It pays to be honest with car insurance

Search: Best car insurance deals

It's not uncommon for motorists to provide inaccurate information in an attempt to get cheaper car insurance premiums, especially when it comes to the number of minor prangs you may have had, or the number of points on your licence.

But twisting the truth when applying for car insurance could land you in hot water in the event of making a claim.

Not only do the insurance cheates end up under-insured for their circumstances, but they also risk invalidating their car insurance entirely.

The lies motorists tell...

In the bid to try and save money on car insurance, drivers most commonly lie about their age, no claims bonus years and any criminal convictions.

Another classic trick is to name a person who is perceived to be a better risk as the main driver on a policy when in fact they will be hardly driving the car at all.

There are also those who opt for 'social, domestic and pleasure' cover when in fact the vehicle is used for commuting.

Insurers do need to know if the car is used for commuting so they can take into account the added risk of theft or damage by leaving the car in a public place.

For most insurers 'commuting' means cover driving your car to and from work or the station.

Cunning drivers seeking a good deal on their car insurance will often overestimate their no claim bonus years and forget to mention any modifications to the vehicle.

Not declaring claims and convictions from speeding or drink driving is also not uncommon.

Parking your car off the street or in a locked garage will reduce your premium, leading many drivers to claim that this is where their car is going to be parked even if it remains on the street.

Is it really worth the risk?

Motorists should never drive with invalid or no insurance. It's both hazardous to the driver and other road users. The increasing number of uninsured drivers on UK roads presents the insurance industry and other drivers with serious issues.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), uninsured drivers add on average £30 a year to the premiums of honest motorists.

Insurers are under no obligation to settle a claim on a policy that is based on inaccurate information.

So you may be saving money in the short term by with-holding crucial information, but if you make a claim, and your insurer refuses to pay up, it could be a different story.

Your responsibilities

Always check that the details you are submitting to the insurer are true. It's your responsibility to ensure that the insurer is well informed of your correct driver profile.

If your situation changes, whether you move house, acquire points on your licence or change your job, you are obliged to update your insurer.