Car insurance FAQs
Whether you're a new customer or need to ask about your cover, we're here to help
About our car insurance
Who underwrites AA car insurance?
We set up and administer your policy from the insurers on our car insurance panel. The name of the underwriter will be shown on your car insurance quotation.
I've seen different AA car insurance products on price comparision websites. Can I get them on this website?
Currently, our AA Silver, AA Gold and AA Platinum levels of car insurance are available exclusively through price comparison websites.
What ages do you provide insurance for?
We provide cover for drivers who are aged between 18 and 99.
How can a young driver reduce their car insurance premiums?
Insurance can be expensive for young drivers so we have put together some tips on how to reduce car insurance costs. Read our advice page for young drivers.
Buying your cover
When does my insurance start?
You can buy your insurance up to 60 days before the policy start date.
So when you pay using a debit or credit card, whether online or on the phone, you'll be insured from the chosen start date of the policy.
If you get a car insurance quote online, you can use the reference to retrieve the quote for 28 days, as long as your details are the same. Or if you want to save your quote for longer, up to 60 days, just call our contact centre.
Do AA Members get a discount on car insurance?
When you get a quote online, confirm that you are an AA Member. You could get a discount when you insure your car with us for the first time, and on subsequent renewals if you remain an AA Member.
My car has modifications – will they affect my insurance quote?
If your car has been modified we can give you an online quote for a maximum of two modifications from the following list:
- Alloy Wheels.
- Front Spoiler or Air Dam.
- Locking Wheel Nuts.
- Rear Roof Spoiler.
- Rear Spoiler or Aerofoil.
- Bull Bars.
- Dual Control.
- Hand Controls.
Modifications will affect the quote price, as they present a higher risk than original components.
If your car has more than two modifications, or the modification isn't listed, please call us on 0800 197 7178 – we may still be able to give you a quote.
About your payment
Can I spread my payment in monthly instalments?
Yes, you can pay by monthly instalments. When you buy your insurance by monthly instalments an initial deposit is paid by card, then the rest of your payment will be made in 11 monthly instalments by Direct Debit.
The dates of the instalments will be shown in the Credit Agreement sent to you by post – it takes about 5 working days to arrive.
Credit will be provided by Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited, and you must be over 18.
How secure is my online payment?
We keep your personal details and your credit or debit card information private and secure when you buy online. We do this by using secure server software that encrypts any information you give us. It takes the characters you enter and converts them into a secret code, which is then securely sent to us.
Using the car
Am I covered for towing caravans or trailers?
When towing a caravan or trailer, you are covered for the costs you are liable to pay if you cause damage to property, or injury or death to someone.
Your car insurance also covers a single-axle trailer, worth up to £500 and kept in a safe and roadworthy condition, while attached to your car. For example, if you have comprehensive insurance, your trailer will also be covered on a comprehensive basis, which includes accidental damage, fire and theft.
When do I need to select business use?
Select business use when you use your car to travel to various places in connection with your work, such as offices or factories. Business use is not required when you travel to a single permanent place of work.
If I do voluntary work, do I need to select business use?
When you only commute to and from one permanent place of voluntary work, then select 'Social, Domestic, Pleasure & Commuting' for the use of your car.
If you travel to more than one place of voluntary work, our panel of insurers has agreed that 'Social, Domestic, Pleasure & Commuting' is sufficient cover and should be selected.
But if you transport goods or people as part of your voluntary work, then please call 0800 197 7178 for a quote.
Please note, we do not charge an administration fee if you call us to update your policy to show you now do voluntary work.
Our panel of insurers operates under the statement below, issued on the Association of British Insurers website.
"The insurer will insure their policyholders to carry out voluntary driving, that is, the use of a vehicle they own in connection with, or for the benefit of, charities, voluntary organisations, clubs or societies, where payment does not exceed the HMRC mileage rates in force at that time. This does not cover use for hire or reward or vehicles owned by, hired to or lent to the voluntary organisation."
Can I drive other cars?
Yes, our comprehensive policy allows you to drive other vehicles with third-party cover, unless it's specifically excluded by your insurer. If this is excluded, we'll state this when you get a quote. If you've already bought car insurance from us, check your certificate of insurance. The conditions that apply to this benefit are in your Car Insurance Policy Booklet.
No claim discount
What is a no claim discount?
A no claim discount is a reward for not making a claim on your motor insurance policy. Each year the discount on your renewal premium increases, reaching a maximum discount after 14 years without a claim.
If you do make a claim, your discount will normally be less at the next renewal if your insurance company cannot get their money back from the person responsible.
Where can I find proof of my no claim discount?
New customers
When you get a car insurance quote, we ask how many years no claim discount you already have. This information can be found on the cancellation notice or last renewal invitation from your previous insurer.
