MoneySuperMarket warns pet owners at risk of voiding car insurance

Price comparison website MoneySuperMarket has warned UK drivers they could be voiding their insurance by leaving pets unrestrained while driving.

New research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that almost a quarter of UK driving licence holders—nearly 10 million—let a pet sit unrestrained in their car, leaving them unprotected in the event of a claim.

A further 7% admit to letting their pet travel unsecured, despite knowing it could void their insurance policy.

MoneySuperMarket stresses this also breaks the Highway Code, which states that animals need to be ‘suitably restrained’ to ensure they don’t distract the driver and recommends using a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard in order to do so.

Rachel Wait, consumer affairs spokesperson at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “While driving with your pet in your car—whether in the boot or on a seat—might seem like a harmless way of getting from A to B, the truth is you can risk invalidating your car insurance.”

“If you’re in a prang with an unrestrained pet in your car, insurers may use it against you—regardless of whether it was as a direct result of the animal itself—so it’s worth being on the safe side and making sure ‘man’s best friend’ is properly restrained.”

She added: “Always read your policy in full to make sure you have the correct level of cover for your needs. If not, shop around to see if you are getting the best deal—you could save up to £2,454 per year simply by switching provider, and it doesn’t take long to do.”

MoneySuperMarket also revealed other ways drivers commonly break the terms of their agreement, such as changing jobs and having an accident without informing their insurer.

Claims Media