroad – if you’re planning to use your car outside the UK, make sure your existing policy will still cover you. If not, you’ll need to arrange extra cover for your trip
• Temporary or short-term cover – if you’re borrowing a vehicle for a brief period of time, or you just need cover while you shop around for a policy to suits your needs, temporary cover could be a cost-effective option
• Pay as you go car insurance can offer cover by the mile, hour or based on the way you drive, monitored using telematics. This could be an affordable option for low mileage drivers
• Learner driver car insurance – as the name suggests, you can get cover designed especially for learners who want to practice their skills before taking their driving test
• Business car insurance – if you’re using your car for business travel, as well as for commuting and social activities, make sure your vehicle is covered by appropriate insurance
• Named driver cover – your existing policy can be extended to cover other people who will have access to use your car. Just be aware that adding a named driver can increase your premium costs
• Track day insurance – your everyday insurance might not cover you if you use your own vehicle on a racetrack during an organised track day. In this situation, you can buy extra cover
• Criminal conviction cover – even if it wasn’t a driving conviction, criminal charges can affect the cost and availability of car insurance. That’s where a specialist insurer might be able to help
• Impounded car insurance – some policies will offer cover for the release and return an impounded car. If not, you might like to arrange extra cover

As with any financial product or service, it’s important to shop around to find the right car insurance for your individual needs.

Do I need insurance if my car is SORN? expandable section

You don’t need to insure your car if you’ve completed a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) and your vehicle is securely parked on private property.

However, you must have motor insurance if you use or park your car on roads and public places. If you don’t, you could face:

• a fixed monetary penalty of £80
• a court prosecution with a fine of up to £2,500
• having your car clamped, impounded or even destroyed

That’s in addition to your insurance costs, which you might still need to pay.

Source: gov.uk when you need to make a SORN

How will points on my licence affect my car insurance? expandable section

In addition to fines, penalty points could be applied to your driving licence if you commit a driving offence. These could include speeding, driving a car which isn’t roadworthy and careless driving.

Depending on the seriousness of the offence, the number of points you’re issued can vary. Points could stay on your licence for anything from four to eleven years.

Some offences can also result in disqualification.

Learn more about driving offences and penalty points at gov.uk .

In terms of your car insurance, the main impact of having points on your licence is how much your premiums will cost. Penalty points can be an indicator of risk, pushing the price of insurance up.

It’s important to tell your insurer about any points or convictions though. If you don’t keep your driving history up to date, it could invalidate your insurance. If you have an accident, you don’t want to risk having your claim refused, or your policy voided.

Can I insure multiple cars on one policy? expandable section

Some insurers offer multi-car insurance policies, allowing you to cover two or more cars under a single policy.

Halifax don’t offer a multi-car policy right now, but to find out how much car insurance could cost with us, get a quote online .

Can I protect my no claims discount? expandable section

Most insurers offer the option to protect your no claims discount, even if you need to claim. Just be aware that extra costs will usually apply.

Halifax offer protection as an optional extra for customers with four+ years of no claims discount.

How do I go about choosing car insurance? expandable section

When choosing car insurance, cost is one factor. But it’s also important to make sure the cover you buy meets your individual needs.

The most basic requirement is getting cover so that you can drive legally. But car insurance also offers peace of mind and financial protection.

Depending on the level of cover you choose, insurance will help to cover the cost of any damage caused in an accident. That could include medical expenses and addressing any damage to vehicles and property.

You might be able to reduce the annual cost by adjusting the amount you’ll contribute out of your own pocket if you have an accident. This is commonly referred to as car insurance excess:

• Increasing your excess amount might reduce your annual premium
• Reducing your excess could increase your car insurance premium

Before you choose, think carefully about how much you could realistically afford to pay out if you had an accident.

Optional extras might also be available, such as breakdown cover or legal protection, which you can add to your policy for an additional cost.

When you’re browsing for car insurance, it could help to:

• Have a copy of your existing policy, especially if you’re looking for equivalent cover
• Think about the type of cover you need, based on the way you use your car
• Have proof of any no claims – this could help you to secure a discount
• Have your driving licence and car registration number to hand
• Know the cost of your last premium, just for comparison
• Work out your annual mileage for the year ahead

Car insurance is one thing you hope you’ll never need to use. But choosing a policy which suits your needs will offer you peace of mind should anything happen.

Who is my car currently insured with? expandable section

If you can’t remember which insurer your policy is with, there are a few ways to find out:

• Search your email inbox – most insurers will send you a confirmation and important policy details by email. Try searching for ‘insurance’, ‘car insurance’ or even your vehicle’s registration number
• Check your bank statements – look out for payments you’ve made to an insurance provider
• Check that pile of post – you might have received letters from your car insurer
• Do you use price comparison websites? You could sign into your profile to retrieve past quotes. This could help to remind you
• Contact the Motor Insurance Database (MID) – you can check that your car is insured online, then submit a request for more details. You’ll need to give some information to prove your identity

If your policy is due to expire, your insurer will usually contact you at least 21 days before your renewal or policy expiry date.

If your car is uninsured, the Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) scheme will get in touch. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) might also send you a penalty notice.

It’s a legal requirement for your car to be insured and taxed if you’re using, or even just parking a car on public roads. In addition to fines, if you’re found to be uninsured you could be issued penalty points on your driving licence, be disqualified or even face prosecution.

Learn more about driving offenses and penalty points at gov.uk .

How can I work out my car’s insurance value? expandable section

When you’re shopping for insurance, you’ll be asked to estimate the value of your vehicle. This is usually the amount you paid for the car, minus any potential decrease in value since you’ve had it – also referred to as depreciation.

There are lots of websites which offer free valuations which could give you an idea, including Autotrader, The AA and some price comparison websites.

Just make sure you factor in any modifications your vehicle has which might increase its value, such as driver assist or entertainment packages. You should also tell your insurer about these.

