So I've been looking at purchasing car insurance about a month prior to actually having it started with 1 year NCB attached. What I am curious about however is that at the point of having purchased this policy I would not have yet secured my 1 year no claim, however when the policy actually starts I would've, and therefore curious on where I stand with this on a legal basis.

I am aware that if I was to have an accident in that month, I would have to disclose it with the company who I would've just purchased this policy from.

That's a normal situation that everyone is in, as the insurance has to follow on without a break.

As long as you disclose any recent accidents, claims or offences to the new insurer - and - accept any increased premium, then you're quite legal.

I'm not clear what advantage there is in committing to a new policy so far in advance of the renewal date though I'm aware that there is anecdotal data that quotes tend to rise slightly when left to the last minute.

In terms of accruing NCD you're in the same position as anybody else. The renewal quote from the existing insurer will presumably be on the basis of one year NCD and that is the proof you need if the new insurer demands it. Increasingly they don't need to see it as the insurance industry has shared databases that will confirm claims history.

Those databases reach is extensive. At one time my daughter was a named driver on my policy. At renewal I was questioned about her history as one of the databases showed a link between her and a claim several months previously. Eventually we worked out that it was her boyfriend who'd claimed for a shunt outside his student lodgings; she was named on his policy too.