A Fronting occurs where a vehicle is insured in the name of a parent or other person, but where the insured vehicle is actually being used in the main by a much younger person on the policy. Insurers need to run checks to clarify who the main driver of an insured vehicle actually is, particularly where a named driver under 25 years exists on the policy, according to the managing director of Coverinaclick.ie Jonathan Hehir.

This is so that they can accurately assess and identify the correct level of risk. If a young named driver is primarily using the car, the risk factor increases proportionately, he said. This means you must consider how much use of the car they will have, and what they will use it for. If your daughter was to use your car every day for college, for example, and you only drove it at weekends, then your daughter would be deemed the main user of the car. In the event of accident or a claim on your policy, and evidence of fronting was identified, your policy would likely be cancelled and any claim declined, Mr Hehir said. He advised contacting your insurer if you have questions about your cover.

Q We are heading on holidays overseas in September for the first time in 10 years. In the past, I would just buy travel insurance in the few days running up to the holiday, but since Covid I want to be sure that I am covered just in case.

We also have two young children, so that’s another element to think about. Is there anything I should be looking for in a policy?

A Not all travel insurance products are the same, according to the chief executive of Peopl Insurance Paul Walsh. “Cheapest” does not mean best value, he said. A “cheap” multi-trip policy may cost just €25, but it may not cover a holiday maker for the most basic of claims. Spending just €15 extra can get travellers a policy that will provide them with much more comprehensive cover, Mr Walsh said.

Be careful when it comes to trip-cancellation cover. This does not necessarily mean you are covered for any and all events that might lead to the cancellation of your trip, he said. This means it is important to assess what exactly this means on your policy. Watch-out for the excess on the policy. This is the amount deducted from each claim prior to a claim being paid. Ensure you can afford the limit you set as you will need to cover this in the event of a claim. Find out to what extent doctors and hospital fees will be covered. Check that any items you will have in your possession are covered, particularly expensive items. As most travel claims are made before the person even steps foot on an airplane, it is best to purchase cover as soon as you book the trip, Mr Walsh said.

Q My husband contracted meningitis last year which saw him out of work for four months. He started a new job since, and we have talked about me getting income protection cover in case we ever go through something like that again.

I earn around €3,000 a month. Can I cover the full amount or just a percentage? Also, in case I have to claim, would I have to keep paying my premium while drawing a benefit?

A When life is going well, it is easy to take your income for granted. It pays the bills and lets you take care of your family, enjoy your home, hobbies and holidays. Unfortunately, as you have witnessed first-hand, an illness that prevents you from working can happen at any time and it is prudent to have a financial safety net in place, according to Siocha Costello of Aviva Life and Pensions.

With income protection, you can cover up to 75pc of your earnings to a maximum of €262,500 a year, she said. If you can’t work due to illness, injury, or disability, your income protection plan gives you a replacement income until you return to work, or until your retirement if you are not fit to return to work before then. You won’t pay premiums while you are on claim, but your plan will carry on as normal. This is called waiver of premium and means if you return to work and need to claim again, you can. You may also qualify to get tax relief at your marginal rate on premiums paid, Ms Costello said.