If you were to have an accident and your car couldn’t be repaired, depending on the type of cover you have and who was at fault, your insurer might only pay out the market value of your car.

The value of your car could also influence the cost of your premium, in combination with other factors like your age, the insurance group for your vehicle, and so on.

If your car is valuable, insurers might dictate a higher excess amount which you’ll need to pay out of your own pocket if you have an accident.

Resist the temptation to underestimate the value of your car though, even if it would help you to save money on your insurance costs. Worse than not receiving your car’s true value when you’ve had an accident, it could invalidate your insurance if you don’t give accurate information.

How can I get a car insurance quote? expandable section

Like most insurers, you can get a car insurance quote from Halifax online, or by phone. To complete a quote, you’ll need to give us some information:

Your details – we’ll need some basic information, including:

• driving licence details for all named drivers
• Your name, address, date of birth and occupation
• details of any no claims discount, past claims and driving offenses

Your car – we’ll ask for information about the vehicle you plan to insure, including:

• an estimate of your mileage for the year ahead
• the make, model and registration number if you know it
• details about any modifications which could affect your insurance premium
• how you plan to use the car, such as commuting to work, domestic, social or business use
• whether your car will be securely parked overnight. For example, in a garage or on the street

Your cover – at Halifax we offer three levels of car insurance:

• Third party – a basic level of car insurance, only covering damage to someone else’s vehicle or property if you cause an accident. It doesn’t cover your own car or property
• Third party, fire and theft – this level of insurance also covers your car for accidental or criminal fire damage, damage resulting from theft or attempted theft, and if your car is stolen

Before you choose, think carefully about how much you could realistically afford to pay out if you have an accident.

When completing a quote and for the duration of the policy, it’s important that the information you give is accurate. Failure to disclose correct and complete information could result in:

• increased premiums
• your policy being cancelled
• having a claim rejected, or partially paid
• your policy being invalidated, meaning you’re no longer covered

Where can I find proof of my no-claims discount? expandable section

You can take your no claims discount with you if you switch to another insurer.

Your new car insurance provider is likely to ask for proof of your no claims, which you can usually get from your previous insurer.

If you’re moving from Halifax, you can access and manage your policy online using My Account . This includes the option to view, download or print your policy documents.

If you’re moving to Halifax, to avoid the cost of your policy increasing or being cancelled, please send in your proof of no claims discount within 21 days of your policy start date.

You can give proof in the form of a renewal invitation, or an insurer's letter.

The proof must relate to a policy you've held within the last two years, showing:

• details about any claims or losses
• the registration details of the vehicle
• the renewal or expiry date of the policy
• no claims information in years or as a percentage

How to give us proof of no claims

Will applying for car insurance affect my credit score? expandable section

When you get a car insurance quote, the insurer will complete a ‘soft’ credit check, confirming that the information you’ve given is accurate.

The credit reference agencies Halifax use include TransUnion , Experian and Equifax .

Although they might be visible on your credit report, soft credit searches won’t affect your credit score, or your ability to get credit in future.

When you go on to buy cover though, depending on how you choose to pay, there is potential for impact to your credit score.

If you pay monthly, it’s like taking a 12-month loan with your insurer:

• You’ll pay a bit more to cover any interest
• A ‘hard’ credit check will be completed, which could affect your credit record
• If you don’t keep up with your payments your policy could be cancelled, and your credit score could be affected. If you’re experiencing financial difficult at any time, please get in touch so we can find a way to help

However, this is a flexible option. By sticking to your monthly payments, it could eventually help to improve your credit score .

If you pay annually, there’s no aspect of credit, so you could benefit from:

• a cheaper premium, with no interest to pay
• the option to pay with a credit or debit card

However, if you fall behind with your credit card or other bills as a result of paying your car insurance premium in one go, you could cause damage to your credit score.

More on what affects your credit score

How long is a quote valid for? expandable section

Each insurer sets their own expiry period, but with Halifax your quote is valid for 30 days, giving you time to consider your options.

Of course, if you’re happy with the quote you’ve received, you might like to go ahead and purchase cover. The choice is yours.

Just be aware, if any of your details change between getting a quote and buying cover, your premium costs could go up or down. But it’s important to give accurate information at all times, ensuring you’ve got the level of cover you need.

Do new customers get the best price? expandable section

The Financial Conduct Authority have made some amendments to their General Insurance Pricing Practices (GIPP). New rules were introduced on 1 January 2022, meaning insurers must offer the same price to both new and existing customers.

Previously, existing customers could face an increase in their premium costs when they received a renewal quote, sometimes referred to as a ‘loyalty penalty’.

These new rules could result in lower renewal prices for existing car insurance customers. But, as insurers have a short-fall to make up, costs for new customers could be higher than they have been in recent years.

It’s worth remembering that other factors could affect your car insurance renewal costs, including moving house, making a claim or changing your level of cover.

If you’re an existing Halifax car insurance customer, you can access and manage your policy online at any time using the My Account service. This includes the option to manage policy renewals.

If you’d prefer to chat to us by phone, call: 0344 209 0471

Speak to a representative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm, or 10am-4pm on Sun and bank holidays.

How can I pay for car insurance? expandable section

Most insurers offer the option to pay your annual car insurance premium in monthly instalments, subject to status, or as a single payment covering you for the year ahead.

Paying monthly

In essence, this involves taking a 12-month loan with your insurer. That means:

• you’ll pay a bit more to cover any interest
• your application will show on your credit record

However, spreading the cost of your car insurance could help you to:

• avoid a single hit to your monthly budget
• automate your payments with a simple Direct Debit
• improve your credit score over time by sticking to your payment plan

Paying annually

By paying for your car insurance in one go, you could benefit from:

Obviously, the main disadvantage is having to pay out a lump sum, all at once.

You should also be aware that, if you don’t keep up with your credit card and other payments, your credit score could be affected, and your accounts or policies could be restricted or cancelled.

