Understanding your insurance cover after a vehicle change
When you update your Marshmallow policy to cover a new car from a future effective date, your insurance cover will automatically switch from your old vehicle to the new one starting on that future date.
What is considered the “insured vehicle”?
According to your policy terms, the insured vehicle is:
“The vehicle listed in the schedule for which a certificate has been issued bearing the registration number or chassis number of that vehicle…”.
From the effective date of the change, only the newly listed vehicle is covered. The old car is no longer insured under your Marshmallow policy, even if you still physically own it.
When can I still drive my old car?
You can drive your old vehicle only if it is still listed as the insured vehicle on your policy. This might be the case if:
You scheduled the change to the new car for a future date and that date hasn’t arrived yet.
You have arranged separate, valid insurance for the old car during the transition.
⚠️ If you plan to drive both cars during the transition, your old car must also be covered by insurance—either by keeping it listed as the insured vehicle or taking out separate cover.
When can’t I drive my old car?
Once your policy change becomes active and your new vehicle is listed in the policy schedule, the old vehicle is no longer insured. Driving it from this point would mean:
You’re not covered for any incidents involving the old vehicle.
You would be driving without insurance, which is a criminal offence under UK law and a breach of policy terms.
Examples to clarify
Example 1: Change effective in the future
You update your policy on August 1 to insure a new car starting August 10.
Until August 9, the old car is still covered—you can legally drive it.
From August 10 onward, only the new car is covered.
Example 2: Change effective immediately
You update your policy today, and the new car becomes the insured vehicle immediately.
From today, your old car is no longer insured—you cannot drive it unless it is separately insured.
What if I need cover on both vehicles?
If you need to drive your old car while also preparing to use the new one:
Do not switch the vehicle on your policy until you’re done using the old car.
Alternatively, arrange a separate short-term insurance policy for the old vehicle.