COVID-19 Update

We're pleased to say that we're running business as usual - with a slightly reduced phone service while the Marmalade team work remotely - so we're still very much here to help. The quickest way to get in touch is by Livechat or email, however we're still on the phone if you need us on 0333 358 3441 (you may just have a slightly longer wait time than normal).

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we’re closely following Public Health England guidelines and we have plans in place to maintain services for our customers, suppliers and stakeholders and to protect the welfare of our employees.

 

We’ve pulled together some frequently asked questions. We hope these help, and we would like to re-assure you that your insurance cover and ability to make a claim remains unaffected.

The most recent advice from the UK government suggests that you can now drive if you need to for the purposes of:

• Getting to work if you are unable to work from home,
• Visiting other destinations for exercise and essential appointments,
• Shopping for essentials, groceries or medical supplies,

Provided that you stay at home as much as you can and limit contact with other people.

Again, there has been no specific advice about learner drivers, however, the guidelines suggest driving would be acceptable provided that:

1. Learner drivers are accompanied by a member of their household (over 25 years old who has held their full driving licence for 3 years or more)
2. The trip must only be for one of the government sanctioned reasons for leaving the house. (Check with your local Government for the latest guidelines)
3. Both people must be needed for the purpose of the trip.
4. The route taken must be direct from starting point to final destination.

If you or anyone in your household has had symptoms, you should self-isolate, so in these circumstances, you should not drive.

Read the Prime Minister’s address and the government website for the latest information. If you are a driver in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the rules around driving may differ, please check the gov.scot, gov.wales or nidirect.gov.uk websites for their specific advice.

Your insurance cover and your ability to make a claim during this time will not be affected. As you may be aware, many companies have their teams working remotely and may be managing with higher staff sickness than normal, so at these times it may take a little longer to get through on the phone.

Due to the nature of motor insurance and our obligations to update the Motor Insurer’s Database with details of insurance that is in force, we are unable to pause the cover.

If you have a Black Box Insurance policy, whilst you may not be driving, your car is still insured against fire, theft and damage by a third party when it’s parked. Please note that insurance cover is a legal requirement, unless your car is registered SORN (Standard Off Road Notification) and isn’t parked on public roads. If you no longer require insurance, you can cancel your policy by contacting the team on Livechat or 0333 358 3441.

If you have a short-term policy with a week or more left on your Learner Driver Insurance or Student Driver Insurance policy, please contact us by email ([email protected]) and we will discuss the options with you.

As of 30th March 2020, the government has granted a 6 month exemption for MOT testing to enable essential travel to continue. During the period of exemption must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and, of course, garages will remain open for essential repair work. Drivers can be still be prosecuted for driving unsafe vehicles. Insurers are working with the Department of Transport to ensure people aren’t unfairly penalised if they are unable to take their vehicle for testing whilst self-isolating, etc.