How do I estimate my annual mileage? expandable section

The number of miles you’ll drive in the coming year is one factor which can affect the cost of your car insurance premium. In simple terms, miles equal potential vehicle wear and higher risk of incident.

If you overestimate your mileage, you’ll be paying a higher premium than you really need to.

If you underestimate your mileage, you risk:

So, how do you make sure your estimate is as accurate as possible?

Think about your weekly driving patters, including:

• the distance you travel to and from work
• shopping or running errands
• social trips

Once you’ve worked out a number of miles per week, multiply that by 52, then add a bit extra to account for things like spontaneous days out, or holiday travel.

If you’ve been driving for some time, you might already have an idea about the number of miles you drive in a typical week, month or year.

Your mileage is recorded on your MOT and car servicing certificates, so if you’ve got the last two to compare, that could also offer an indication on your annual mileage.

If you know your circumstances are going to change in the near future, you might want to factor that into your calculation. For example, perhaps you’re starting a new job closer to home, so you won’t be driving as far each day.

Whenever it happens, it’s important to let your car insurer know about a change in your circumstances which might affect your cover.

If you’re an existing Halifax car insurance customer, you can access and manage your policy online at any time using My Account . This includes the option to tweak your cover.

What’s a tracking device? expandable section

Some cars are fitted with specialist tracking devices, making it possible to locate a stolen vehicle. From an insurance point of view, having one of these security devices fitted could help to reduce the cost of your premium.

Some models of car have security trackers fitted as standard. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking the owner’s manual for your vehicle, or contacting the manufacturer direct.

If you don’t have a tracking device, you might be interested in having one fitted. In addition to the device itself, the security company you choose might also charge a regular fee for using their services.

However, if you’re concerned about security, a tracker could act as a deterrent, as well as affording you peace of mind.

There are a few types available:

• Very High Frequency (VHF) signal tracking – using this technology, a vehicle can be located even if it’s hidden in a garage, underground car park or shipping container
• Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking – satellite technology makes it possible to locate a vehicle anywhere in the world, as long as the signal is not interrupted

There are some systems which use both types of technology.

If your vehicle is stolen, but you have a tracking device fitted, the police will work in collaboration with your chosen security company to find and return your car.

Vehicle security companies might also offer other security features, including:

• sensors which trigger when your car is tampered with/started without a key
• alerts if your vehicle is being driven at an unusual time or place
• Verbal communication with the monitoring system, making it possible to speak to the thief
• Remote engine kill – bringing the car to a safe stop and preventing it from being started again

It’s not a legal requirement for you to have extra security features on your car, but there are potential benefits if you want to invest in added protection.

What’s a Thatcham security device? expandable section

Thatcham Research independently rates the different car alarms, immobilisers and other security devices which can be fitted to a car, either by manufacturers or security conscious individuals.

Thatcham employ a number of categories to certify or approve each device they review:

• Thatcham category 1 is the top tier, characterised by a combined alarm and immobiliser
• Thatcham category 2 provides a rating for electric immobilisers only
• Thatcham category 2/1 covers category 2 vehicles fitted with an upgraded alarm system
• Thatcham Category 3 provides a rating for mechanical immobilisers only
• Thatcham Category 4 covers wheel locking devices, including specialised wheel nuts
• Thatcham Category S5 provides a rating for vehicle tracking and recovery systems
• Thatcham Category S7 is the same as S5, but with single-location immobilisation
• Q class systems are additions which aren’t approved by Thatcham

Some models of car have security features fitted as standard. For example, car immobilisers have been compulsory for all cars manufactured since 1998.

If you’re unsure which security features your car has, it’s worth checking the paperwork for your vehicle, or contacting the manufacturer direct.

From an insurance point of view, a good Thatcham security rating for your car could help to reduce the cost of your premium each year.

If you've had a car accident

How to make a claim expandable section.

We know that being in an accident can be stressful, so first of all, take a breath. We genuinely hope that everyone is ok, even if the same can’t be said for your car.

Shock can make it difficult to remember details, so we recommend submitting your claim within 24 hours, just while details are fresh in your mind.

To make a claim, call: 0344 209 0472

Speak to a representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To help us process your claim, we’ll need:

• your Halifax car insurance policy number
• the date, time and location of the accident or incident
• to know if the police of emergency services were involved
• details about anyone involved, including other drivers and eyewitnesses

At the scene of an accident of incident, here are a few things you should do:

• Is anyone hurt? If so, the most important thing is to call emergency services straight away
• Stay where you are – if another driver was involved, you’ll need to exchange insurance details. If not, is there anyone you might need to report the incident to? You’ll also need to check your car over to establish whether it’s safe to drive. If in doubt, or your car is too damaged to drive, you might need to call a vehicle recovery service
• Avoid laying blame – whoever is at fault, this can be established and handled during your claim. Resist the temptation to admit blame, offer to pay for any damage or, on the other hand, blame others. Adding heat to the situation won’t help anyone
• Collect information – make a note of any other driver names, addresses, contact details and vehicle registration numbers. If there are other witnesses at the scene, ask for their details too. As long as it’s safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the scene and any damage caused to all vehicles. This can help to show the extent of any damage, as well as the driving conditions on the day. You could also make a sketch of the scene to show the position of any vehicles and witnesses. All of this evidence could help if there’s a dispute.

Will I have to pay anything towards a claim? expandable section

Car insurance excess is the amount you'll need to pay towards a claim against your policy.

• If you were at fault, the cost of insured repairs will come from your insurer’s fund
• If someone else was at fault, hopefully costs will be recovered from their insurer.

There are two main types of excess:

Standard or compulsory excess – as the name suggests, this is the standard amount you’ll need to pay towards any car insurance claim.

Voluntary excess – many insurers will allow you to set a higher excess amount. Although this could reduce your annual car insurance premium, you’ll need to pay more if you need to make a claim. Make sure you’re realistic about what you could afford if you were involved in an accident.

