Insurer rejects car over ‘Jesus Loves You’ stickers

A Christian is considering legal action after he was reportedly denied car insurance unless he removed “Jesus Loves You” stickers from his vehicle.

According to Christian Concern, GoSkippy Insurance broker told Simeon Chandra, in emails, that its underwriting department had “declined the modification done on the vehicle as per stickers added on the vehicle”. He was told insurance cover would continue only if the stickers were removed from his car and a dated photograph sent once they had been taken off.

Chandra, 35, told the broker the stickers were not for business use but were intended “to spread a positive message that Jesus loves you.” He contacted GoSkippy before and after placing the stickers on the car. Though initially told he could proceed if he sent photographs of the stickers - the underwriting department would not agree.

Chandra said: “I was shocked, surprised and upset… I could not understand why this would mean I could not have car insurance. We see all kinds of messages, flags and slogans in public life. But when a Christian puts a peaceful message on his own car, suddenly it appears to become a problem.”

Car insurers routinely require customers to inform them about modifications to a vehicle, otherwise a policy could be void. A car modification is any change to the car’s standard factory specification - including stickers and similar cosmetic modifications. GoSkippy states, on its website, that it will insure a modified car.

However, Andrea Williams of Christian Concern said: “This case is not about a technical vehicle modification. It is about whether ordinary Christians are free to express their faith in public without being excluded from essential services.

“If insurers can refuse cover because a customer displays a Christian message, that should alarm everyone who cares about freedom of religion and freedom of expression.”

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said it would not comment on this case, but said: “Our members take their obligations under the Equality Act very seriously.”

They added: “Whether cosmetic or performance-enhancing, any form of modification can increase the risk to the vehicle as it can be seen as more desirable or be more likely to be subject to intentional damage…

“Whether to offer insurance… is a commercial decision for insurers based on their risk appetite.”

At the time of writing, GoSkippy has not responded to our request for comment.