What Car? Q&A - Can I claim a refund on my insurance?

Q: I had an accident just three weeks into my new car’ insurance policy. The car was written off and my insurance company has paid up in full. As I now have no car, can I ask for a refund for the rest of the year’s cover?
C Kyle

A: A refund is highly unlikely in these circumstances. A policy premium covers you for a 12-month period, irrespective of whether you make a claim in the first few weeks, last few days or not at all. Most insurance companies will consider a rebate if cover is cancelled during the cover period, but they will rarely refund money if a claim has been made.