Insurancewide.com responds to Which? report:

Consumers should "know what they want to buy and tell the truth"

The new Which? report, 'Protection or Rejection' throws into sharp focus the need for consumers to understand the insurance policy they are buying and why they really want it, according to Insurancewide.com, the online insurance comparison service.

James Harrison, chief executive of Insurancewide.com, said today on BBC Breakfast: "Buying the policy is not enough, you need to understand it and to understand the mechanics of making a claim".

"Ask yourself why you are really buying insurance".

"If you aren't sure about every aspect of the policy it could be a wasted investment and you'll have false peace of mind about the extent to which you're covered." "Start by deciding what you need to be covered for and whether you can ultimately make a claim for those things".

"Tell the truth: "It's your responsibility to disclose all information to the insurers.

Although you may think that you are making a saving by paying less for your insurance now, it is in fact a false economy.

You will end up paying more in the long run if your insurer refuses to settle a claim due to non-disclosure or if you have bought the wrong type of policy.

It is your responsibility to tell the insurer, not the responsibility of the insurer to find out." Top tips: Taking out third party only car insurance is pointless if you want to be able to cover any damage costs to your own vehicle or claim if your car is stolen".

"Motor insurers will rarely cover you for damage or loss in the case of any un-declared modifications you have made to your car".

"Travel Insurance should cover you for any medical costs you may incur while you are abroad as you do not have access to the NHS or equivalent health service".

"There are also cancellation costs, the expense of replacing any lost/damaged personal possessions and any liability expenses you may be liable for to consider".

"Buying a travel insurance policy without telling your insurer that you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions is pointless as your insurer can refuse to settle a claim, even if it is un-related to your medical condition.Life insurance is designed to protect your assets when you die".

"If you have dependents or any out standing debts such as mortgage or loan repayments life insurance is a wise investment".

"By not telling your insurer that you either smoke or suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions, your family that will lose out if the insurer refuses to pay out in the event of a claim".

"When insuring your home contents, keep the sum insured up to date".

"If your home contents is only insured for ?20,000, but it in fact is valued at ?40,000, you will miss out in the event of a claim".

"Check to see if your home insurer is offering a cash sum or direct replacement (usually their choice) of your lost or damaged items".

"Don't assume that your belongings are insured when they are outside of the home".

"You must have opted for 'all risk' or 'personal possession cover'".

"Harrison continues: " Insurance is ultimately a promise by the insurer to pay out but this is one industry where the devil really is in the detail.

Watch out for limits, exclusions and optional policy extras".

""Shop online to make thorough comparison and compare like with like".

"Don't just focus on price, focus on the detail of the cover".

"Don't be fooled by ridiculously cheap premiums - they often carry huge excesses, some of which are disguised as compulsory when in fact you can reduce your voluntary excess limits in return for a higher premium.".

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