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Is an overseas no-claims-bonus transferable to the UK?

Will Thomas, head of car insurance at Confused.com answers our latest customer motor question.

Question: Is an overseas No Claim Bonus (Australia) valid with any UK insurance companies?

Answer: Most UK insurers do not allow any NCB accrued with an overseas insurer to be transferred to a British car insurance policy. Reasons for this include; different driving laws that operate in other countries and the administration involved with such a transfer. However, it could be worth asking anyway.

After you have received quotes for motor insurance and select the company you wish to insure with, I would suggest calling the insurer and stating your case as it could come down to the insurer’s discretion.

You may want to have the details of your overseas insurer handy (contact details, policy number, etc.) and ask the UK insurer to contact your overseas insurer direct to confirm your insurance and driving history. Hopefully you can negotiate a discount.

If you want to find out more about your no claims bonus, our guide explains all. You can also find more answers to your no-claims-bonus questions here.

Will my home insurance cover snow damage?

Question: My guttering has been damaged by snow. Will this be covered by my home insurance policy?

Gareth Kloet, head of household services at Confused.com answers our latest customer question.

Answer: Your buildings policy will cover you for snow damage to your guttering as long as the damage was caused by a single event. In other words, if your area experienced an episode of heavy snowfall in one period of time, then any damage as a result of this would be covered as it is a one off unforeseen event.

If, however, your guttering is damaged due to a prolonged episode of light snow fall then this would cause problems. If your guttering collapses after a period of time when you could have cleared, and therefore maintained the structure, then this would be seen as negligence on your part and the insurer would not have to pay-out.

In these circumstances, it is best to contact your provider directly to discuss your personal situation as there may be some leeway especially after the unusual weather events.