There’s been a lot of talk about Insurance Premium Tax, and that’s mostly because it keeps rising.
As of March 2019, the standard rate sits at 12%.
It’s easy to push Insurance Premium Tax to the back of your mind, but it’s important you know what it is and how it affects you.
What is Insurance Premium Tax?
Although VAT is the most common form of tax, it’s not applicable on insurance — that’s where IPT comes in…
There are two rates of IPT:
- A current standard rate of 12%.
- A higher rate of 20% ‐ for travel insurance, mechanical/electrical appliances insurance and some vehicle insurance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/insurance-premium-tax
IPT must be added to your insurance quote, and most vehicle quotations include the correct rate of IPT in the price. So, if you’re quoted £180, then that’s the price you pay including IPT.
The standard rate has now increased to 12%
How will IPT affect you?
The rate of the standard IPT is the same for all policyholders, as it’s a percentage of their premium. However, the 12% rate works out significantly higher, in monetary terms, for people that are already paying higher prices. This means young drivers are hit the hardest.
Going forward...
There’s no denying that the 12% IPT will annoy many people, but it’s also unavoidable. So, whatever you do, don’t be tempted to drive without insurance.
If you’re caught behind the wheel of a car that you’re not insured to drive, the police can give you a fixed penalty fine and points on your licence. And, if the case goes to court, you may also be given an unlimited fine and be disqualified from driving.
Plus, the police also have the power to seize and destroy the vehicle that’s being driven uninsured.
So, although the 12% standard rate may get your back up a bit, there’s a much higher price to pay for anyone who chooses to drive uninsured.