Check the terms of your car insurance policy carefully, so you understand any excess costs. Both compulsory and voluntary excess can apply in some circumstances.

It’s your decision whether you want to claim on your insurance. Depending on the excess amount you’ve set on your policy, for small repairs it might be cheaper to pay out of your own pocket.

If you’re in an accident though, you still need to inform your insurer, even if you don’t plan to claim.

Can I make a car insurance claim? expandable section

Car insurance can vary between policies and providers, so the best way to check what’s covered is to review your policy documents.

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account . This includes the option to view, download or print your policy documents.

If you have comprehensive car insurance , you can make a claim regardless of who was at fault. Just be aware, you might need to pay excess on your claim, and your no claims discount could be lost or reduced if your insurer can’t recover expenses from a third party’s insurer.

If you have third party or third party, fire and theft car insurance, you can still make a claim through your own insurer. If you’re found to be at fault, once you’ve paid any excess, damage caused to other vehicles and property will be covered. However, you’ll have to pay for any damage to your own vehicle yourself.

To chat to us about your Halifax car insurance policy by phone, call: 0344 209 0471

Or to make a claim, call: 0344 209 0472

What if I’m hit by an uninsured driver? expandable section

The Motor Insurance Database (MID) makes it easy to check if a vehicle is insured. It’s a central record of all insured vehicles in the UK, which all insurance companies contribute to as members of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

If you’re there when an accident or incident takes place, collect as much information as possible.

Make a note of any other driver names, addresses, contact details and vehicle registration numbers. If there are other witnesses at the scene, ask for their details too.

As long as it’s safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the scene and any damage.

If you find out that the driver was uninsured, either before or after you’ve made a claim, it’s important that you contact the police within:

• five days if there’s damage to your car or property
• 14 days if you you’ve been injured in an accident

You should also contact your insurer.

If you have comprehensive car insurance, although the process will be more complicated, you should still be able to make a claim.

It’s just useful to know that, depending on the terms of your individual policy, you might lose some or all of your no claims discount, and your insurance premiums could increase.

If you only have third party or third-party fire and theft cover, you might be able to make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) . An excess charge might apply.

If you’re not around when an accident or incident takes place, and the person at fault leaves no information for you to follow up on, they’d be classed as an untraceable driver.

In this situation, although it’s still important to contact your insurer, your first phone call should be to the Police. To stand any chance of making a successful claim, you’ll need help to gather evidence, which could include:

• CCTV footage
• Dash-cam footage
• Witness statements
• Photographs of damage, and even related marks on road surfaces

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) handle untraceable driver claims made within nine months of the event. Again, an excess charge might apply.

MIB will also work with the Police to establish who was at fault.

If you were wholly or partially responsible, the amount you receive could be reduced, or your claim will be rejected entirely.

Am I covered if my car is vandalised? expandable section

Acts of deliberate vandalism include:

• Slashed tyres
• Smashed windows
• Paintwork scratches

If you return to your car to find it’s been vandalised, the first thing you need to do is contact the Police to get a crime reference number.

The government website also invites you to report vandalism .

Depending on the situation, the Police might also get involved to collect evidence, including:

• Camera footage
• Photographs of damage and related road surface marks

If it’s safe to do so, take your own pictures of the damage, but always follow the advice given by the Police when you contact them.

Next, you’ll need to contact your insurer.

If you have comprehensive car insurance , it’s likely you’ll be able to claim for malicious damage.

Just be aware:

• You might need to pay excess on your claim
• Your insurance premium costs could increase
• You could lose some or all of your no claims discount

If you have third party or third party, fire and theft car insurance, damage caused by vandals is not usually covered. That means you’ll have to pay for any repairs yourself.

For Halifax car insurance claims, call: 0344 209 0472

Speak to a representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Am I covered if my car is stolen? expandable section

If you find that your car has been stolen, the first thing you need to do is contact the police. They’ll:

• record your vehicle as stolen on the Police National Computer (PNC)
• inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
• issue a crime reference number

They’ll ask for the registration number, make, model and colour of your car, as well as details about any personal belongings that were inside.

Depending on the situation, the police might also get involved to collect evidence, including:

If you have comprehensive or third party, fire and theft car insurance, it’s likely you’ll be able to claim for vehicle theft.

There are some exceptions. You might not be covered if:

• you leave your keys in or near the car
• you’ve left your car running and unattended
• you’ve left your car unlocked, or with windows open
• where the signal from your key is hacked, resulting in ‘relay theft’

If you only have third party cover, you’re unlikely to be covered.

If your car is found and returned within seven to fourteen days, and there’s little or no damage, your insurer should be able to settle a valid claim relatively quickly.

If your car cannot be found, or it’s damaged beyond repair, a valid claim might result in you being offered the market value for your car.

In the hopes of it being returned, most insurers will wait 30 days before paying out on a stolen vehicle insurance claim.

Tips for keeping your car safe:

• Use a steering wheel lock
• Park your car in a locked garage if you can
• Try not to keep valuables in your car, tempting thieves
• Consider fitting CCTV and motion detection lighting at home
• If your car doesn’t have a car alarm, you might want to fit one
• Park your car in a well-lit area and close to your property
• With some keyless fobs, you might be able to turn the wireless signal off
• Store keys away from doors or windows, ideally in a signal blocking (faraday) box or pouch
• Get your Vehicle Identity Number or registration etched onto your car windows and mirrors

If you lose your keys, it’s important to contact a Master Locksmiths Association approved auto locksmith who can help you to secure your vehicle.

What happens if my car needs to be repaired? expandable section

If you’re making a Halifax car insurance claim and your vehicle needs to be repaired, we’ll be able to discuss your options with you.

You might prefer not to pursue a claim if minor repairs would cost less than the excess amount you’ll have to contribute.

In situations where your car needs lots of costly repairs which we would cover, it’s likely that you’ll want to continue with your claim.

We’ll give you details of approved repair workshops in your area, which should help by speeding up the process. You won’t need to shop around for repair quotes.

