THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- The 120 days run from the suspension request date.
- Suspension, vehicle replacement and a premium refund are separate matters.
- Confirm the replacement vehicle’s terms before driving.
The period does not start with the next purchase
Clause 19(5)–(6) of the uniform compulsory motor terms, republished in NR 2/2026-R, allows suspension to be requested when notifying the sale. The 120 days run from the request. Without replacement within that period there is no extension: the contract is treated as terminated from the start of suspension.
Record the request you actually made
Rui finds his sale notification. Clara asks whether it also requested suspension or merely reported the transaction. A note kept for personal use does not establish what was sent. Organise the message, date and response to clarify the contract’s status.
When preparing an enquiry, identify the sold vehicle and explain that you await a replacement. Ask for written confirmation of the suspension start, the period’s calculation and the intended policy treatment. This is a method for avoiding ambiguity, not confirmation that suspension of your individual policy has been processed.
If you do not find another car in time
The premium refund calculation refers to Clause 18(3), subject to legally permitted contractual qualifications and the paragraph 4 exception for an already paid claim benefit. It does not mean a refund of the whole premium.
The next registration needs its own confirmation
Before collecting the next vehicle, gather its details and request the document confirming the change and commencement of its effects. Do not treat a suspended policy as proof that you can already drive the new car. Ask for the premium, benefits and replacement conditions rather than assuming they all remain unchanged.
Clara helps Rui separate two questions: what is the old contract’s position, and what protection is confirmed for the next vehicle? If the latter has not been chosen, keep that information pending. This guide addresses suspension under compulsory motor liability terms; clarify your policy’s optional covers separately.
Choose the appropriate website enquiry
For clarification of an existing suspension request, use policy support with the contract reference and dates. To compare a solution for the next car, select Motor in Request a quotation. A new enquiry neither changes nor reactivates the earlier policy. Do not post documents, registration details or personal information in comments.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Keep the sale notification and suspension request.
- Confirm the request date and applicable period.
- Request any refund breakdown.
- Confirm the document and commencement for the next vehicle.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Content updated on .
Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.
Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.