lose insurance
People who own homes in the UK are being told there’s a common driveway error that could lead to losing up to £100 and even the cancellation of your insurance policy. As residents try to manage their parking and hospitality by redesigning driveways, it matters more to learn about the rules and risk, especially in places that have public paths or those shared with people in other homes.
There Are Hidden Problems from Incorrect Parking
Many people would find this hard to believe, but parking in front of your own driveway could lead to trouble. It is against the law to park in front of a dropped kerb, so this act can bring you a fine of £100. Drop kerbs have this purpose as they allow people walking or on wheelchairs or scooters to use the driveway with ease.
Anyone interfering with a dropped kerb in the United Kingdom may be given a ticket by a local council without needing to check the property owner. If you’re lucky, neighbours probably won’t say anything about parking on your own driveway, but in some cases, people have reported your car and led to fines for you.
Common Driveway Habits and Possible Lawsuits
When properties have a shared driveway, the chances of accidents are much higher. Blocking a part of your neighbour’s access can easily end up in a legal case. Doing this is considered a violation of property rights, and if it happens more than once, the victim might decide to go to court or file a lawsuit. In cases like this, you may be asked to pay for any damages or lawyer expenses if you didn’t have the right to keep others from getting past the contractor.
Easements are commonly put on shared driveways, so everybody using them is protected by law. Failing to follow the rules set in these agreements can result in fines and may stop you from having important benefits in your insurance coverage.
Problems With Insurance That Catch People Off Guard
A lot of people don’t know that their insurance could be affected by what happens with their car in the driveway or parking spaces. Your insurer might view it as a misrepresentation if your car (that is meant to stay off the street) is parked out on the pavement most days. If a claim is filed over theft or damage, your insurer may not cover you if your parking habits differ a lot from how you stated them.
The insurance for your property can also be placed in danger. Most insurers want you to keep access to your home clear in any emergency situation. Should a vehicle park in front of your drive, thus making it hard for a fire truck or ambulance to arrive, you might still have your claim disputed. Insurers may regard this act as going against the policy, so they may cancel the insurance or charge a higher rate when renewing.
Stiffer punishment and spreading awareness to the public
Lately, councils have been making it a priority to tell people about the rules for driveways and parking areas. Since urban areas are more crowded and residents are complaining more, officials have started to pay extra attention to places where people park illegally. Sometimes, cameras set up around boroughs and tips from people have contributed to more notices given for improper use of driveways and blocking of kerbs.
It is being suggested that people be aware of the rules for parking and follow them even inside their own property. Such situations happen more often for people living in new housing estates, since there are many shared spaces and tight streets.
How You Can Follow the Rules and Stay Secure
Taking proactive actions will help homeowners dodge punishment by their insurance company. Your driveway should always be used following the rules set by your local council. Always make sure you do not park your car so that the dropped kerb is blocked, not just for others, but also for you. When you have a shared driveway, talk to your neighbors about useage and reviews property papers to see if there are any limits established by law.
It is wise to review your insurance policies to check that the parking information you put in when buying them is up to date and accurate. In case you alter the way you access your driveway or property, report this to your insurer as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Making a simple parking error could bring more expenses to your door, anger your neighbors, and change your relationship with your insurance company. Now, when rules and inspections are becoming tougher, homeowners should spend more effort on their driveway maintenance. Following a few extra steps may protect your insurance coverage for the future and save you money on fines.
