Car insurance keeps motorists and other road users safe and is a legal requirement for every driver , but from moving house to wearing inappropriate footwear , there are many unsuspecting situations that can catch out even the safest and most knowledgeable drivers .

Many of these circumstances can not only affect insurance policies , but might also carry hefty fines or penalties .

Moving house

Moving house is one of the most stressful things Brits can do , and one often overlooked mistake drivers make is failing to notify the insurance company of a change of address . The wrong address will leave UK drivers with an invalid policy .

Insurers will take a postcode into account when setting car insurance premiums , as certain areas can be deemed riskier than others . Therefore , moving house could see a policy get cheaper or more expensive .

Having too many passengers in the car

Brits shouldn ’ t try to fit too many people into a car at once , as this is a sure-fire way to be on the wrong side of the law , as well as invalidating any insurance . Overloading a vehicle – whether with people or goods

– will likely invalidate a car insurance policy . Legally , all passengers must be secured in the car by their own seatbelt .

Fronting

Surprisingly common , when a parent names themselves as the main driver on their child ’ s

car it ’ s called “ fronting ”. Not only could it invalidate the insurance policies , but they could also be convicted for fraud .

there are many unsuspecting situations that can catch out even the safest and most knowledgeable _drivers

Eating or drinking at the wheel

It ’ s a simple case of being distracted when driving . Brits should avoid drinking tea , coffee or any drink when driving as eating or drinking at the wheel could also invalidate a policy .

As well as invalidating any insurance , being caught doing this could earn drivers up to £ 100 and three penalty points .

Driving in a natural disaster

Luckily , there aren ’ t many natural disasters on UK roads , but there have been instances of earthquakes and tornadoes hitting the UK . In which case choosing to drive up towards a disaster area isn ’ t the most sensible decision , and will undoubtedly invalidate any insurance .

Inappropriate footwear

Wearing high heels , slippers , sliders or going barefoot isn ’ t illegal , but it could hamper any claims if drivers have an accident , as it could be seen as hindering the driver ’ s ability to drive .

Careful with certain prescription drugs

Many prescription drugs could make Brits drowsy and they ’ re best to avoid them before driving . The penalties for this are particularly high . UK drivers could be given a one-year driving ban , face an unlimited fine , up to six months in prison and end up with a criminal record for drug driving !