Any repairs made by an approved garage will also be covered by a guarantee.

You can use a repair shop of your choice if you’d prefer.

If you go ahead and get repairs done before your insurer has agreed to pay, you’ll be responsible for all costs until your claim is settled.

What should I do if my windscreen or windows are damaged? expandable section

Cover can vary significantly between policies and providers, so the best way to check what’s covered is to review your policy documents.

Halifax comprehensive car insurance covers glass damage as standard, providing an emergency helpline which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 0330 018 1889

You also have the option to book online with our preferred partner, Auto Windscreens .

Your no claims discount will not be affected by your claim, but if the glass has to be repaired or replaced, excess charges might apply.

If your car insurance doesn't include windscreen cover, you’ll need to pay for the cost of replacement windows or repairs yourself.

What happens if my car is written off? expandable section

If you’ve been involved in an accident or incident and your car is heavily damaged, it could be ‘written off’ – also known as a ‘total loss’.

That doesn’t mean your car will go straight to the scrap yard, but your insurer has decided not to fund any repair work. It might not be financially viable to repair a vehicle if the cost would outweigh the value of the car itself.

In that situation, an insurer might make a cash settlement, reflecting the market value of your car at the time of the accident.

Once the claim is settled, it could be down to you to dispose of the car, but it’s more likely that your insurer will take ownership as part of the claim.

In either case, it’s important that:

• disposal is arranged in line with sustainability and industry approved guidelines
• the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are informed. You don’t want a £1,000 fine!
• Any relevant finance companies are informed – you’ll need to settle any outstanding finance

If the car is sold on, information about the vehicle’s history must be available to prospective buyers.

There are currently four categories of vehicle write-off, defined by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in their Code of Practice for Categorisation of Motor Salvage (PDF, 617 KB) .

Category A – the DVLA will no longer issue a V5 registration document for a vehicle in this category. Cars given this label are usually heavily damaged and must be scrapped – never returning to the road.

Category B – again, the DVLA won’t issue a V5 document for vehicles in this category. There could be salvageable parts, but the body shell and any damaged components must be destroyed.

Category S – applies to vehicles which need structural repairs, replacements and realignment to the original dimensions of the car. This excludes steering and suspension components.

Category N – applies to vehicles which need non-structural repairs to safety-critical components.

Although category S and N vehicles can be repaired, they’ll always carry a ‘salvage’ category.

Repairs should be completed by a garage which is part of the Thatcham Research preferred network. Thatcham specialise in vehicle safety and testing.

If you’d like to keep a car that’s been written off as a category S or N, you’ll need to speak to your insurer. Just be aware that costs might apply.

If your insurer agrees, for a category S vehicle you’ll need to send them your logbook and apply for a new one from the DVLA. You won’t need to do this for a category N vehicle.

While you might be able to keep a category S or N vehicle that’s been written off, even after repair some insurers might decline to insure it. If you can secure insurance, it’s likely that your premium costs will be higher than before any accident or incident.

If you just want to keep a personalised licence plate which was on the vehicle, you’ll need to apply through the government website .

How does a claim affect my insurance premium? expandable section

Regardless of who was at fault, making a car insurance claim can lead to an increase in your premium costs. This usually accounts for a perceived increase in risk.

Claims can also have an impact on your no claims discount (NCD), depending on:

• the type of claim you’re making
• whether you’ve chosen to protect your NCD

Non-fault claims

This is where the fault lies completely with someone else. For example, if your car is securely parked and another driver reverses into it, any damage caused would be their fault.

As long as your insurer can recover the repair costs from another driver’s insurance company, or from the individual themselves, the claim will be recorded as a non-fault claim on your insurance history.

In this situation, it’s unlikely to affect your NCD.

Fault claims

If you’ve caused an accident, that will be recorded on your insurance claims history.

This could also be the case in situations where the blame sits elsewhere, but your insurer can’t recover funds from elsewhere. For example, if your car is vandalised and the offender can’t be found.

In this situation, you could lose some or all of your NCD.

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver

If you have comprehensive car insurance, although the process will be more complicated, you should still be able to make a claim. However, you could lose some or all of your NCD.

In this situation, although it’s still important to contact your insurer, your first phone call should be to the Police. They might be able to gather evidence in support of a future claim.

In claims where funds can’t be recovered, your NCD will be reduced, regardless of who was at fault:

• Five or more years of NCD will be reduced to three years
• Less than five years of NCD will be reduced by two years

If you’ve chosen to protect your NCD with Halifax, you can make two claims in any three-year period without any impact or reduction. However, any further claims will affect your NCD.

How can I claim for uninsured losses? expandable section

Some losses won’t be covered by an insurer, including:

• Any drop in your car’s value
• The cost of alternative transport
• Compensation for personal injuries
• Excess costs when you make a claim
• Loss of earnings resulting from your car being out of action

Many car insurance policies do offer motor legal protection though, which could help with the recovery of uninsured losses.

In situations where a third party is at fault, you should start by writing to the individual and giving them details about your uninsured losses. If you can’t settle your claim with a third party or their insurer, you’ll might want to seek legal advice.

Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to take your claim to small claims court:

• In claims of £10,000 or less in England and Wales
• In claims of £3,000 or less in Northern Ireland and Scotland

Source: gov.uk make a court claim for money

How will my car insurance claim be handled? expandable section

Car insurance claims are generally treated as ‘non-fault’ or ‘fault’. We’ll discuss the incident with you, and any third parties who are involved, then decide how to move things forwards.

First though, if your car is un-driveable it will be recovered from the scene and taken to an approved repairer, or a garage of your choice.

As long as your insurer can recover the repair costs from another driver’s insurance company, or from the individual themselves, the claim will be recorded as a non-fault claim.

In this situation, it’s unlikely to affect your no claims discount (NCD).

If you’re found to be at fault, either wholly or partially, that will be recorded on your insurance claims history. In this situation, you could also lose some or all of your NCD.

