It used to be possible to think of only four main types of motor policy: private car, motor cycle, commercial motor vehicle, and motor trade. When a risk was fleet-rated these policy documents were used and were endorsed to note special fleet terms. Several insurers now issue special printed fleet policies. The commercial motor vehicle policy has always been a maid of all work; various types of risk, goods carrying vehicle, hire car, agricultural vehicle, special type of plant, and several others were all catered for by endorsing special provisions on the basic commercial motor vehicle policy. Now many companies are introducing specialist documents. These have the benefit of clarity so far as the policyholder is concerned.
Over the last few years the style and appearance of motor policies has changed dramatically. In the days of the tariff the majority of offices used a common wording, and even the non-tariff offices issued policies of a very similar type. Normally the form of printing was austere on plain white paper with the policyholder’s details and details of the risk entered, normally, by typing. These days very few motor policies look alike; many are in booklet form, with the contract terms interspersed with notes, diagrams, or even cartoons. The ‘legal jargon’ has been simplified, and certain insurers are now using what they describe as ‘plain English’ wordings.
The policyholder’s and risk details are frequently not completed on the pre-printed policy document itself, but are enclosed within the booklet or wallet in a convenient pocket. They are entered on a schedule which is included in the policy terms by means of the policy wording. The schedules are completed in a variety of ways — typed, handwritten or computer produced. Despite the innovations, different designs and wordings there are common threads not only running through the various types of motor policy issued by a single company but also between all policies issued by the majority of motor insurers. The following notes highlight these common features.
