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We search quotes from a wide panel of trusted UK insurers to help you find cover that suits your car, budget, and driving needs.
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Do I need car insurance?
Yes, having car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK.
At a minimum, you need third-party cover.
Driving without insurance can result in penalties issued by the police, including fines and points on your licence. In more serious cases, the matter can go to court, which may lead to larger fines or a driving ban.
Get a quoteWhat types of car insurance are available?
There are three main types of car insurance, each offering a different level of protection. Understanding the differences can help you choose a policy that suits both your needs and your budget.
Fully comprehensive
Comprehensive car insurance gives you the highest level of protection. It not only covers damage to other vehicles and property but also protects your own car, even if you're at fault or the cause can't be proven.
Third party, fire and theft
A smart middle ground between basic and full cover. Third Party, Fire and Theft includes protection if you damage someone else's car or property, and it also covers your own vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
Third party only
This is the most basic level of car insurance and meets the legal minimum to drive on UK roads. It covers damage you cause to other people's vehicles, property, or passengers.
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?
Car insurance providers let you shape your coverage to fit your needs. You can add extra features to your policy, depending on what matters to you and what suits your budget. Here are some extras that you can choose to include:
- Breakdown cover: Helps if your car breaks down, offering roadside assistance to get you moving again. Depending on the level, it can include local recovery, national transport, or even cover while driving internationally.
- Windscreen cover: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing a chipped, cracked, or shattered windscreen. Some policies also include cover for rear and side windows.
- Motor legal protection: Covers legal fees if you're involved in a road accident and want to claim back uninsured losses, such as a policy excess or personal costs.
- Personal accident cover: Pays a lump sum if you or another named driver is seriously injured or dies as a result of a car accident.
- Courtesy car cover: Provides a temporary replacement car while your vehicle is being repaired following an insured incident.
- Car key cover: Covers the cost of replacing car keys if they're lost, stolen, or damaged. May also include locksmith charges or reprogramming.
- Wrong fuel cover: Pays for draining and cleaning your fuel system if you accidentally put the wrong fuel type into your car.
- Personal belongings cover: Offers cover for personal items kept in your car, such as bags or gadgets, if they're stolen or damaged during an insured event.
- No-claims discount protection: Lets you make a limited number of claims without losing your no-claims discount, helping keep your premium lower in the future.
Choosing these optional extras gives you flexibility. It lets you create a car insurance policy that addresses your specific needs.
What are the benefits of car insurance
Advantages of car insurance
Helps manage unexpected costs: Accidents, theft, or damage can be expensive. Insurance helps absorb the financial shock so you're not paying the full amount out of pocket.- Makes accidents easier to deal with: A good insurer will guide you through the claims process, arrange repairs, and help get you back on the road with minimal hassle.
- May include helpful extras: Depending on your policy, things like roadside support or help replacing a stolen vehicle may be included, adding extra convenience when you need it most.
Disadvantages of car insurance
You still pay even if you don't claim: Like many forms of insurance, you may pay premiums for years without making a claim.- Claiming can affect future premiums: Making a claim may increase your renewal quote, especially if you're at fault or lack a no-claims discount.
- Not everything is covered: Policies have limits and exclusions. Some types of damage or use may not be covered unless specifically added.
How much does car insurance cost?
Car insurance costs can vary depending on a range of factors beyond just the type of insurance itself. Here's what influences the cost:
Your age
Age is a key factor in how much you pay for car insurance. Younger drivers are seen as higher risk due to less experience, while older drivers often pay less.
Where you live
Your postcode impacts your quote. Areas with more traffic, theft, or claims usually have higher premiums than quieter regions.
Your driving history
Safe drivers often get lower quotes. Previous claims, fines, or incidents can increase the cost of your policy.
Your car
The make, model, age, and value of your car affect pricing. Powerful or high-value cars, or those often stolen, may cost more to insure.
How you use your car
Driving frequency and purpose matter. Daily commuting or business use can raise premiums compared to occasional leisure use.
Your cover level and optional extras
Higher levels of cover and optional extras increase your premium but offer more protection.
Approximate prices for car insurance
Insurers use statistics to work out how likely you are to make a claim on your car insurance - and that's what sets the cost:
| 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 details do I need to get a car insurance quote?
Getting a quote usually takes just a few minutes, but it helps to have a few details ready so you can get the most accurate price. Here's what you'll be asked:
- Age
- Occupation
- Home address & where the car is parked overnight
- Car usage (social, commuting, business)
- Estimated annual mileage
- Driving licence number
- Car registration number
- Purchase date of the car
- Vehicle modifications
- Your No Claims Discount (NCD)
- Accident/claims history (last 5 years)
- Convictions or penalties (last 5 years)
- Additional drivers
How can I get a cheaper quote for car insurance?
With prolonged waiting periods on the NHS, many choose private family health insurance to take control of their family's well-being.
Pay smarter
Paying for your policy upfront instead of monthly avoids interest charges and helps you save overall.
Choose the right car
Cars in lower insurance groups tend to cost less to insure. Smaller engines and avoiding modifications can help keep costs down.
Boost your car's security
Adding features like alarms, immobilisers, or trackers lowers the risk of theft, which can reduce your cost of car insurance.
Lower your risk profile
Driving fewer miles, opting for a telematics policy, or choosing a higher voluntary contribution can all lead to savings.
Only pay for what you need
Make sure your policy matches your needs. Remove add-ons you don't use, like cover for business use or driving abroad.
Compare and build over time
Shop around when it's time to renew. Building your no-claims discount each year also helps you unlock better deals.
What to consider when choosing car insurance?
When selecting a car insurance policy, it's important to look beyond just the price. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Type of cover
Decide whether you need third-party, third-party fire and theft, or comprehensive insurance. Each offers a different level of protection.
What's included
Check what's actually covered, such as repairs, theft, fire damage, and damage to other vehicles. Look out for extras like windscreen cover or personal belongings.
Optional extras
Add-ons like breakdown cover, courtesy car, or legal assistance can be useful but may increase your total cost.
Policy limits and exclusions
Always read the terms. Some policies limit how far you can drive abroad, exclude certain uses (like ride-sharing), or don't cover wear and tear.
Voluntary contribution
Consider how much you're willing to pay towards a claim. A higher voluntary contribution can lower your premium but increases your cost if you claim.
Customer service and claims process
Look at reviews or ratings to understand how the insurer handles claims, customer support, and response times.
Car insurance FAQ
We've compiled the questions that customers most often face when choosing a car insurance
