What your Direct Line contract says

In short

This is a motor insurance policy from Direct Line, covering your car against accidents, theft, fire, and third-party damage. You choose between comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, or third-party only cover. Comprehensive is the most common and covers damage to your own car as well. You pay an annual premium (one-off or monthly), and if you need to claim, you pay an excess first. Direct Line is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, you must have at least third-party insurance to drive on UK roads.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your premium on time (if you miss a payment, your cover can be cancelled).
• You must tell Direct Line about all drivers, any modifications, and any changes to how you use the car.
• You must report any accident or claim as soon as possible, even if you were not at fault.
• You must not admit fault or liability at the scene of an accident.
• You must keep your car in a roadworthy condition (valid MOT, proper maintenance).

What you can ask for

• You can cancel within 14 days of receiving your policy and get a full refund (minus days of cover used).
• You can cancel at any time after the cooling-off period, though Direct Line may charge a cancellation fee.
• You have the right to choose your own repairer, though Direct Line's approved repairers come with a guarantee.
• You can take unresolved complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Points worth knowing

• Excess can be high for young or new driversYou pay both a compulsory and voluntary excess on every claim. For drivers under 25, the compulsory excess is often £250-£500 on top of whatever voluntary excess you set.
• No-claims bonus is at risk when you claimMaking a fault claim reduces your no-claims discount. Even a single claim can add hundreds of pounds to your next renewal. Protected no-claims costs extra and still allows limited claims.
• Premium likely to increase at renewalDirect Line reviews your premium each year. Your renewal quote may be higher, especially if you have made a claim or if market rates have risen.
• Write-off valuation may be less than you expectIf your car is written off, Direct Line pays market value at the time, not what you paid. This can be much lower than your purchase price, leaving you out of pocket.

Dates and deadlines

Annual premium

Due at the start of each policy year, or monthly by direct debit

Cooling-off period

14 days from receiving your policy documents

Annual renewal

Direct Line sends renewal terms at least 21 days before the expiry date

MOT and road tax

Your car must have a valid MOT and road tax (Direct Line can refuse a claim if your car is not roadworthy)