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Car Insurance Plus searches quotes from trusted car insurance companies in the UK to help you find fair cover for your car and budget.
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Do I need car insurance?
At a minimum, you need third-party insurance. This is a basic level of cover that protects other people if you cause damage or injury on the road. Many drivers choose comprehensive cover for a wider level of protection for their own car.
Driving without insurance can lead to serious consequences. The police may issue a fine, add points to your licence, or take your vehicle away. In some cases, the matter can go to court, which could result in higher fines or a driving ban.
Get a quoteWhat types of car insurance are available?
There are three main types of car insurance, and each offers a different level of protection.
Comprehensive car insurance
This is the highest level of cover. It includes protection for damage to your car, as well as damage to other vehicles or property. Even if an accident is your fault, or the cause is unclear, this cover still applies.
Third party, fire and theft
This type sits between basic and full cover. It protects you if you cause damage to another person’s car or property. It also covers your own vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
Third party only
This is the most basic level of car insurance allowed by law in the UK. It covers any damage you cause to other vehicles, property, or passengers.
Comparing car insurance types
| Feature | Comprehensive | Third Party, Fire and Theft | Third Party |
| Comprehensive - protection for the vehicle, the driver, and liability to third parties |  |  | |
| Fire and theft - covers repair or replacement if the vehicle is damaged by fire or stolen | | | |
| Third party coverage - covers damage to other vehicles/property and related legal costs when the policyholder is at fault | | | |
| Courtesy car as standard (subject to availability and eligibility) - replacement vehicle provided during repairs, subject to eligibility and availability | | | |
| Personal accident benefit - lump-sum benefit for serious injury following a motor accident | £5,000 | | |
| Medical expenses - contribution toward medical treatment after a crash | | | |
| Personal belongings - cover for personal items in the vehicle if lost or damaged | | | |
| Window glass cover - repair or replacement of vehicle glass | | | |
| Emergency treatment - cover for immediate medical treatment following an accident | | | |
| Cover for accessories - cover for fitted accessories (e.g., roof racks) against loss or damage | | | |
| Replacement locks - new locks and related costs if keys are lost or stolen | | | |
| Uninsured driver promise - protection if hit by an uninsured driver, typically preserving the no-claims discount | | | |
| Vandalism promise - covers repairs for deliberate damage caused by a third party | | | |
| Transfer home or hotel stay after an accident - assistance with onward travel or overnight accommodation after an accident | | | |
| Child seat cover - replacement child seat after an accident, including when damage isn't visible | | | |
What are the options for car insurance policies?
There are many car insurance policies available. The choice of car insurance policy can depend on factors such as your age, driving experience, vehicle type, and budget. It's worth exploring different options or seeking guidance to find the cover that suits you best.
What optional extras can you get with car insurance?
Most providers give you room to shape your policy. You can include a few extras if you want more cover, but it’s best to choose only what feels useful to you.
- Breakdown cover: This helps if your car stops working. You can get roadside help to fix the problem or tow your car to a mechanic. Some breakdown cover levels also include driving abroad.
- Windscreen cover: This pays for repair or replacement if your windscreen is chipped, cracked, or smashed. Some car insurance providers include cover for side and rear windows, too.
- Motor legal protection: This covers legal expenses after an accident. It can help you claim back uninsured losses, such as your excess, travel costs, or lost earnings.
- Personal accident cover: This pays a fixed sum if you or a named driver is badly injured or killed in a car accident.
- Courtesy car cover: This gives you a courtesy car while your own vehicle is being repaired after an insured event.
- Car key cover: This covers replacement if your keys are lost, stolen, or damaged. It can also include the cost of a locksmith or reprogramming.
- Wrong fuel cover: This pays for draining and cleaning your fuel system if you fill up with the wrong fuel.
- Personal belongings cover: This adds protection for items kept inside your car, such as a phone or a handbag, if they are stolen or damaged.
- No-claims discount protection: This lets you keep your discount even after a limited number of claims and helps you keep future costs stable.
What are the benefits and limits of car insurance?
Car insurance protects you from major costs after an accident, but every policy comes with its own limits and exclusions.
Advantages of car insurance
Good insurance policies help handle those expenses, so you're not left to pay everything yourself.- A reliable insurer can guide you through the claim, arrange repairs, and help you get back on the road without too much trouble.
