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.

Restrictions are now beginning to ease across the UK, meaning that there are no specific restrictions on driving providing your activity is within local government guidelines. The public is being asked to remain cautious and continue to work from home where possible, and to self-isolate if they, or anyone in their household, have experienced symptoms or been contacted by the Track and Trace system. You should not drive if you are self-isolating. 

In England, driving lessons with an instructor can now re-commence subject to new guidelines. Driving tests will also be re-starting later this month. Learners can also take private practice, provided their supervising driver lives in the same household, has held a full UK driving licence for 3 years and is aged over 25.

Please read 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.

As of 30th March 2020, the government has granted a period of 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 during this period from 30th March to July 31st 2020.

This period of exemption finishes at the end of July. From 1st August 2020 MOT's will become mandatory again for cars over 3 years old.

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.