Do You Have To Declare A Section 59 To Insurance

Imagine this: You’re happily cruising along, windows down, your favorite tunes blasting. Suddenly, a tiny furry critter darts out from nowhere, and you instinctively swerve. You’re perfectly fine, but your beloved ‘Wheezy’, your trusty old scooter, has a small but noticeable dent. Now, you’re wondering, when it comes to insurance, do you have to spill the beans about every little oopsie, even the ones involving unexpected wildlife encounters?
Let’s talk about something called a Section 59. Now, don’t let that fancy name scare you! Think of it less like a legal dragon guarding treasure and more like a friendly reminder from the insurance folks about keeping them in the loop. It’s not about hiding your scooter’s embarrassing moments; it’s about being honest.
So, do you have to declare a Section 59 to your insurance? The short answer is: it really depends, and here’s where it gets interesting! It’s not a simple yes or no, but more like a “let’s have a chat about it.”
Think of your insurance policy as a promise. You promise to pay your premiums, and they promise to help you out when things go sideways. To keep that promise strong, they need to know the important stuff about you and your ride. This includes anything that might change the risk they're taking on.
Now, what exactly is a Section 59? In the grand scheme of things, it's a notification from the police. Usually, it's about your vehicle being used in an anti-social way. This could be anything from revving your engine excessively late at night to doing donuts in the supermarket car park (we’ve all seen it in movies, right?).
If you receive a Section 59 notice, it means the police have flagged your vehicle for something they deem problematic. It's like a yellow card in a football match, giving you a chance to mend your ways before things escalate.
The crucial part is how this impacts your insurance. Insurance companies love predictability. They assess risk based on a multitude of factors, and a Section 59 notice can, in some cases, signal an increased risk.
Why? Well, if a vehicle has been associated with anti-social behaviour, an insurer might worry about the driver's habits or the potential for future incidents. It's not necessarily a judgment on you as a person, but a pragmatic look at the data.
![Section 59: Profits Chargeable to Tax [Updated 2023]](https://www.hostbooks.com/in/hb/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/section-59-of-Income-tax-2048x881.png)
However, and this is where the heartwarming part can sneak in, not all Section 59s are created equal. Sometimes, these notices are issued for things that might seem a little… well, silly, or perhaps a misunderstanding.
Imagine our friend, ‘Sparky’, a vintage motorbike enthusiast. He was riding through a quaint village, and in his enthusiasm for the open road, he let out a triumphant “whoop!” as he admired a particularly beautiful sunset. To Sparky, it was pure joy. To a passing police officer, it might have been perceived as noise pollution. Poof! A Section 59 notice lands on his doormat.
In such a scenario, Sparky might be concerned about declaring it. But here’s the good news: some insurers might see it as an isolated incident, especially if there’s no actual damage or claim history associated with it. They might consider the context and your overall driving record.
The key is transparency. Most insurance policies have a clause about informing them of any material facts that could affect your cover. A Section 59 notice could be considered a material fact.
Think of it like this: if you’re applying for a loan, the bank wants to know if you have any outstanding debts. It’s the same principle with insurance. They need the full picture to accurately assess your risk.

So, what happens if you don’t declare it? This is where things can get a bit sticky, and not in a fun, caramel-covered way. If you have an incident later and the insurer discovers you failed to declare a Section 59, they might refuse to pay out on a claim.
This could leave you footing the entire bill for repairs, medical expenses, or whatever else the incident may have caused. That’s certainly not the happy ending we’re aiming for!
But let’s shift back to the lighter side. Some Section 59s are issued for genuinely silly reasons that often make for great pub stories later. Perhaps someone was trying to show off their new sound system on their car, and the bass vibrations were misinterpreted as engine revving. Or maybe a group of friends on their electric scooters were having a race through a park, and the “anti-social behaviour” was simply them having a bit too much fun.
If you receive a Section 59, your first step should be to understand exactly why it was issued. Was it a genuine issue? Or was it a misunderstanding that can be easily explained?
If it was a minor issue, and you've since corrected it, it’s often worth having a conversation with your insurance provider. They might be understanding, especially if you have a clean record otherwise.

Some insurers even have specific procedures for dealing with Section 59 notices. They might ask for further details, or they might have a policy on how they treat such notifications.
The most heartwarming outcome often comes from being proactive. If you’re unsure, pick up the phone. A quick call to your insurer can save you a lot of headaches down the line.
Imagine you’ve had a Section 59 for a minor parking infraction that was later rescinded. By declaring it and explaining the situation, you’ve shown your insurer you’re responsible and honest. This can build trust.
Conversely, if the Section 59 was for something more serious, like reckless driving, then declaring it is absolutely crucial. Honesty is the best policy, and it’s the foundation of a good relationship with your insurance company.
Think about the loyal customer who has always paid their premiums on time, never made a claim, and then has a minor, isolated incident that results in a Section 59. They explain it, and the insurer, recognizing their good standing, treats it with understanding.

The goal of insurance isn't to catch you out; it's to provide a safety net. But like any net, it needs to be properly maintained and understood by all parties involved.
So, while the term "Section 59" might sound a bit intimidating, it’s really about open communication. It’s about being honest with your insurance provider, just as you would be with a friend sharing a secret.
In the end, do you have to declare a Section 59 to insurance? The best advice is to always check your policy documents and, if in doubt, talk to your insurer. It’s better to have a slightly awkward conversation now than a costly surprise later.
And who knows, that embarrassing Section 59 notification might just turn into a funny anecdote you share with your grandchildren, a testament to your adventures and your honest approach to life, including your insurance.
So next time you hear about a Section 59, don't groan. Think of it as an opportunity for a chat, a chance to strengthen your relationship with your insurer, and maybe even a funny story waiting to be told. It’s all part of the grand, sometimes quirky, adventure of owning and insuring your beloved vehicles, from ‘Wheezy’ the scooter to ‘Sparky’ the vintage motorbike!
