Van and Business Car FAQ

This page lists answers to questions frequently asked by brokers using RSA's Van and Business Car products.

We have recently announced our decision to no longer offer new business quotes or renewal invitations for our commercial motor Van and Business Car products, with effect from 1st September 2020.  Any existing policies which renew prior to the 1st September 2020 will be placed into run off until they expire.

We have arranged with our Software House partners to decline new business quote requests with an effective date of 1st  September 2020 or after. This includes quotes with an assumed effective date prior to 1st September which later changes to 1st September or after (for example, a quote given on 15th August with an assumed effective date of 29th August, which later changes to 1st September). We will no longer honour the 30-day quote guarantee if the effective date of cover is on or after 1st September, so it is important to highlight this scenario to your customers when an assumed effective date of cover is given.

Proof of NCD will be issued for each expiring policy to you in order to find alternative cover. We will issue this around 30 days before the policy expiry date.  

If you currently hold more than one policy for the same customer (e.g. two Van policies), you may be able to move these to our E-trade Mini Fleet product when they expire. Mini Fleet can be traded via our RSA Online website, or an appropriate software house system, and will accept risks with up to six vehicles that are currently ‘NCD rated’.

Click on the headings below to go to the relevant section of the FAQ.  If you can't find an answer to your issue, email us on etrading.team@uk.rsagroup.com.

SYSTEM ENQUIRIES

PREMIUM ENQUIRIES

ACCOUNTS

RENEWALS

NCD

OCCUPATIONS

DRIVERS 

POSTCODES

WINDSCREEN CLAIMS

VEHICLE OWNERSHIP

VEHICLES

TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL VEHICLES 

FOREIGN USE EXTENSIONS

TOOLS IN TRANSIT

CLAIMS

 

SYSTEM ENQUIRIES

 

We have changed our Software House system. Can the policy continue?

If you need to process a mid-term amendment on a policy prior to renewal, you must contact RSA to make all alterations until the next renewal date. Please ensure you issue cover notes where required.

In line with RSA's decision to no longer offer new business quotes or renewal invitations for our Van and Business Car products (effective 1st September 2020), all existing policies will be placed into run off until they expire.

 

The Policyholder wants to transfer their policy to my agency mid-term. It is currently held by a different Broker. What do I need to do to get the policy transferred?

Click here for full instructions

 

Where can I access your Policy Wordings?

Our policy wordings are available via www.rsabroker.com/products.

If you require a supply of policy wordings, email us at etrading.team@uk.rsagroup.com.

 

PREMIUM ENQUIRIES

  

MTA

I am processing a policy amendment mid-term but the system-generated change in premium seems incorrect. What should I do?

Please proceed at the system generated premium. Our rates are updated and tested on a frequent basis so we are confident that they are correct.

 

I want to arrange temporary cover. What are the prices?

We can provide cover for temporary additional vehicles and foreign use.  Please refer to the rating tables provided.

  

Cancellation

I am cancelling the policy however the system generated return premium seems incorrect. What should I do?

When you process a cancellation, the system will calculate the correct pro-rata return premium.

 

Do we allow Return Premiums when cancelling a policy mid-term if there has been a claim?

Yes. When you process the cancellation on your system it will produce a pro-rata return premium.

 

What do I need to do to cancel or lapse a policy retrospectively?

If the policy cancellation or lapse date is in the past, please email us at etrading.team@uk.rsagroup.com.      

Please remember that RSA have an obligation to update the Motor Insurance Database (MID) within 7 days of the transaction effective date.

 

ACCOUNTS

 

Is there a Direct Debit surcharge for RSA Business Car and RSA Van?

The direct debit surcharge is a fixed rate of 8%, which equates to an APR of 18.59%.

 

NCD

 

If I am accepting a customer’s proof of NCD, how recent must it be?

We will not accept proof of NCD if it is older than 2 years from the expiry date of the previous policy.

 

Can I accept NCD that has been earned abroad?

No, NCD earned outside the UK is unacceptable.

 

Can my client have Protected NCD?

