10 ways you might accidentally invalidate your insurance this summer

With warm weather and plenty of places to explore in the sunshine, summer can be a great time to get behind the wheel.

But before you grab your shades, do you know how summer driving could end up affecting your premium?

To keep you from unwittingly invalidating your policy, here’s our guide to what to think about when driving in the UK this summer.

What can invalidate car insurance?

Car insurance can be invalidated under several circumstances – and they can happen at any time of the year.

Common situations that can result in the invalidation of your car insurance include providing false information when applying for or renewing your insurance policy, as well as making fraudulent claims, and using the vehicle for uninsured activities.

Drivers who are caught behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have their car insurance voided.

This is also the case if someone who is not listed on a policy or who does not have a valid driver’s license drives the car - the insurance may be invalidated.

Finally, if the policy holder doesn’t pay for the policy, then it is invalidated.

There are many other ways to invalidate your car insurance policy – and in this guide, we highlight the ones that might happen this summer in the UK.

1. Driving and parking on a beach

With so many great beaches to choose from in the UK, what better way to enjoy the sunshine than by driving down to your nearest one. You might even want to drive onto the sand, if permitted.

But if you do drive onto the beach, make sure you check local conditions first as letting your car get swept away or submerged by an incoming tide could invalidate your policy.

2. Close your car windows

When it’s hot outside, you might be tempted to crack open the windows and let the summer breeze cool you down – but don’t invite thieves by forgetting to close them back up when leaving the vehicle unattended.

Leaving your car unlocked or with its windows open could land you with an invalidated insurance policy if you become a victim of crime, so be prepared, and lock up your car whenever and wherever you leave it.

That includes the sunroof, so don’t forget to shut this too!

3. Driving and parking at a golf course

If you’re an avid golfer, what better way to spend those long summer evenings than taking in the whole eighteen holes on your local course? But while it might be good news for your handicap, it could be bad news for your premium.

Parking in a danger zone – i.e. somewhere you know your car could end up getting damaged by, say, flying golf balls – could nullify your attempts to get a pay-out if your car ends up getting damaged by something that’s a known risk.

• Our guide to the best UK beaches – and how to drive on sand
• Our guide to the UK’s safest and most dog friendly beaches
• Motor Insurance Database – what is it?

4. Parking in the mud

Summer time in the UK means the great British festival season is well underway and, while you might get lucky with the weather, you never know when the campsite will be hit with rain and become a mud fest overnight.

But if you park up in the mud and your car gets stuck or damaged in any way, your insurer may not pay out – so choose to park somewhere a little drier instead and avoid worsening your post-festival blues.

5. Insure your pets

If you’re taking your four-legged friends out and about this summer, make sure you don’t end up with a dog’s dinner of a holiday by letting your pets accidentally invalidate your insurance policy. 

Driving with an unrestrained animal in the car could leave you without cover. In addition, if you’re involved in a collision because you’re distracted by your pet, it’s also likely your provider won’t pay out.

• Pets and breakdowns – what you need to do
• Travelling with your dog in the car - do's and don'ts
• Modified car insurance guide

6. Do not overload your vehicle weight limits

If you’re heading to the beach this summer, it’s tempting to load up your vehicle with everything you need to make a day of it – surfboards, bikes, food, beach games...

But overloading your vehicle, whether you want to catch that all-important wave or just fancy a picnic to end all picnics, could invalidate your insurance policy if it leads to a collision, so pack wisely, be sure to secure any items stored on your roof or vehicle rack and don’t overdo it.

7. Don’t leave your car roof open

When the weather’s fine, a convertible can be an excellent way to top up your tan and cool down at the same time. But they also cause a whole host of issues if you don’t put the roof down when you park up.

Damage caused by a sudden summer storm, pesky seagulls or even revellers coming home from a night out might not be covered by your insurer if you’ve left your roof down. So, take precautions and always make sure your car’s secure, however long you plan to leave it.

As with closing your windows, leaving the sunroof open can be an invitation for disaster as well, so close that up too.

• 10 driving habits that are secretly damaging your car
• Car security - how to stop thieves
• What is a HPI check?

8. Stick to the local rules

If you’re heading abroad this summer, you need to make sure you’re well-versed in the local driving laws of your destination as failing to adhere to the rules could see your insurance invalidated should the worst happen.

And don’t forget that the rules in one country aren’t the same as those in another, so check out the RAC country guides for more information, and get clued up before you set off.

This is especially the case if you start your car journey in the UK. Make sure you have the necessary items and documents for when you reach the border.

9. Towing limits

Summer’s a great time to get outside and enjoy everything the UK has to offer, but if your favourite hobby involves towing anything heavy – think quad bikes, caravans, or even a boat – check you don’t break your towing capacity.

If your vehicle gets into difficulty due to excessive towing weight – such as a burnt-out engine – it could see your insurance policy invalidated so do your homework and don’t tow more than you can handle.

10. Driving in adverse weather conditions

There are few things in life more mesmerising that an electrical storm in the heat of the summer. But while they might be fascinating to watch, a sudden bolt of lightning might end up being something you can’t a-Thor-d…

Many insurers see thunder and lightning damage as ‘Acts of God’ and that means they’re unlikely to pay out if your car ends up impaired in any way – so make sure you don’t end up on the wrong side of the God of Thunder!

Make sure you stay covered and save money with our insurance guides:

• 7 car insurance myths debunked
• Driving without insurance – your FAQs answered
• What is an insurance write-off?
• How to reduce new-driver car insurance costs
• Changes to insurance write off categories - should you ever buy a write off?
• Why has my car insurance gone up?
• 12 ways you could accidentally invalidate your car insurance
• RAC Temporary Car Insurance - from 1 hour to 30 days
• Did you know we offer car hire excess insurance? 
• RAC Learner Driver Insurance - from 1 day to 5 months