In order to validate your policy after purchase, we may ask for proof of the discount you've earned. You can send us a copy of the renewal or cancellation notice, or a letter on headed paper from your previous insurer.
The document must be dated within the past 2 years, and isn't used for another vehicle. Also, please tell us about any gap of more than 30 days between your previous and the new AA policy, including claims or convictions.
You can either email or send the document to us:
AA PO Box 2AA, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 2AA
The document should show:
- Your name and address
- The previous insurance policy number and expiry date
- The vehicle registration number
- Number of years no claim discount
On receipt we'll acknowledge the proof of your no claim discount. If we do need further information, we'll allow you sufficient time to provide it. Meanwhile, your AA car insurance policy remains active.
Existing customers
If you already have car insurance with us, the number of years no claim discount is on your certificate of insurance. You'll have received a copy at purchase or renewal, either by post or in your online account. If you need a replacement certificate of insurance, please call us on 0370 533 2211.
Can I protect my no claim discount?
Yes, you can pay an additional premium to protect your no claim discount. Depending on your insurer, you can usually make two 'fault' claims in a 3- or 5-year period without affecting your no claim discount.
What is the AA Uninsured Driver Promise?
If you make a claim following an accident that is not your fault, and the driver of the other vehicle is not insured, you won't lose your no claim discount or have to pay any excess.
We just ask you to tell us the other vehicle's make, model and valid registration number, so that we can identify the driver of the other vehicle.
Can a named driver earn no claim discount on my policy?
Yes they can. Named drivers over 25 can earn their own no claim discount to use on a policy with us. See our page about named drivers.
Security devices
What is a Thatcham security device?
Thatcham Research certifies security products for vehicles, including alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems. The research centre is better known as 'Thatcham' after the Berkshire town where it's based. Most insurers give a discount if you have a certified security product in your car.
What is a tracking device?
The police can track a stolen car with an electronic signal sent by this bit of kit hidden in the car. Most cars that have this are found after they are stolen. You can pay up to 10% less for your motor insurance if your car has a tracking device.
Already with us?
My policy documents
How can I access my policy documents online?
Your policy documents can be found in your online account. It's easy to register if you haven't already done so, and you'll see all your AA policies in one handy place.
Driving abroad
Can I drive abroad with my car insurance?
As an AA car insurance policyholder, you can drive anywhere in the EU, and in several other European countries, and get the same level of cover you have in the UK for up to 90 days during the 12 months of your policy.
Depending on your insurer, and for an additional premium, you may be able to extend the 90-day period. You might also get cover for countries that we don't include as standard.
You can find out more on our advice page for driving abroad in Europe.
The policy excess
What is a policy excess?
An excess is the part of the costs of a claim for loss or damage to your car that you have to pay out of your own pocket. Your insurance will be cheaper if you agree to pay more of these costs yourself. There are two types of policy excess:
Compulsory excess – the insurer will decide how much you'll be asked to pay for each claim before you buy the motor insurance policy. Check that you are comfortable with how much you'll have to pay for each claim before you buy a car insurance policy.
Voluntary excess – the amount you'd be prepared to pay on top of the compulsory amount. The higher you go, the lower your premium.
Can I pay a voluntary excess?
Yes, you can pay a higher voluntary excess for when you make a claim, usually up to £500. Typically, you pay less for your car insurance if you select a higher voluntary excess.
Making a claim
How do I make a car insurance claim?
Call our 24-hour claim line 0330 053 0322.
Before you call, please see how to make a motor insurance claim.
Is a courtesy car included on my policy?
Yes, a courtesy car is available with comprehensive cover. Following an accident, you'll get a courtesy car while yours is being repaired at an approved garage.
Is windscreen cover included on my policy?
If you have comprehensive cover, then windscreen cover is included. We cover the windscreen, sunroof and the remaining windows. And your no claim discount is not affected by a windscreen claim.
A windscreen replacement is subject to the applicable excess, but there is no excess to pay on a windscreen repair.
You can check your windscreen replacement excess when you get a quote online. On the quote page a summary of your details includes a link to 'Excess details / policy terms'.
How can I get my windscreen repaired?
To make a glass claim and arrange a repair, you need to:
Please have your details ready, including the policy number, start date and insurer. You can find them all on your Statement of Insurance.
Changing my cover
What information is needed to advise a change of vehicle?
Please call 0800 316 1193 and select option 1 to make any change to your policy.
If you have changed your vehicle, we'll need the same type of details as you provided for the previous model, such as registration number, market value and any modifications.
Can vehicles be added temporarily?
Usually yes – call us on 0800 316 1193 and ask to add a temporary additional vehicle (TAV). We'll need to know all the details of the model.
