Motor insurance FAQs

An excess is the portion of a claim you pay yourself before your cover responds. It can be a fixed sum (for example, $1,000) or a percentage of your vehicle's value, and it applies whether or not you are at fault.

Comprehensive cover protects your own vehicle against insured loss or damage in addition to liability to third parties. Windscreen cover, special perils and roadside assistance may be available as optional benefits, subject to underwriting and the policy terms.

Third Party cover is the legal minimum. It protects you against claims for bodily injury, death or property damage caused to others through the negligent use of your vehicle. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle.

Third Party Fire & Theft includes third-party liability and adds protection for your own vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire. An approved anti-theft device is required, and all cover remains subject to the policy terms and underwriting review.

No. A windscreen claim does not affect your premium.

An NCD rewards claim-free years with a growing discount on your premium. It increases at each renewal you go without a claim, up to a maximum after five consecutive claim-free years.

The estimate considers the type of cover, vehicle use, value, engine size, seating or weight, no-claim history and any discounts requested. The online amount is not a binding quote; PICL confirms the final premium, excess, eligibility and terms after reviewing the complete proposal.

On an unrestricted policy, you and anyone driving with your permission are covered, provided they are 25 or older and have held a valid driver's permit for at least two years. Anyone younger than 25, or licensed for less than two years, must be named as an authorized driver on the policy before they drive the vehicle.

Stay calm and check for injuries first. Where possible, exchange insurance and driver's permit details with the other driver, and report the accident to the police. Call Roadside Assistance if you need wrecking or roadside support. Then report the accident to us as soon as possible, at our Port of Spain, San Fernando or Tobago office, or by phone — see "What documents do I need to file a claim?" below for the full checklist.

Bring:

• Your driver's permit
• The vehicle's certificate of insurance
• The police report reference
• Photos of the damage
• The other driver's details where applicable

Making a claim takes three steps: gather the required documents (see above), complete our claims form, and drop both off at our Port of Spain head office, our San Fernando branch, or our Tobago office for processing.

Every claim is different, but our goal is always a timely settlement. Once you've shared your report with us, a company representative will confirm an accurate timeframe for your specific case.

We'll contact you by phone or email once your claim has been submitted, so make sure your contact details are up to date when you file.

You cannot legally drive without a valid certificate of insurance, so it must be replaced immediately. File a police report, then complete a statutory declaration confirming the loss. Submit both documents to us and we'll reissue your certificate.

Your insurance cannot be sold or transferred to a new owner. If you sell your vehicle during the policy period, let us know right away so we can cancel or suspend the policy.

Vehicles change ownership often, and we're required to pay any settlement to the registered owner. A certified copy is the only reliable way to confirm who that is, so we ask for one before releasing payment.