With temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C in parts of the UK, new research is warning motorists that not all heat-related vehicle damage will be covered by insurance.
Analysis from Go.Compare shows online searches for “car overheating” have risen by 154% over the past month, as drivers prepare for another period of extreme summer weather.
However, according to Go.Compare’s Motor Insurance Expert Steve Ramsey, many motorists mistakenly believe a fully comprehensive policy will protect them against any damage caused during a heatwave.
What Comprehensive Cover Doesn’t Cover
While comprehensive insurance may pay for damage resulting from an insured event such as a collision or vehicle fire, many heat-related issues fall outside the scope of standard cover.
Common exclusions include:
- Engine overheating
- Mechanical breakdowns
- Battery failure
- Wear and tear
- Gradual deterioration caused by prolonged heat exposure
Steve Ramsey said: “Most drivers assume their comprehensive policy covers everything, but this isn’t the case. Finding out the hard way could set you back thousands.”
Why Claims May Be Rejected
The research highlights several situations where heatwave car insurance claims may not be successful.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Insurers expect vehicles to be kept in a roadworthy condition. Failure to maintain coolant levels, repair known faults or address recurring breakdown issues could result in a claim being declined.
Wear and Tear
Components such as radiators, water pumps and fan belts naturally deteriorate over time. If these parts fail due to age or lack of maintenance, insurers will generally regard this as wear and tear rather than an insurable event.
Cosmetic Damage
Faded paintwork, cracked dashboards and sun-damaged interior trim are usually classed as gradual environmental damage and are not typically covered by insurance policies.
Driver Error
Leaving windows or a sunroof open to cool a vehicle could affect theft-related claims if insurers determine the driver failed to take reasonable precautions.
Lack of Evidence
Where damage occurs, motorists may be asked to provide photographs, repair reports, maintenance records or dashcam footage to support a claim.
Relevance for Driver and Rider Trainers
While the findings are aimed at motorists generally, they reinforce an important message for trainers: vehicle ownership carries responsibilities beyond passing the driving test.
Helping learners understand basic vehicle maintenance, roadworthiness requirements and the limitations of insurance cover can contribute to safer, more informed drivers.
Steve Ramsey concluded that motorists should review their policy wording and take sensible steps to protect their vehicles during periods of extreme heat.