Allowing a TAV is subject to the current insurer accepting the risk. Test drives are not covered.
You can add a TAV from 1 day to 4 weeks, and a cover note will be issued.
We cannot offer insurance where a policy is already in place for the vehicle.
My renewal
When will I receive my renewal quote?
Your renewal invitation quote is generated around 28 days before the renewal date.
If you previously chose to receive your documents by email, they should arrive on the same day.
Whereas documents sent by post may take up to 7 working days to reach you.
Once you've received your renewal pack, check all the details are correct. If there are any changes you'd like to make, or if you'd like to discuss your renewal, call us on 0330 053 0239. We'll be happy to help.
Where can I find my renewal policy documents online?
If you previously chose to receive your documents by email, they should arrive around 28 days before the renewal date. Remember to check your junk folder.
You can find and print them via your online account. Log in with the email address and password you used to create the account.
Or if you haven't done so already, it's easy to register for an account.
I haven't received my renewal invite yet. Should I call you to renew?
If you're worried about your renewal, call us on 0330 053 0239 to make sure it's on its way. We usually send your renewal invite around 28 days before the renewal date.
Where can I find proof of my no claim discount?
Your no claim discount is shown on page 3 of your renewal invitation, or it's on your cancellation letter if you cancelled your policy before the renewal date.
Allow up to 7 working days for your cancellation letter to arrive after you cancelled your policy. We can't issue an official letter as proof of your no claim discount until after your policy has ended.
Can I renew my policy online?
Our online renewal payment service is available for some of our eligible customers who pay annually by card. Your renewal letter or email will confirm if you can renew online.
I've just received my insurance renewal in the post or by email, and it says I can renew online. How do I do this?
To renew and pay online just log in here and have your policy documents to hand. Before you log in, check that the cover still meets your needs and the details are correct.
When can I renew my policy online?
You can renew online from the day you receive your renewal invite until your cover lapses.
My renewal letter or email says I can renew online, but I need to make a change first. Can I do this online as well?
No, you can only renew online if there are no changes to your policy. If you do have changes or the policy cover no longer meets your needs, call us on 0330 053 0239 to update your renewal.
If I call you and make a change to my policy, can I then renew online?
Yes. If you're not ready to renew on the call you can renew online later, but only for the revised premium confirmed on the phone.
To see the new quote in your account, you'll need to refresh the page or log in again.
I've tried to renew online but can't log in to my account.
We're sorry there's a problem trying to renew online. You can call us on 0330 053 0239 to renew, and we can also help to resolve your log-in issue.
I've renewed my policy online but haven't received an email confirmation. Am I covered to drive?
If you opted to receive your policy documents online, the email confirmation will be with you within 24 hours. Or if you chose to have your documents by post, they should arrive within 7 working days.
If you still haven't received an email or the documents in the post, call us on 0330 053 0239.
Why can't I renew online?
We're rolling out the renewal payment service to our customers in stages, and we'll contact you to confirm when you can use this service.
I pay by monthly instalments. What happens if I cancel my policy?
The final instalment is normally due the day before your policy expires, as payments are made in arrears.
If you cancelled your Direct Debit before the last payment has been collected, contact our instalments team directly on 0344 871 0096.
Does cancelling my car insurance or the renewal also cancel my breakdown cover?
If you bought your car insurance before 30 December 2021, then your breakdown cover is a separate policy with AA Breakdown Membership. Cancelling your insurance won't also cancel your Membership.
If you want to discuss your AA Breakdown Membership renewal, call the Membership team on 0343 316 4444.
If you buy car insurance from 30 December 2021, Breakdown Cover is an optional addition to your car insurance policy. So if you cancel your insurance, this will also end the Breakdown Cover.
My policy isn't due for renewal but the vehicle or my details have changed.
If you'd like to make a change to your policy, contact our service team on 0370 533 2211. Or you can email the team.
Can I stop my insurance renewing automatically?
Yes, you can opt out of the automatic renewal of your policy at any time after the purchase.
To opt out you can either complete this form or call us on 0330 053 0239.
We'll still send you a renewal invitation, but you'll need to contact us to renew your policy before it expires.
It's a legal requirement to have motor insurance unless your car has been registered as off the road.
Can I opt into automatic renewal after I've bought my insurance?
Yes, you can opt in at any time after the purchase. The automatic renewal of your policy gives you the reassurance of continuous cover.
We'll send details of your renewal before the insurance expiry date, and you'll have plenty of time to contact us if you want to make a change.
To select automatic renewal, call us on 0330 053 0239.
Can you also deal with my AA Home Insurance?
No, your AA Home Insurance renewal is handled by a different team. You can contact them on 0370 606 1617.