Everyone knows that sinking feeling – the realisation that something you thought was sorted turns out not to be, and you’re now facing consequences that are going to make your whole lot worse. Insurance can cause that sinking feeling. You think everything is all above board, then you have an accident and discover that this is not the case.

Most of the people on the road don’t drive without insurance on purpose (a few do, but we’re onto them). However, there are some common mistakes that can leave you high and dry. Here’s how to avoid being accidentally uninsured.

1. Make sure your details are right

It sounds daft, but something as simple as getting your address slightly wrong or misspelling your name can leave your policy invalidated. Check, check and check again – that way, you won’t be left red-faced!

2. Make sure all the information is right

Including all the information that insurers ask for as you fill in those forms might seem tedious, but it’s so important because you get the insurance you need. If you get something wrong or miss something out, then your insurer could invalidate your policy and you could end up breaking the law.

3. Make sure you can drive to work

Not every policy covers you to commute or use your car for business purposes. Some are for domestic and social purposes only; some cover you to travel to a single workplace. Before you buy a policy, ensure you’re getting the cover you need for how you use your car.

4. Make sure you can drive that car

Even though it would be lovely, not all insurance policies give you same protections and benefits. For example, often people assume that all policies cover them to drive someone else’s car, but that’s not a standard clause. Before you get in your friend’s Porsche or Peugeot, check your own policy.

5. Make sure your policy has renewed

So many things happen automatically these days that, if something doesn’t, you might not notice until it’s too late. Even if you have received a renewal quote and you’re happy to stick with your current provider, a number of things can derail the process. Maybe your bank card has expired, maybe you accidentally cancelled a direct debit, maybe you clicked the wrong box about auto-renewing. Five minutes spent checking things over will save you a whole lot of heartache if the worst happens (or even just a minor scape).

6. Make sure your plate matches

You’ve treated yourself. You’ve got hold of a personalised number plate and it’s now sitting proudly on your front and back bumpers. But have you updated your insurance? If not, that precious plate could end up costing you double.

So, don’t get sunk by any of these mistakes. Make sure you’re definitely insured! Check for free.