What your Churchill contract says

In short

This is a private motor insurance policy from Churchill Insurance, a trading name of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. Churchill offers comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only cover for cars, vans, and motorbikes. You pay an annual premium (lump sum or monthly instalments) and in the event of a claim you pay an excess. Churchill is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by both the PRA and the FCA. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, you are legally required to hold at least third-party motor insurance to drive on public roads in the United Kingdom.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your premium in full or maintain monthly direct debit payments.
• You must disclose all material facts accurately (including previous claims, convictions, and vehicle modifications).
• You must report any accident, loss, or theft to Churchill as soon as reasonably possible.
• You must not admit fault or liability at the scene of an accident or negotiate with a third party.
• You must ensure your vehicle has a valid MOT certificate and is kept in a roadworthy condition.

What you can ask for

• You can cancel within 14 days of receiving your policy documents and receive a full refund minus any days of cover used.
• You can cancel after the cooling-off period, subject to a cancellation fee and pro-rata charge for time on cover.
• You have the right to refer unresolved complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Points worth knowing

• Excess can be high for certain driversYou pay both a compulsory excess and a voluntary excess on every claim. Young drivers (under 25) or those with limited driving history face higher compulsory excesses, sometimes exceeding £500.
• No-claims discount at riskA fault claim will reduce or eliminate your no-claims bonus, significantly increasing your renewal premium. Protected no-claims costs extra and still allows a limited number of claims.
• Write-off valuation below purchase priceIf your car is written off, Churchill pays the market value at the time of loss, not the price you originally paid. You may receive significantly less than expected, particularly for newer cars that depreciate quickly.
• Renewal premium may increase substantiallyChurchill reviews your premium annually at renewal. Premiums often rise due to claims history, market conditions, or simply being an existing customer rather than a new one.

Dates and deadlines

Annual premium

Due at the start of each policy year, or monthly by direct debit with a credit charge

Cooling-off period

14 days from receiving your policy documents (cancel for a full refund minus days used)

Annual renewal

Churchill sends renewal terms at least 21 days before your policy expires