It’s important to know that a fault claim doesn’t always mean that you were to blame.

For example, if your car is vandalised and the offender can’t be found, that’s classed as a fault claim. Your insurer won’t be able to recover funds from elsewhere.

What’s next?

Once fault has been established, our underwriters will work to process your claim, keeping you informed at each stage.

If you need legal help, especially in situations where there’s uninsured loss and personal injury, we can help by appointing a solicitor in your local area.

We only offer a courtesy car with our comprehensive cover , but you can add a guaranteed replacement car to any of our policies for an extra cost.

Courtesy cars are supplied by the garage repairing the vehicle as a result of a claim, subject to availability.

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. You won’t qualify if your car is stolen or written off.

If you have guaranteed replacement car cover , we’ll provide a car from a leading national rental network, whether your car is stolen, written off, is un-driveable or you’re simply waiting for a courtesy car to become available.

Just so you know: you could be contacted by third parties offering services to deal with your claim. We only use our own approved providers and do not forward your details to anyone else.

If you are at all unsure , take the details of the caller and contact us to confirm they’re genuine before providing any personal information over the phone.

Do I have to tell you about an accident if I don’t claim? expandable section

Yes. You must tell your insurer about any accidents or incidents you’ve been involved in within the last five years, even if you don’t plan to make a claim on your car insurance.

It could invalidate your policy if you don’t give full and accurate information.

Insurers share and check information using various databases, including the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE), so it’s likely that anything you don’t disclose will be picked up.

In addition, if a third party is involved, even if you don’t make a claim, they might.

Although it could result in an increase in your car insurance premium, honesty is the best policy.

It’s your decision whether you want to claim on your insurance to repair any damage.

Depending on the excess amount you’ve set on your policy, for small repairs it might be cheaper to pay out of your own pocket.

Either way, you need to inform your insurer if you’re ever involved in an accident or incident.

Am I covered to drive other cars? expandable section

Many people assume that having comprehensive car insurance allows them to drive other vehicles. For example, you might drive a relative’s car once in a while.

It’s important to know that you’re only covered to drive another car if:

• you’re named as a driver on the insurance policy covering the car you plan to use
• your own insurance policy states that you can use another car. You’ll usually find this on your Certificate of Insurance

Of course, the car you drive must also be insured by the registered keeper or owner.

Even if you have comprehensive insurance on your own car, make sure you check the policy details carefully before getting behind the wheel.

You might only be protected:

• For some purposes, such as social or domestic, but not business use
• By third party cover, rather than a higher level of cover you might have on your own car

Is my windscreen covered? expandable section

In addition to accidental and criminal damage, windscreens can be affected by:

• chips resulting from loose stones and debris on the road hitting the glass
• cracks resulting from glass weakened by heat and chilly weather
• both can impair your vision and distract you, which isn’t what you want when you’re driving

Below are some basic tips for vehicle glass care:

• Keep washer fluid and anti-freeze topped up
• Replace your windscreen wipers as soon as they show signs of wear
• If frost is expected, use a cover to protect the windscreen overnight
• Defrost your windscreen slowly – avoid using hot water or sharp scrapers

Will I get a courtesy car as standard? expandable section

Car insurance can vary significantly between policies and providers, so the best way to check what’s covered is to review your policy documents.

We only offer a courtesy car with our comprehensive cover , but you can add a guaranteed replacement car to any of our policies for an additional cost.

Courtesy cars are supplied by the garage repairing the vehicle as a result of a claim, subject to availability

Will my car insurance policy auto-renew? expandable section

If you don’t take any action, most insurers will automatically renew your policy, preventing you from becoming uninsured.

If you don’t want to auto-renew with us, or you’d like to discuss the renewal quote you receive from Halifax, please get in touch.

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account . This includes the option to manage policy renewals.

What’s covered by my car insurance policy? expandable section

Am i insured to drive abroad expandable section.

It’s important to check the details of your car insurance policy before you drive outside the UK.

In terms of Halifax car insurance, whether you choose comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, or just third party, you’re covered when driving in:

• Great Britain, including Northern Ireland
• throughout the European Union and European Economic Area
• the Channel Islands
• the Isle of Man
• Switzerland

If you’re planning to drive further afield, you’ll need to arrange extra cover. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply to all levels of cover.

Do I need a Green Card to drive outside the UK? expandable section

Below is useful information about Green Cards, also known as International Motor Insurance Cards.

On 30 June 2021 , the EU Commission announced their decision to waive Green Card requirements.

From 2 August 2021 onwards you no longer need apply for or provide proof of a Green Card. This applies to vehicles, towed cars and trailers when driving in the EU and European Economic Area.

You don’t need a Green Card to drive in: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

But you might need a Green Card to drive in: Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Iran, Israel, Moldova, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine.

Cover in some countries is subject to the agreement of your insurer. An extra premium cost might apply, in line with the terms of your policy.

If you’re travelling to a country where you’ll need a Green Card, contact us at least 21 days before you travel: 0344 209 0471

If we’re happy to provide cover and you’ve paid any extra premium costs, we’ll issue and send your Green Card to your home address.

Before you travel, remember to pack your Green Card, a copy of your certificate of insurance, your driving licence and V5C logbook. If there isn’t one on your registration plate already, display a UK sticker on your vehicle.

To drive in some European Union and European Economic Area countries, you might also need an International Driving Permit.

If you’re planning to tow a trailer, you might need to register that before you travel.

Helpful gov.uk guides:

• Driving abroad
• How to register a trailer
• International driving permits
• Driving abroad – vehicle insurance

You’ll also find useful information from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau .

Am I covered when towing caravans or trailers? expandable section

Before you drive towing a caravan, trailer or horse box, it’s important to check the details of your car insurance policy, driving licence and your vehicle’s safe towing weight.