It can be added at the inception or renewal of the vehicle cover. Provided the following criteria is met:

  • All drivers must be aged 25 or over
  • The proposer must have 4 or more years earned NCD
  • No more than 1 'at fault' or 'NCD affected' claim, across all drivers, within the last 3 years

 

What happens to protected NCD after a claim is made?

The Policyholder's No Claims Discount will remain at its current level, provided no more than two claims (either at fault or where no recovery was made, but excluding windscreens) have occurred in a 5-year period.

After the second claim, the PNCD benefit no longer applies to the policy and so will be removed at the next renewal. If a third claim was to occur, the NCD would be stepped back by 2 years. The step back table is shown in the policy wording.

 

How do I request Proof of NCD?

In line with RSA's decision to no longer offer renewal invitations for our Van and Business Car products (effective 1st September 2020), NCD proof for all existing policies will be issued around 30 days prior to the expiry date.

If the policy has been cancelled mid-term, proof of NCD can be requested by email. Please email us at etrading.team@uk.rsagroup.com.

Please include the policy number and vehicle registration number. Proof of NCD will be released as soon as the policy is showing as cancelled.

 

OCCUPATIONS

 

Will the customer get cover to use the vehicle in connection with their occupation?

Our products provide cover for use in connection with the Policyholder’s business. We do not provide cover for use in connection with anyone else’s business.

 

My client gets involved in voluntary work – is the covered? 

RSA are a signatory to the ABI Volunteer Drivers Commitment which covers the Policyholder to undertake voluntary driving under the social, domestic and pleasure class of use of their policy, provided the vehicle is not being used hire or reward.

 

Dual Occupations

Does RSA provide cover for more than one company?

No, this is not acceptable we cannot accept Dual Names or more than one occupation. 

 

DRIVERS

 

What are the age limits?

All drivers must be 19 or over however some vehicles may have a minimum age restriction. There is no maximum age limit.

 

Can you provide quotes for ‘any driver’ cover?

We can provide a quotation for any driver over the age of 25 years. All drivers under 25 must be named on the policy. Some requests may be refused due to the vehicle to be insured.          

 

Can you quote for drivers with European Union driving licences?

Yes, EU licences are acceptable.  If the driving basis is ‘Any Driver’ all drivers with an EU Licence should be named on the policy.

 

Can you quote for drivers with Non EU/International driving licences?

No, Non EU/ International licences are unacceptable.

 

Can you quote for drivers with provisional driving licences?

No, provisional licences are unacceptable.  

 

The Driver has a medical condition do I have to advise RSA?

No, If the condition has been notified to the DVLA and the DVLA have issued the driver with a licence then this is acceptable.

 

What is the maximum number of drivers allowed?

Maximum number of named drivers is 5. 

 

Can I add a temporary driver to this policy?

Yes.  If you are using CDL, OpenGi or SSP, you can process the temporary driver on your SWH. Otherwise, please call us on 0345 071 6040 or you can forward a cover note, instructing us to proceed, to etrading.team@uk.rsagroup.com.

All drivers must be 19 or over, however some vehicles may have a minimum age restriction.  All drivers under 25 must be named on the policy. Some requests may be refused due to the vehicle to be insured.   

 

Can I add an employees wife/partner to this policy?

Yes, provided that the insured has given permission to drive the vehicle , they will only be entitled to SDP use if they are not an employee of the business.      

 

Do we need to advise RSA if the insured has had CCJ’s, Bankruptcy?

No.  Credit scoring is an external rating factor which applies to EDI Van and Business Car quotes and automatically rates accordingly. Credit scoring is used in quotations and will indicate, and rate on, previous insolvencies, bankruptcies and CCJs. This means that we do not need to take any further rating or eligibility action if any of these are disclosed.

 

My client has an ‘Any Driver’ policy. Does this cover someone with a motoring conviction?

All drivers with motoring convictions must be named on the policy. If the conviction is eligible, they will be covered to drive.

 

 

POSTCODES

 

Which postcode is used for rating?

