FCA warns DriveWithMettle / CoveredByWise / SpareSafety / WeAreMotorguard websites are unauthorised
On 27 October 2026 the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) added "DriveWithMettle / CoveredByWise / SpareSafety / WeAreMotorguard" to its Warning List. The FCA says the firm is not authorised by it, may be providing…
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Source: fca.org.uk · published
What happened
On 27 October 2026 the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) added "DriveWithMettle / CoveredByWise / SpareSafety / WeAreMotorguard" to its Warning List. The FCA says the firm is not authorised by it, may be providing or promoting financial services or products without permission, and may be targeting people in the UK. It lists the email addresses help@drivewithmettle.com and noreply@drivewithmettle.com and the websites drivewithmettle.com, sparesafety.com, wearemotorguard.com, coverwithwise.com and coveredbywise.com. The names suggest motor-related cover, but the FCA's page does not say what was offered or how people were approached, and the listing is not a finding about any specific conduct.
How the scam works
The FCA authorises firms that arrange or provide regulated financial products, including insurance. A firm that sells or promotes such products without permission leaves customers outside the regulator's protections. This listing groups four brand names and five websites under a single entry, so the FCA appears to treat them as linked. The page does not set out how customers were reached, so no specific method is claimed here.
The FCA adds that some firms give incorrect contact details, including postal addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses, and may change them over time. It also says they may give details belonging to another business or individual so the information looks genuine. The FCA's guidance is to deal only with authorised firms and to check them on the FCA Firm Checker, using the contact details listed there.
People who deal with an unauthorised firm will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they want to complain, and will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things go wrong, so it is unlikely they would get their money back if the firm collapsed. The FCA also says people who sent money to a fraudster on or after 7 October 2024 may be covered by protections introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR). Before buying cover of any kind, check that the seller and its insurer are on the FCA Register and that you can verify them through the FCA's own contact details.
Source
Financial Conduct Authority, Warning List entry "DriveWithMettle / CoveredByWise / SpareSafety / WeAreMotorguard" (27 October 2026).
Red flags
- Several different brand names and websites for what looks like the same service.
- Motor or warranty cover sold by a firm not on the FCA Register.
- Contact details that don't match the FCA Register.
- An unsolicited approach or ad promoting cover or financial products.
- A 'noreply' email address or no clear way to reach a real person.
If you were targeted
- 1Check any firm on the FCA Firm Checker, and use only the contact details listed there.
- 2Don't deal with the firm or send it money.
- 3If you've paid, contact your bank at once and ask about recovery protections, including PSR rules for payments made on or after 7 October 2024.
- 4Report the firm to the FCA (call 0800 111 6768 or use its contact form) and consider reporting to Action Fraud.
- 5Be wary of any later offers to recover your money for a fee.