Your insurance policy – it depends on the terms of your policy, but many insurers only provide third party cover for damage you cause to someone else’s property, but not any repairs to your caravan, trailer or anything transported inside. For your peace of mind, you might want to get an extra insurance policy to provide enhanced cover.

If in doubt, it’s worth contacting your insurer.

Your driving licence – what you can legally tow depends on:

• when your driving licence was issued
• whether you’ve taken any advanced driving tests
• the combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of your towing vehicle, trailer and load

If your licence was issued before 1 January 1997, you can drive a towing vehicle and trailer with a MAM of up to 8,250kg.

To tow more, you would have to pass a category C theory test and the C1+E practical test. This would allow you to drive a rigid lorry towing a trailer with a combined MAM of up to 12,000kg.

If your licence was issued between 1 January 1997 and 19 January 2013, you can:

• drive a vehicle with a MAM of up to 3,500kg, towing a trailer of up to 750kg
• tow a trailer over 750kg if the combined MAM of the trailer and vehicle is under 3,500kg

To tow more, you’d have to pass a B+E trailer test, allowing you to tow a trailer of any size.

If your licence was issued after 19 January 2013, you can:

• tow a trailer weighing no more than 750kg

To tow more, you’d have to pass a B+E trailer test, allowing you to tow a trailer up to 3,500kg.

Your vehicle’s safe towing weight – anything you’re towing should never be over 85% of your towing vehicles kerb weight. That’s the weight of your vehicle, excluding passengers or cargo.

To find this out, refer to your vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. This can be located in a few places, depending on the car, but start with the inside of the door frames, or under your car bonnet.

In addition to the 17-digit chassis number, you’ll also find information about tyre pressures and your vehicle weight. Figure A is the gross weight (MAM) of the vehicle. Figure B is the gross train weight, which is the maximum combined weight for your vehicle and anything you’re towing.

To calculate the maximum weight for a trailer, caravan or horse box, subtract figure A, from figure B.

To weight a trailer or caravan, you’ll need to visit a local weighbridge. There could be a small fee for this service. It’s useful to weigh your car and whatever you’ll be towing when they’re both empty, and again once you’re all packed.

If the weight exceeds the legal limit, not only will it be illegal to drive and tow, but if you had an accident your insurance could be invalidated.

Other tips for when you’re towing something :

• The maximum length of a trailer should be more than 7m
• The maximum width of a trailer should be no more than 2.55m
• If you’re towing something wider than your vehicle, you must use towing mirrors
• You should have working lights and reflectors on your caravan, trailer or horse box
• You must use a tow bar that’s designed for your vehicle, and which meets EU regulations
• You must display a number plate on your trailer which matches that of the towing vehicle

Also watch your speed and driving position when towing a caravan, trailer or horse box:

• In built-up areas, observe a maximum speed limit of 30mph
• On a single carriageway the maximum is 50mph
• On a dual carriageway or motorway, it’s 60mph

When towing, it’s illegal to drive in the outside lane of a motorway.

Source: gov.uk towing with a car

Can named drivers earn no claims on my policy? expandable section

It’s worth checking your policy information, but drivers named on your insurance policy might be able to earn a no claims discount, which could help to reduce their own car insurance costs in future.

What happens when my car insurance policy expires? expandable section

When your car insurance policy is ending, you usually have two options:

1. Stay with your current insurer

Most insurers will automatically renew your policy, just so you don’t end up being uninsured. Simply get in touch if you don’t want to auto-renew, or you’d like to discuss the renewal quote you get

2. Shop around for a new deal

Just make sure you have a new policy in place to pick up from the date that your old policy ends.

Where can I find my policy documents? expandable section

Managing your car insurance policy, do i need to tell you if volunteering and using my own vehicle to help others get essentials expandable section.

If you’re using your own private car for local voluntary purposes, such as delivering medicine or groceries to support others, you’ll be covered as normal.

You don’t need to let us know, or make any changes to your car insurance policy.

Do I need to tell you if I’m transporting goods in support of Ukraine? expandable section

If you’re planning to transport goods to aid the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, below is some information you might find useful.

If you’re using your own private car to transport goods within the UK, or the European Economic Area, you don’t need to let us know or make any changes to your car insurance policy.

In the UK, you’ll be covered as normal.

Within the European Economic Area our motor insurance policy will provide, as a minimum, third party liability coverage for the duration of the policy.

However, we recommend that you check your policy documents carefully for limits of coverage and policy exclusions. In addition, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with regulations around the cross-border transport of goods and abide by any travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Important : your policy will not cover you to drive in the Ukraine. You should also be aware that damage or injury caused by war, conflicts or similar events is a common exclusion in motor insurance policies.

How can I contact you about my car insurance policy? expandable section

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time.

Using My Account you can:

• get a quote for a second car
• manage payments and renewals
• add or remove named drivers
• change your address and contact details
• view, download or print your policy documents
• change vehicle, what it’s used for, or the level of cover

If you need to give us proof for your no claims discount, you can:

Email : [email protected]

Write to : Fusion House, Katharine Way, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 8BG

To avoid the cost of your policy increasing or being cancelled, please send in your proof of no claims discount within 21 days of your policy start date.

You can also contact us by phone. There are a few different numbers, depending on what you’re calling about, but below are the most popular options:

• To amend your policy, call: 0344 209 0471 Speak to a representative Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm, or 10am-4pm on Sun and bank holidays Important : policy changes could affect the cost of your premium
• For car insurance claims, call: 0344 209 0472 Speak to a representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also make a claim online.

How do I cancel my car insurance policy? expandable section

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account . This includes the option to cancel.

If you’d prefer to cancel by phone, you can call: 0344 209 0471

Fees might apply, depending on when you choose to cancel your car insurance policy.

It’s also worth knowing that:

• any refund you receive will be pro rata. For example, if there’s 6 months left on the policy, you can expect to be refunded half of the original cost, minus any fees
• if you cancel early, you could lose any no claims you’d earn under your policy for that year
• optional extras, like breakdown cover, might not be refundable

If you do cancel your policy and still have a car which needs to be insured, make sure you have a new policy in place to pick up from the date that your old policy ends.

