Lesson 6 – Different types of motor car insurance and what they cover

How do we choose the best insurance? Is cheap better than value for money? It is important for driving instructors to understand the implications of motor insurance in respect to their business

The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that you must obtain motor insurance before you can drive your vehicle in a public place.

Motor insurance protects you, your vehicle and other motorists against liability in the event of any accident. It provides financial compensation to cover any injuries caused to people or their property. Road Traffic Act cover is the legal bare minimum which a driver can have. It is seldom used due to the inherent lack of protection, and the fact that to use it requires a massive cash bond to be lodged with the Secretary of State, which makes this option unrealistic for small businesses.

You should allow 45 minutes for this activity. Find the relevant pages in the Driving Instructor’s Handbook and read the information relating to motor insurance before starting the progress check. By the end of this section you will be able to understand the problems new drivers face finding suitable motor insurance and, as a result, be able to help them make informed choices.

The next 10 questions refer to insurance matters. They are followed by a short case study.

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Terms and Conditions

By purchasing this product you agree that you have read and understood the requirements of the test that you are applying for.

Refund policy: Once a booking has been confirmed with a trainer directly for either a one-to-one standards check or mock test session you will need to give seven days notice to cancel, otherwise the fee will be lost and a new booking and payment will be required.

NOTE: For all training sessions and mock tests you and your trainer must wear a suitable face covering. Your trainer cannot provide one for you, trainers are only responsible for their own face covering and PPE protection. If a suitable face covering is not in place, your session will be cancelled and the fee will be lost. If you have a medical exception to wearing a face covering, this must be provided as proof of exemption to your Diamond trainer. You must demonstrate that your car has been cleaned, using anti-viral wipes to clean passenger handles inside and outside, the dashboard and any other touch points for the trainer. If your vehicle is not fit for purpose your session will be cancelled and the fee will be lost.

Candidates should not attend a training session or mock test if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they identify core symptoms associated with COVID-19 (such as a persistent cough or fever). We ask candidates to notify the DIA of any possible exposure to, or diagnosis of, coronavirus as soon as possible. If you are unable to take a test due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or possible symptoms, your session will be postponed without losing your fee and you will not be permitted to rearrange your standards check session or mock test within the next 14 days following the cancellation.

Once you have paid for your standards check session and/or mock test, your details will be forwarded to your nominated Diamond trainer local to you, who will be in touch with you within 48 hours (Monday-Friday) with a view to booking you in at a mutually convenient location, date and time. Some flexibility will be required in terms of location, taking into account trainer availability at regional level and where restrictions with COVID-19 may be taking place. Your Diamond trainer will make arrangements to meet via text, email or telephone. We do not have specific meeting locations and your Diamond trainer will discuss any other queries with you once your booking has been made online.

You will need to use your own vehicle for the standards check session and mock test, which is suitable for training and allows for your Diamond trainer to role play a suitable candidate, with the relevant insurance in place to allow for this. All Diamond trainers are qualified ADIs with a Diamond examiner qualification in place. You will need to show relevant insurance cover to your Diamond trainer, either before or on the day of your agreed booking date and time. The vehicle you supply must be both roadworthy and legal for the purposes of the standards check session and mock test and your session will be cancelled if you do not present a suitable car with the relevant insurance. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your standards check or mock test session you will lose your booking and the fee will need to be paid again.

You will be asked to read a number plate at the required distance, full details can be found at www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules. Your standards check or mock test session will be cancelled if you cannot reach these requirements. You will need a current and valid driving licence which will be checked by your trainer should you need to drive as part of your standards check or mock test.

Online classes

To attend the Zoom sessions you will need a PC, laptop or tablet that can run Zoom and must also have a camera and microphone so you are able to participate fully in the sessions. You are responsible for ensuring you can access and navigate zoom and that you have a strong enough internet connection. If you cannot join the session due to technical difficulties, we cannot guarantee that you will be moved to another session. Session dates are subject to change.

During this course you will be placed into small ‘live’ discussion groups and will need to converse. Please be aware of how to mute and unmute your microphone for the general discussions that will also be taking place.