Finance

Register Activate account
Log in to Online Banking

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

 
Car Insurance FAQ


Questions

 
Before you buy


General Queries


Making a change


Make a claim


Breakdown

 

Answers

What car insurance do you provide?

Sainsbury's offers comprehensive, third party fire and theft and third party only car insurance.

Customers can choose between two levels of cover:

  • Sainsbury's Premier Cover Car Insurance (comprehensive only)
  • Sainsbury's Car Insurance (comprehensive, third party fire and theft and third party only)

For an additional premium, Sainsbury's also offers breakdown cover for both the UK and the EU, Motor Legal Protection and the option to protect your no claims discount.

To arrange third party only car insurance please call us on 0800 210 0247.

Back to top
 

Who underwrites your car insurance?

Sainsbury's Car Insurance and Sainsbury's Premier Cover Car Insurance are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No.1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Back to top
 

Do you supply car insurance cover in the ROI or Northern Ireland?

Sainsbury's Car Insurance and Sainsbury's Premier Cover Car Insurance are available to customers in Northern Ireland, however we cannot supply insurance to customers in the Republic of Ireland.

Back to top
 

Do you supply car insurance cover in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man?

Yes, Sainsbury's Car Insurance and Sainsbury's Premier Cover Car Insurance are available to customers in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Back to top
 

Can I get a quote if I do not have a registration number?

Yes. You will still be able to obtain a quotation without the registration number. Simply fill the relevant fields surrounding this question. Once these are filled in click on the Continue button, which then prompt you to choose the car details.

Back to top
 

From what age can I purchase cover with you?

We will provide cover for customers from the age of 17.

Back to top
 

What is the maximum age you will cover?

We will provide cover for policyholders and named drivers up to the age of 80 online. If you are over the age of 80 please call us on 0800 210 0247.

Back to top
 

I only have a provisional licence; will I be able to get a quote from you?

Yes, we will provide cover for provisional licence holders. Make sure you specify this when you are going through the quotation process. 

Back to top
 

What information do I need to have with me before I purchase?

In order to provide you with a quote we need to collect a few pieces of personal information from you, such as name, age and date of birth. We will also need to know some information about your vehicle and who will be driving it. Before you apply make sure you have your car registration details to hand as well as details of any motoring offences.

Back to top
 

What can I use my car for?

Your cover allows you to use your car for social, domestic and pleasure purposes, commuting to and from a permanent place of work and personal business use for you and your spouse / partner, if named on the policy.

You are not covered to use your car for commercial travelling, any purpose in connection with the motor trade, carriage of goods or passengers for hire or reward, racing, pacemaking, speed testing, rallies, trials or competitions.

Back to top

Can I use the NCD built up on a company car on this policy?

If you've previously driven a company car (not a pool car) for business and pleasure, we may be able to offer you an enhanced introductory discount. You must have surrendered the company car within the last year, be claim free and able to supply a letter from your employer to confirm this information. You will need to call us on 0800 210 0247 to take out a policy on this basis.

Back to top

I would like to protect my NCD – can I do this?

No Claims Discount protection (NCDP) is available to policyholders with a at least 4 years No Claims Discount. If purchased you will not suffer any loss of No Claims Discount (NCD) if you make no more than:

  •  One fault claim in a period of cover: or
  •  Two fault claims in any three consecutive periods of cover

Back to top
 

How can I pay for my car insurance?

You can choose to pay your annual premium in a lump sum by debit card or credit card or, if you prefer, the cost can be spread over the year. You will need to pay a deposit using your debit or credit card and interest will be charged at the rate shown in your quotation.

We accept the following credit and debit cards: Visa, Access, Mastercard, American Express and Maestro. We do not accept payment by Solo or Electron.

Back to top
  

How secure is this site?

We take the safety of all your personal details very seriously and follow best security practices to keep them protected and secure.

Back to top
 

When will I receive my car insurance documents?

You will receive the documents that you request from us by post in 5 working days.

Back to top
 

Can I print my documentation off from online?

At present we do not supply policy documentation online. Should you require duplicate documentation please contact us on 0800 210 0247.

Back to top
 

What do I need to provide as proof of my No Claims Discount (NCD)?

To receive your NCD you must provide evidence of this within 34 days from the start date of your policy. You will need to send this to:

Sainsbury's Car Insurance
The Wharf,
Neville Street,
Leeds,
LS1 4AZ

If we don't receive this we will recalculate your premium based on no NCD.

Your proof of NCD is usually one of the documents in your renewal invitation from your most recent insurer and shows the number of years NCD you have built up. If the document shows fewer years NCD than you have advised, the number of years on the document will be used.

The document must show:

  • The number of years NCD you've advised
  • The expiry date of your last insurance policy
  • Any claims you have made
  • The company's name at the header

Your NCD can only be used on one policy at any one time and must have been used on a policy within the last two years. If there has been a gap since your previous car insurance expired, we will require a short covering letter giving the reasons for the break in cover.

