Martin Lewis issues ‘fraud’ warning over car insurance hack that saves drivers hundreds

Just a simple tweak could make all the difference

Money saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a warning to motorists about their ‘job title’ when taking out insurance.

The journalist who has had stints on BBC Sounds and hosts the ITV Martin Lewis Money Show advised motorists about the detail when considering renewing their insurance after one man shared the savings he made with a slight tweak.

One user of his Money Saving Expert site, Chris said: “Saved £100 by working in ‘software’ not ‘computer games’!”

Mr Lewis advised: “When considering whether you can use a different title, always imagine you were asking a reasonable person who knew what you do for a living. Would they say it was reasonable for you to describe yourself this way?”

Lewis who has featured on This Morning continued: “Just making small, legal tweaks to your job title can cut your car insurance costs. Use this tool as a rough guide, then double-check with your insurer.”

He gave examples of the possible changes you could make: “If you’re an office administrator and you want to say you’re a driving instructor as it’s cheaper, this is simple fraud. And if your insurance company finds out, it could cancel your policy and add you to a central fraud database, which other insurers can see – making it hard to get cover in future.”

Lewis suggests imagining you’re asking a reasonable person who knows you if that’s how they would best describe your job before making any changes.

The finance guru also advised that if you have more than one job or you’re a part-time student, it is worth checking both jobs.

Lewis said: “Be aware that some insurers will make you use the place where you spend the most time. But – be creative – if you own your own plumbing business, it’s worth checking quotes for both plumber and for company director.”