Elderly motorists are at risk of having their car insurance agreement axed due to a simple policy many may not be aware of.
Elderly drivers could have their car insurance policy invalidated (Image: Getty)
Older drivers are at risk of invalidating their car insurance
Specialists warn that failing to disclose medical conditions could backfire with motorists’ policies likely to be scrapped if insurers find out.
Meanwhile, continuing to travel with poor eyesight and a lack of clear vision is also a big no-no with drivers at risk behind the wheel.
Siobhan Thomas, a partner in Hugh James’ serious injury team, claimed motorists had a “duty” to keep insurance companies informed of any issues at all times.
The firm gave the advice as part of a series for older motorists looking to renew their driving licence at the age of 70.
Motorists must inform the DVLA and car insurance firms of medical conditions (Image: Getty)
Siobhan said: “It is also important to bear in mind that certain medical conditions can affect car insurance.
“Therefore, a policyholder has a duty to disclose to their insurance company any medical conditions which could affect their driving.
“A claim on your car insurance could be invalidated if you have failed to disclose a notifiable medical condition, or for example if your eyesight doesn’t meet the legal minimum requirement.”
Previous data from the DVLA revealed older motorists made up the bulk of medical casework.
Last year, statistics showed that around 16,000 single medical issues are being looked into among 70-79 year-olds.
Meanwhile, 10,000 individuals reportedly showed signs of having multiple medical conditions at one time.
The 60-69 year-old category was the second highest while motorists between the age of 50-59 were the third most-affected demographic.
According to GOV.UK, motorists must inform the DVLA if they develop a “notifiable” medical condition or disability,
Officials must also be kept in the loop if a condition or a disability has gotten worse since a driving licence was first issued.
These conditions include a whole range of medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, strokes, glaucoma or sleep apnoea.
Heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and those suffering from fainting are also on the DVLA’s list of concern.
Invalidated car insurance means road users will be unable to make a claim on their policy in the event of an accident.
Motorists are unlikely to get a refund on any premiums that have been paid while road users could find it becomes a lot harder to get future policies accepted.
It is not possible to drive without a valid car insurance policy in place meaning invalidating an agreement could also see individuals effectively banned from the road.