- Some policies include roadside help or a replacement car if yours is stolen, which makes life easier when something goes wrong.
Disadvantages of car insurance
Even if you never make a claim, your premiums still apply.- If you make a claim, especially one where you're at fault, your renewal price could rise the following year.
- Every policy has conditions and gaps. Some situations or types of damage need to be added separately for full protection.
How much does car insurance cost?
Car insurance price depends on how likely you are to make a claim. Insurers look at data and trends to estimate risk, which shapes what you pay. Approximate prices start from:
| Type | Median cost paid for annual car insurance (January 2025) |
| Fully comprehensive | £418 |
| Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) | £408 |
| Third party only (TPO) | £559 |
What affects the cost of car insurance?
Your car insurance cost depends on more than just the type of insurance you choose.
Your age
New drivers pay more because they’re considered higher risk. With experience, premiums usually start to fall.
Where you live
Your postcode has a direct impact, too. Areas with higher levels of traffic, theft, or claims tend to have higher premiums.
Your driving history
A record with no claims or penalties can reduce costs. Past accidents or fines can increase them.
Your car
The car's make, model, age, and value all affect the price. Expensive or high-performance vehicles usually cost more to insure.
How you use your car
Policies for daily commuting or business use often cost more than those for occasional driving.
Your cover level and optional extras
A higher level of insurance or additional features mean more cover, but they also increase the premium.
What details do I need to get a car insurance quote?
Getting a quote only takes a few minutes, but having the right details ready helps you get a fair and accurate price. You’ll be asked for:
- Your age and occupation
- Your home address and where the car stays overnight
- How you use the car: for social trips, commuting, or business
- Your annual mileage estimate
- Your driving licence number
- The car's registration number and purchase date
- Any vehicle modifications
- Your no-claims discount
- Details of any accidents or claims history from the past five years
- Any driving convictions or penalties within the last five years
- Information about any additional drivers
How can I get a cheaper quote for car insurance?
You can't control everything, but some simple choices can make your quote lower.
Pay in full
If you can, pay for your policy upfront. It skips the interest that comes with monthly payments.
Choose the right car
Cars in lower insurance groups tend to cost less to insure. Smaller engines and avoiding modifications will also help keep costs down.
Improve your car's security
Add an alarm, immobiliser, or tracker to reduce theft risk and bring your price down.
Show you’re a low-risk driver
Drive fewer miles, try a telematics policy that tracks safe driving, or agree to a higher voluntary excess.
Only pay for what you need
Drop extras like business cover or driving abroad if you don’t use them.
Compare before you renew
When you renew your car insurance, shop around. Each year you build your no-claims discount, you'll open the door to better deals.
When's the cheapest time to buy car insurance?
Most people don't realise that timing matters when buying car insurance. Data shows that the cheapest quotes usually appear 15 to 25 days before your renewal date, not the night before. Leave it too late, and prices can rise fast as insurers see you as a higher risk.
What should I consider when choosing car insurance?
The price is only part of the picture when it comes to car insurance.
Type of cover
Think about the level of protection you want: from third-party to fully-comprehensive insurance. Each type covers different risks and comes with a different price tag.
What's included
Take a close look at the details: does it include repairs, theft, or fire damage? Some policies also add things like windscreen repairs or cover for personal items.
Optional extras
Extras, such as breakdown cover, a courtesy car, or legal protection, can be worth having, but they’ll also affect your final quote.
Policy limits and exclusions
Every insurer sets its own rules. Some may limit driving abroad or exclude certain uses, so make sure you’re clear on what’s not covered.
Voluntary contribution
You can reduce your premium by paying a higher amount towards a claim yourself. This is known as an excess. Just be sure it’s an amount you’re comfortable with.
Customer service and claims process
When something goes wrong, the way your insurer handles it matters. Check reviews to see how quickly and fairly they deal with claims.
Can I cancel my car insurance at any time?
Yes, you usually can, but it depends on your policy. Most insurers allow you to cancel, but the refund you get depends on how much of the policy you’ve used. It’s better to check the terms and conditions before you cancel so you know exactly what to expect.
Get a quoteCar insurance FAQ
Among the many insurance policies available in the UK, the best option depends on your age, experience, car type, and budget.