The rating postcode is the one where the vehicle is kept overnight. Some Software Houses may refer to this as the ‘vehicle kept’ or ‘garaging postcode’.  The rate is generated from the full postcode.

 

WINDSCREEN CLAIMS

 

Comprehensive policies cover damage to windscreens and windows subject to these excesses:

  • Windscreen Replacement - £90
  • Windscreen Repair - £0

Do windscreen claims affect NCD?

No, these do not affect the vehicle’s NCD

 

VEHICLE OWNERSHIP

 

The owner and keeper must be A quotation will only be provided if the owner and keeper are in the list below:

  • Proposer/Policyholder
  • Civil Partner
  • Spouse
  • Contract Hire
  • Leasing Company

 

Can the policy be used for more than 1 business?

RSA will not provide cover for policies used by more than one separate business, and the policy must be in the name of one company.

 

VEHICLES

 

What vehicles are eligible for your Van product?

General eligibility is for goods carrying vehicles, up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight. 

 

Do RSA accept Tippers at standard terms?

Yes, provided that the vehicle does not weigh more than 7.5 Tonnes.

 

Do we accept refrigerated vehicles at standard terms?

Yes, so long as the total vehicle value includes this.

 

Can you quote for electric vehicles and hybrids?

Yes. We can accept most fully electric and hybrid vehicles, however there are still a small number of these which are ineligible, for example TESLA vehicles and BMW I8’s – any ineligible vehicles will be declined by your Software House and as a result will not be acceptable to RSA

 

Do you offer Breakdown cover for the insured vehicle?

No, this is not available

 

Do you offer trailer cover?

No,although our standard policy includes legal liability to third parties whilst the insured vehicle is being used to tow a trailer. Liabilities arising out of a trailer being used as a tool are excluded, except as required by any relevant road traffic legislation.

 

Is a “Driving Other Cars” extension provided?

No

 

Can you quote for modified vehicles?

We can quote for some modifications, provided the modification has been professionally made and the vehicle value has been altered accordingly (the cost of the modification must not exceed the value of the vehicle)

 

Acceptable modifications include  

  • Alloy wheels
  • Addition or removal of windows
  • Tinted windows
  • Addition or removal of seats (provided the total number of seats including the driver does not exceed 6)    
  • Tow bar / tail lift
  • Parking Cameras / parking sensors / dash board cameras
  • Cosmetic changes, e.g. alloy wheels, body kits, spoilers
  • Internal / external racking
  • Internal shelving     
  • Signwriting
  • Wheelchair lift / ramp
  • Water tank 

 

Unacceptable Modifications Include

  • Engine or performance enhancing modifications
  • Bull Bars / Crash Bars
  • Chassis changes
  • Braking changes
  • Conversions to the vehicle’s bodywork
  • Dual controls
  • Emergency services blue light
  • Right hand conversions
  • Cabriolet conversions 
  • Fuel conversions

If the quotation is declined it means that the modification is unacceptable to RSA.

 

Can you cover vehicles that are also used as a Tool, e.g. Water Tank/Cherry Picker/Crane?

Yes. However, the Policy excludes cover whilst it is being used as a tool except as required by any relevant road traffic legislation.

 

Does RSA provide cover for Special Types?

No, RSA no longer offer Special Type policies

 

Can you quote for previously written off vehicles?

RSA will consider category N (Non-Structurally damaged /Repairable vehicle which can be repaired and go back on the road) vehicles subject to the vehicle being roadworthy and having a valid MOT. Please contact RSA to discuss before committing to cover

Our Policies carry a “Looking After Your Motor Vehicle” condition which states that the vehicle must be kept in a roadworthy condition, which will apply where a previously written off vehicle is legally back on the road.

 

TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL VEHICLES

 

Can I add a temporary additional vehicle to this policy?

There should always be insurable interest present when Temporary Additional Vehicle (TAV) cover is required, typically where the vehicle is owned by a leasing/hire company that the customer has entered into an agreement with for the hire.

Please note the maximum days of temporary cover cannot exceed 60 days and a car cannot replace a van and vice versa. Our rates are shown below.

