COVID-19 FAQs
As you’ll know, Chris Knott has run the club’s own-branded insurance offering, SOC Insurance for the last 35+ years and it’s fair to say we’re now living in unprecedented times. So, what does Coronavirus mean for you from an insurance point of view?
We’ve put together some FAQs to help with the main queries you may have.
Is Chris Knott/SOC Insurance still open for business?
Yes. Quite early on, we enabled our teams to work from home. Our technology meant that we could be agile and respond quickly as the Government’s advice changed. In fact, whereas some brokers have reduced their opening hours, we’ve actually increased ours to ensure we’re available when you need us. You can contact us Mon-Sat 9am to 8pm (an extra 23 hours a week).
Can I make changes to my existing policy or are you only open for new quotes?
We’re here for whatever you need. Our entire operation is functioning as normal - there really is no discernible difference for customers. What’s reassuring is that customers have noticed and we’re getting online reviews to that effect. One customer said “Service has been great so far, even with the virus problems, which do not seem to bother Chris Knott Insurance much”.
I’m a key worker and due to COVID-19 I’m going to be doing more miles than I thought? Is this going to be a problem?
No. Insurers have agreed to be pretty relaxed about it. They understand that these are unusual circumstances and few people would choose to do extra miles. You don’t need to inform them of the increase.
I’ve registered as a volunteer driver to help out during the virus. Do I need to tell my insurer about this change of use?
No. Volunteer driving is most likely included under your policy anyway. The only restrictions are usually around using the vehicle for hire or reward, courier work, etc. With regard to making deliveries of items such as PPE equipment and food parcels, insurers are being flexible. We can’t imagine any insurer refusing to pay a claim where you’ve been helping out in such a way, though it would still have to fit within the definition of voluntary work i.e. unpaid.
If I use my car other than for one of the Government’s essential reasons, will I be covered?
Yes. Chris Knott certainly advocates that you follow the Government’s guidelines/instructions in relation to staying at home and not making non-essential journeys. Ultimately, these rules are designed to ensure that when next we meet together as a club no-one is missing. However, there is nothing in our insurer partners’ policy wordings to suggest your cover would be void if you drove for an unauthorised reason.
My renewal is due soon. Can I just let it lapse and then insure again when this is all over?
It depends. The law states that any vehicle which isn’t SORN’d must carry insurance. You could SORN your car but you’d have to store it off road. If you choose to follow this route you’ll be losing the fire, theft and vandalism cover, for example – not just the road risks cover. If this is something you’re considering we’d advise that you speak to us first.
For any other general questions or if we can help with your insurance needs, please give Chris Knott a call FREE on 0800 298 4071, Mon-Sat 9am to 8pm.
14 Ebor Saab members set off on Friday 10 May to make their separate ways to the assembly point at Gretna Green for what was billed as a Scottish Mystery Weekend, the mystery being only the organisers knew the itinerary. The mystery began to unfold on Saturday morning with a drive along gloriously empty roads under blue skies up into rural Scotland to visit the Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Temple at Eskdalemuir (nobody expected a visit the foothills of the Himalayas).