Car Insurance

• ‘Third party only’. This type of policy will cover a driver for accidental damage caused to property other than the insured car and will also cover any claim for injuries to another person as a result of an accident, including any passenger in the insured car. It will not pay for repairs to the insured vehicle and will not cover the insured car if it is stolen or destroyed by fire.
• ‘Third party, fire and theft’. This carries the same benefits as ‘Third party only’ with the additional advantage of covering the owner if a car is stolen or burnt out.
• ‘Comprehensive insurance’. This type of insurance provides the same benefits as third party, fire and theft, but also covers damage to the insured vehicle – however caused, and also covers the insured driver for medical costs and disability.

So how do you decide which type of insurance is for you? It all depends on a number of factors such as the age and experience of the driver, the type and value of the car to be insured, where it is to be kept and driven, driving record and so on. The list is endless.

Obviously, comprehensive insurance is the most expensive option, because it offers greater benefits in the event of a claim. Therefore, generally a young driver (under 25 in insurance terms) with a less valuable car will find one of the third party types of insurance the more affordable. Some companies specialise in providing competitive quotes to learner drivers, new and inexperienced drivers and those motorists who may be considered ‘high risk’ because of the type of car they drive or their history of driving convictions, so it is worth searching these out.

An older driver with proven experience, a good driving record and a higher priced vehicle would be sensible to obtain comprehensive cover. Even then, details such as whether the car is garaged or not, and if it is to be used and kept in an area with a higher crime rate will affect the cost of the insurance, so it is best to get quotes from a variety of companies.

There are other options available whichever type of insurance decided upon. For instance, anyone taking out the third party only or third party, fire and theft type of insurance will be wise to check if the policy includes optional legal expense cover. Some companies offer this cover for a small increase in the premium. If you are considering anything other than comprehensive insurance, look also for the glass-cover option that will pay for the repair of a broken windscreen or window, and the roadrage option that will compensate you if you fall victim to this every more common phenomena of modern motoring.

Finally whatever type of insurance is for you, do obtain as many quotes as you can. You will find that insurance companies are very competitive and this can help you find cheaper insurance so using our panel of insurers means you get a great selection of quotes from the UK's leading insurers.