 

How do I arrange cover for a temporary additional vehicle?

If you are using CDL, OpenGi or SSP, you can process the temporary vehicle on your SWH. Otherwise, please call us on 0345 071 6040 or you can forward a cover note, instructing us to proceed, to etrading.team@uk.rsagroup.com.

 

What are your charges for adding a temporary additional vehicle to the policy?

 VAN

Number of days for temporary vehicle cover ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Group

Cover

1-3

4-7

8-14

15-21

22-31

32-60

1-20 ​

Comp

35

50

65

80

95

150

TPFT

35

40

55

65

75

120

21-24

Comp

50

65

80

95

110

175

TPFT

40

55

65

75

90

140

Van groups 21-24 are for those with GVW over 3.5T. (21=up to 4.5T, 22=up to 5.5T, 23=up to 6.5T, 24=up to 7.5T).

 

BUSINESS CAR

Number of days for temporary vehicle cover ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Group

Cover

1-3

4-7

8-14

15-21

22-31

32-60

1-26 ​

Comp

35

50

65

85

105

165

TPFT

35

40

55

70

85

135

27-35 ​

Comp

50

65

85

105

130

205

TPFT

40

55

70

85

105

165

36-44 ​

Comp

75

100

125

150

180

275

TPFT

70

85

110

130

155

240

45-50 ​

Comp

105

135

165

195

235

370

TPFT

90

115

150

170

200

315

Important Notes

  • The premiums above exclude Insurance Premium Tax.
  • RSA may allocate a vehicle grouping that differs from the ABI recommendation. Refer to RSA if unsure.
  • If temporary cover has already been granted and an extension is required, treat this as a new transaction. 
  • Car groups 27 and above - driving restrictions and/or minimum security requirements apply.
  • The rates are for up to and including the number days shown (e.g. 5 days cover gets the rate for 7 days.)

 

The client has bought a new vehicle but requires temporary cover while disposing the existing vehicle. Can you hold cover for both?

Yes. Process the change of vehicle on your SWH from the date the client is getting the new vehicle. We allow up to (and including) 3 days without charge for the old vehicle to be sold. Issue a cover note for the replaced vehicle and send it, including the policy number, to etrading.team@uk.rsagroup.com.

If cover for the replaced vehicle is required over 3 days that should be treated as a temporary additional vehicle and charged appropriately per the rates above. The maximum temporary period is 60 days.

 

FOREIGN USE EXTENSIONS

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

If the insured intends to drive in any EU country, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Serbia or Andorra you will need to call us at least three weeks before their departure to make sure they get their Green Card on time. please contact RSA on 0345 071 6040.  

The Republic of Ireland is included within the territorial limits of the policy and so a foreign use extension is not required.

 

Business Car

Policy cover is provided at the same level as in the UK, if the vehicle is being driven in any of the countries listed below. 

Andorra Austria Belgium Bulgaria
Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark
Estonia Finland France Germany
Greece Hungary Iceland Italy
Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg
Malta Netherlands Norway Poland
Portugal Romania Serbia (*Van only)  Slovak
Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland 

 

Van

Policy cover is provided at the same level as in the UK, if the vehicle is being driven in any of the countries listed above. RSA no longer charge for Foreign Use Cover except for countries not listed.

Please provide the following information:If you wish to add a foreign use extension, please e-mail us at etrading.team@uk.rsagroup.com.

  • The Policyholder's Name and Policy Number
  • The Registration Number of the Vehicle
  • The dates that cover should begin and end
  • The countries that the vehicle will require cover in

 

TOOLS IN TRANSIT

 

Does Tools in Transit cover apply to tools left in the vehicle overnight?

Cover applies at any time. Some customers may find it inconvenient to remove their tools daily and may not have anywhere else to store them. More importantly, some customers regularly work at night and expect the same cover to apply as it does during the day. 

 

CLAIMS

 

How can I find out the current status of the claim?

Please go to https://www.rsabroker.com/rsa-commercial-claims