Documents will not be returned to you.

We are unable to accept the following:

  • Photocopies or faxes
  • Certificates of Insurance (these must be returned to your previous insurer within 7 days of the policy's end date)
  • Insurance quotations
  • Broker or intermediary letters (however, there are some that we do accept, including the AA, RAC and AXA. If in doubt please call our contact centre)
  • If proof is from a non UK insurer

Back to top

What happens if I don't supply proof of my NCD entitlement?

Should we not have received proof of your NCD entitlement within the first 34 days we will write to you to remind you. If the required proof has still not been supplied after we have written to you then the policy will remain live but additional premium will be charged to offset the lower NCD allowance. We will cancel your policy if you do not agree to payment of this additional premium.

Back to top
 

Does my policy cover me to drive other cars?

Some of our policies allow you to drive other cars. If you have this entitlement it will be shown on your certificate of car insurance.

Back to top
 

Does my policy cover me to drive abroad?

Yes. We can provide an annual green card, at no extra charge, which allows you to drive abroad with the minimum cover in the country you are driving in (the equivalent or less than the UK's Third Party Only insurance). For an additional charge you can purchase Foreign Use Extension, which extends your policy to match the cover you have in the UK, by calling 0800 210 0247.

To cover weekend or short trips, Sainsbury's Car Insurance offers up to 3 days free of charge, and up to 90 days with Sainsbury's Premier Cover Car Insurance.

Back to top
 

Are there any fees charged as part of my policy?

Details of all fees and excesses applicable to your policy can be found on your schedule.

Back to top
 

What does Motor Legal Protection cover me for?

If you have bought Motor Legal Protection, you can use this cover following any road traffic accident involving your car which is not your fault. We will pay the legal costs to recover any uninsured losses, such as excesses, and compensation for death or personal injury.

Back to top
 

My Nectar points / vouchers have not yet arrived, what should I do?

Our offers are subject to terms and conditions. You should refer to the terms and conditions of the offer you have taken up to check when you should expect to receive it. If it has not arrived within the stated time please call 0800 210 0247, where an agent will help with your query.

Back to top
 

How do I amend my car insurance policy?

You will need to advise us of any change which will impact your policy, for example:

  • You must tell us immediately if you change where you normally keep your car or if you change occupation.
  • You must tell us before you want cover to start if you change your car, you modify your car, you want to add another driver, you change the use of your vehicle or if you want to change your cover level.
  • Before your next renewal you must tell us about any accidents, thefts or losses, motoring convictions, pending prosecutions, criminal convictions or any physical or mental impairment that must be notified to the DVLA or DVANI.

To do this you will need to call 0800 210 0247. Your premium may change based on what you tell us and we may include a charge to offset the administration costs of providing the policy. Details of fees and charges can be found on your schedule.

Back to top
 

What happens if I change my car?

If you are planning on changing your car you must tell us in advance of when you want your cover to start. To amend your policy you will need to call us on 0800 210 0247 with the details of your new car. Your premium may change as a result of what you tell us and we may include a charge to offset the administration costs of providing the policy. Details of fees and charges can be found on your schedule.

Back to top
 

Can I temporarily add a driver to my car insurance?

Yes, you can do this at any time by calling 0800 210 0247. You will need to have the following details to hand:

  • Driver's full name
  • Driver's date of birth
  • Driver's occupation
  • Type of licence held
  • Details of any convictions
  • Details of any claims
  • Details of any medical conditions that need to be disclosed to the DVLA

An additional premium may be charged based on what you tell us and we may include a charge to offset the administration costs of providing the policy. Details of fees and charges can be found on your schedule.

Back to top
 

How do I renew my car insurance policy?

We will send you a letter before your annual renewal date with an updated premium quotation; please read this thoroughly and make sure all details are correct.

We will automatically renew some policies. Where this is the case this will be detailed in your renewal letter and as long as all your details are correct you do not need to do anything.

Where we will not automatically renew your policy if we do not hear from you your policy will lapse and we will no longer provide cover for you.

You can renew at any time from this date, before your policy expires, by calling us on 0800 210 0247.

Back to top
 

Can I suspend my cover?

Yes, it is possible to suspend your cover. Your payments will still be taken, however providing your suspension exceeds 28 days we will return the premium for the time you have spent on suspension over and above this period.

Please remember that if your car is off the road you need to inform the DVLA (or DVANI in Northern Ireland) and request a SORN (Statutory Off–Road Notification) certificate. For further information on this please call us on 0800 210 0247.

Back to top
 

How do I cancel my car insurance policy?

If you decide that your policy is not right for you, you can cancel at any time by calling 0800 210 0247.

The amount of premium returned depends on how long you have held your policy and whether you have made any claims or if one has been registered against you. You will also be required to pay a charge, as detailed in your schedule, to offset the administration costs of providing the policy.

You must return your certificate of car insurance within 7 days of your policy being cancelled. Under the Road Traffic Act failure to do so is classed as an offence.

Back to top
 

If I have an accident what should I do?

