According to a recent report, thousands of motorists are at risk of losing out on insurance payouts because they don’t read the small print. We look at what to check when reading the details of your car insurance, and how to make sure you’re fully covered.

It’s vitally important to check the details of your insurance. According to a recent study by Swiftcover, 29 per cent of motorists wrongly assume they would be insured for other cars through their own insurance.

A quarter of motorists were unaware stating an incorrect annual mileage could invalidate your policy. And actions such as causing an accident while eating behind the wheel could result in a drastically reduced payout, as the driver could be accused of negligence.

Tina Shortle from swiftcover.com says, "It’s important to know what exactly what is and what isn’t covered. Drivers make a lot of assumptions about their policies".

So what should you look out for? We’ve come up with a list of things you may have thought you were covered for - but may not be.

Car insurance exceptions
Always read the small print. Some insurance companies won’t cover you if:

* Your car is stolen after you’ve left it unlocked
* Your car is stolen after you left the keys inside or on the car itself
* You put the wrong fuel in the car
* The government or local authority legally takes or destroys your car
* Your car fails to start or breaks down due to wear and tear
* Your car is damaged following a mechanical, electrical or computer breakdown
* Your tyres are damaged by braking, punctures, cuts or bursts
* Your car loses value, or depreciates, following a repair
* You’re involved in an accident while eating or smoking behind the wheel - even if the accident wasn’t your fault
* Damage is made to a caravan, trailer or other vehicle while being towed by your car
* Your car is damaged by pressure waves from aircraft travelling at, or above, the speed of sound

Search for more than 300 insurance quotes in less than four minutes - visit Auto Trader’s Car Insurance Centre or call 0800 316 8181.

Items inside your car
Not everything inside your car will be replaced if damaged or broken during an accident - but the following will be:

* Child car seats
* Items such as CD players which you stated as ‘extras’ in your initial quote (some policies will only pay for broken electrical goods if they were locked in your glove box or boot at the time of the accident)
* Car furnishings, for example door handles and your dashboard

Items not covered
* Goods, tools of trade, containers or other samples connected with your work or any other trade
* Alarms or other security devices
* Hazardous goods such as fireworks
* Money, credit or debit cards
* Stamps and tickets
* Documents and securities (such as premium-bond certificates)

More exceptions
There are extra exceptions which won’t cover you, including acts of war and natural disasters. Insurance companies won’t pay out if your car is damaged as the result of the following:

* Acts of war, including invasions, civil war, revolution and military power
* Acts of terrorism
* Riots or civil commotion outside the UK
* Earthquakes
* Radioactivity - whether its contamination from nuclear waste or dangerous properties of nuclear equipment
* Pollution
* If your car is on an airfield when the damage takes place

You will be covered for damage from fire, lightning and explosions if you have chosen third party fire and theft as your policy.

Glass damage
Make sure your car’s windows and sunroof are covered in the event of an accident - ask your insurance company.

Windscreen damage is usually covered with a fully comprehensive policy only. You may not be covered for glass which is tinted or part of a convertible car's roof.

Some repairers won’t be approved by your insurance firm, so you may not be covered or you might have to pay an excess fee depending on the damage - again, it’s vital to check beforehand.

Types of cover
Insurance cover generally falls into three main categories:

1. Third party only
As the minimum legal requirement, this covers any damage made to other drivers’ vehicles. It doesn’t cover damage made to your own vehicle, or theft, but it’s ideal for older cars with low value, since it’s the cheapest option available.

2. Third party fire and theft
As well as offering basic third party insurance, this will also cover your car if stolen or damaged by fire. However it’s more expensive than third party cover.

3. Comprehensive (or fully comp)
Your car is fully protected if damaged in an accident with another vehicle, and third party fire and theft is inclusive. It’s the safest but most expensive insurance type, and a good choice for rare and valuable cars.

What to say when seeking a quote
It’s important to give the correct information to the insurance company when getting a quote. If you state certain aspects incorrectly, this could nullify your cover. Remember to:

1. State your car’s annual mileage.
2. List items of value inside your car - including radio, sat nav and CD players.
3. Let your insurance company know if you’re about to make any modifications or additions to your car. If it gets damaged after you made the changes but before you’ve told them, your car won’t be fully covered.

Search for more than 300 insurance quotes in less than four minutes - visit Auto Trader’s Car Insurance Centre or call 0800 316 8181.