Do I need to tell you about medical conditions? expandable section

Yes, in most cases you should inform your insurer and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you have a medical condition, or if you’re diagnosed with a new one. You should also update your medical information if your condition changes over time.

‘Notifiable conditions’ which could affect your ability to drive include:

• Sleep apnoea
• Limb disabilities
• Heart conditions and strokes
• Neurological conditions like dementia

Search the DVLA’s list of medical conditions you must report or browse their A-Z list .

One exception is hearing impairments – there aren’t any current restrictions on driving a vehicle if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.

You might also need to inform your insurer and the DVLA if you’re taking medication to treat a notifiable condition – for example, if you’re diabetic and manage your condition with insulin.

Medications which can affect your ability to drive safely include:

• Flunitrazepam
• Amphetamines
• Morphine and other opioid-based drugs

It’s illegal to drive in the UK if you’re taking any medication which affects your ability to drive safely.

If you’re not sure if a condition or medication could affect your ability to drive, ask your doctor.

If you don’t disclose your medical status:

• Your insurance could be invalidated
• The DVLA could fine you up to £1,000
• If you have an accident, you could be prosecuted

Source: gov.uk medical conditions, disabilities and driving

How do I make a complaint? expandable section

If you’re unhappy with your car insurance policy, or the service we’ve provided, we’d really appreciate you contacting us so we can find a way to help.

We hope it won’t get that far, but of course you can make a complaint if you’re dissatisfied. You’ll find all the information you’ll need on our dedicated complaints page .

How do I tell you about a policy holder bereavement? expandable section

For support with a bereavement, please see our bereavement support

How do I make changes to my policy? expandable section

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time. Using My Account you can:

If you’d prefer to make changes by phone, you can call: 0344 209 0471

Important : policy changes could affect the cost of your premium.

How do I transfer my current insurance to a new car? expandable section

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account . This includes the option to switch your cover to another vehicle.

Do I need to tell you if I’ve my employment status changes? expandable section

In short, yes. A change in your employment status might also signal a change in your insurance needs.

If you’ve lost your job – although this can be a stressful time and the last thing you really want is an increase in the cost of your insurance premium, you could risk your policy being invalidated if you can’t give proof of occupation when requested.

Unemployed people could be charged higher premiums because:

• they’re driving more and to unfamiliar places in search of work
• there’s potential that they’ll spend less on vehicle maintenance

If you’ve moved to a new job – the cost of your insurance premium could go up or down, depending on the nature of your role. Just as insurers track information about accident and crime hot spots, they also know which jobs potentially expose drivers to a higher level of risk.

Again, it could invalidate your insurance if you don’t give accurate information. If you had an accident, you definitely don’t want to risk having your claim rejected.

If you’ve moved to a new employer, but you’re continuing in the same line of work, you only need to let your insurer know if the way you use your car has changed significantly.

If you’ve recently retired – the cost of your insurance could potentially go down, simply because you’re less likely to be travelling during busy times of day.

Will I be charged if I cancel my car insurance policy? expandable section

Cancellation fees may apply. Please refer to your policy documents for details.

I’m struggling to make car insurance payments – can you help? expandable section

Yes, please get in touch if you’re struggling to manage your regular policy payments. Don’t wait until you miss a payment to speak to us – we’re here to help.

Call: 0344 209 0471

We ask that you don’t cancel your payments or Direct Debits as your policy could be cancelled as a result, leaving you uninsured.

When you call, our specialists will chat through your situation with you, then find a way to help. This could involve agreeing partial payments or a payment holiday, just while you get things back under control.

Do I need to tell you about points on my licence? expandable section

Yes, although it could increase the cost of your car insurance premium, it’s important to tell your insurer about any penalty points or driving convictions you receive.

If you don’t keep your driving history up to date, it could invalidate your insurance. If you have an accident, you don’t want to risk having your claim refused, or your policy voided.

Need insurance?

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Comprehensive car insurance

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Manage your policy

You can access and manage your Halifax car insurance policy online at any time using My Account . If you need support, we’re just a phone call away.

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Halifax is a division of Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 169628.

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Travel and travel insurance

Explore travel and travel insurance topics, general travel.

I am abroad and I believe my card has been stopped, what do I do?

How do I register my credit card for travel?

How do I order Travel Money?

How do I let you know when and where I'm travelling abroad?

Can I order or cash Travellers Cheques?

Travel insurance

What is my travel insurance policy number?

Do I need to register for travel insurance?

Can you tell me more about travel insurance?

Do you have any credit cards that offer travel insurance?

What's travel insurance?

Travel insurance is financial protection against unforeseen circumstances while you’re travelling or on holiday. Depending on your level of cover it could protect you, your trip, and your property such as medical care, cancelled flights or lost luggage.

Handy guides for general banking information

Help with registering on the app.

Safe and easy banking with the NatWest app.

How to use the mobile app

Everything you need to know about banking in the app.

Help with registering for Online Banking

If you're new to Online Banking, this guide can help you get started.

Banking my way

Do you need additional support with banking because your circumstances have changed?

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Halifax Travel Insurance

Halifax travel insurance can provide you an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy, single trip cover for individuals, groups or families..

So whether it’s a holiday with the family and friends or a business trip you can rest assure that you will be fully cover with the Halifax for all your travel needs. Apply online for a quick quote for travel and holiday insurance.

Halifax Overview

Sites you might find of interest:

Healthcare Abroad When you're going on holiday or traveling aboard? make sure you take your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Get yours here!

Travel Insurance Lots of advice concerning health, medical, personal liability, cancellations, accidents and your possessions.

Halifax Travel Insurance contact details: Address: Customers must use their branch finder service to find their branch closest to where they live. Phone Number: 08457 24 34 44 Web Site: www.halifax.co.uk

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