Being involved in an accident is very stressful so knowing what to do in advance can be very helpful. When you purchase our car insurance we send you a "How to cope with an emergency leaflet" with your policy documents, which contains useful information on what to do after an accident.

Back to top
 

How do I make a claim on my car insurance policy?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position where you need to make a claim on your policy you will need to call 0800 210 0247. Our experienced team will be able to provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the claims process.

The "How to cope with an emergency leaflet" we sent with your policy documents contains useful information on what to do after an accident.

Back to top
 

If I need to make a claim will I need to pay anything?

You will need to pay for any excesses applied to your policy. Full details of all mandatory and voluntary excesses can be found in your schedule.

Back to top
 

Will I get a courtesy car while my car is being repaired?

The product and level of cover you choose determine whether a courtesy car is provided whilst your vehicle is being repaired.

If you have purchased Sainsbury's Premier Cover Car Insurance we guarantee a courtesy car of similar physical size to your own vehicle for the duration of your vehicle's repair.

If you have purchased Sainsbury's Car Insurance, with comprehensive cover, we will provide a class A courtesy car, such as a Nissan Micra, subject to availability with the repairer. You will have the courtesy car for the duration of the repair to your own vehicle.

A courtesy car is also available if you have purchased Sainsbury's Car Insurance, with third party fire and theft cover, if your car has been stolen but recovered.

Back to top
 

My car has been written off – will I get a courtesy car?

If you have purchased Sainsbury's Premier Cover Car Insurance you will benefit from a courtesy car for up to 21 days in the event of your car being written off. This cover is not provided under Sainsbury's Car Insurance.

To make a claim please call our 24 hour claims line on 0800 210 0247.

Back to top
 

Am I covered against windscreen damage?

All our comprehensive policies provide cover to repair or replace broken glass in windscreens, sunroofs or windows of your car. An excess may be applicable; details can be found in your policy schedule.

If you need to claim under the windscreen cover of your policy please call 0800 210 0247. Claiming under this section of your policy does not impact your NCD entitlement.

Back to top
 

Who underwrites your breakdown cover?

Sainsbury's Breakdown Cover is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No.1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Back to top
 

Can I buy breakdown cover without car insurance?

No, you can only buy Sainsbury's Breakdown Cover alongside one of our car insurance policies. You can choose to add breakdown cover at any time throughout the year.

Back to top
 

Can I add breakdown cover to my policy at any time?

Yes, you can add Sainsbury's Breakdown Cover to your policy at any time during your policy by calling 0800 210 0247. The premium you pay will depend on the level of cover you choose and how far through your policy you are.

Back to top
 

I've taken out breakdown cover and want to change the level of cover I have, what should I do?

You can increase the level of cover you have at any time during your policy by calling 0800 210 0247. The premium you pay will depend on the cover level you choose and how far through your policy you are.

You can reduce the level of cover you have selected at your policy's renewal date.

Back to top
 

I've only taken out UK breakdown cover and would like to add European cover; can I do this?

Yes, this can be added at any time by calling 0800 210 0247 and by paying an additional premium. Sainsbury's European Rescue Service includes all the UK benefits of Sainsbury's Homecall and Rescue Service.

Back to top
 

Help, I've broken down, what number should I call?

If you break down in the UK you can call us on either 0800 210 0251 or 01943 846 709.

If you break down whilst in one of the countries covered by the Sainsbury's European Rescue Service and you have purchased this cover the number you need is +44 (0) 1943 846 600.

Back to top
 

I'm in someone else's car which has broken down, am I covered?

If you have chosen personal cover the level of cover you have selected is extended to any privately UK registered vehicle (less than 16 years old) in which you are travelling in the UK.

Back to top
 

Can I cancel my breakdown cover?

You can cancel your cover at any time during your policy by calling 0800 210 0247 and giving us 7 days notice of cancellation. The amount of premium refunded and charges applied depend on how long you have held the policy.

Back to top

I am an existing Sainsbury's Car Insurance customer – why will you not provide a new quote for me?

Sainsbury's Car Insurance and Sainsbury's Premier Cover Car Insurance are only available to new customers. Any customer who already holds a car insurance policy with us will be able to renew their existing policy, but will not be able to obtain a new quote.

Back to top


Stay safe online

You can learn how to keep yourself and your personal details safe online by visiting our online security section.

 If you think something's not quite right when you're banking online or over the phone, get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Sainsbury's Finance is a trading name of Sainsbury's Bank plc. Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc.
Sainsbury's Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Holborn, London EC1N 2HT (registered in England, no. 3279730) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Register no. 184514. The Financial Services Authority does not regulate Loans and Credit Cards.
Sainsbury's Finance use cookies for various reasons to enhance your browsing experience. If you want to view this site without cookies, please disable cookies in your browser by referring to your internet browser's instructions. Please note, however, that if you wish to undertake a quote or purchase a policy etc., cookies are required to progress the application process and if cookies are disabled this application will not operate correctly.