Find Affordable Cover: Compare Car Insurance Quotes UK

Car insurance is required by law in the UK. Not having enough legal cover can lead to large fines, penalty points, or losing your driving licence. It is important to know how different types of policies work. This applies whether you want cheap car insurance, a comprehensive policy, or third-party car insurance.

Choosing the right car insurance can be hard, especially for new drivers. There are many options out there. Factors that affect the price include your job title, your driving history, and if you are a named driver on someone else’s policy. This guide covers all you need to know about car insurance policies, car insurance comparison services, and tips to find cheaper car insurance without losing quality.

What Are the Different Levels of Cover?

When you look at car insurance policies, you will find three main types of coverage:

1. Third-Party Car Insurance

This is the simplest type of car insurance. It is the minimum legal requirement in the UK. It offers coverage for:

✅ Damage to other vehicles and property

1. Injuries to other drivers
2. Injuries to passengers
3. Injuries to pedestrians

However, third-party car insurance does NOT cover:

❌ Damage to your own vehicle

❌ Injuries to yourself

Many drivers think that third-party insurance is the cheapest choice because it has limited protection. However, insurance companies often view people with third-party coverage as higher-risk drivers. This means that sometimes, comprehensive insurance can actually be cheaper than third-party policies.

2. Third-Party, Fire, and Theft (TPFT)

Standard car insurance includes all the benefits of third-party cover. In addition to that, it also offers:

✔️ Fire damage to your car

1. Theft is when something is stolen or damaged during an attempt to steal it.

TPFT does not cover damage to your own car if you have an accident.

3. Comprehensive Car Insurance

A comprehensive policy includes coverage for third-party damage, fire, and theft. It also protects your own vehicle from damage, even if you are at fault in an accident. Many comprehensive car insurance policies offer additional benefits, such as:

1. Windscreen cover
2. Personal accident cover
3. Motor legal protection
4. Breakdown cover (can be included or optional)

Even though comprehensive policies offer the best level of cover, they may be cheaper than third-party insurance for some drivers. This is especially true for new drivers.

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What Factors Affect Car Insurance Costs?

Many important things affect car insurance costs, such as:

1. Age & Experience – Car insurance for younger drivers and new drivers usually costs more because they lack experience.
2. Job Title – Your job title can impact how insurers look at risk. Some jobs, like delivery drivers, might result in higher rates.
3. Type of Car – A car that is more valuable or has high performance will have higher insurance costs.
4. Location – Living in a place with many thefts can raise your premium.
5. No-Claims Bonus – The more years you go without making a claim, the bigger discount you’ll get.
6. Named Driver – Adding a skilled named driver (like a parent) to your new driver car insurance policy can help lower costs.
7. Voluntary Excess & Compulsory Excess – Raising your voluntary excess (in addition to the compulsory excess) can reduce your premium, but ensure it is affordable if you need to file a claim.

What is the Cheapest Way to Get Car Insurance in the UK?

The least expensive way to get car insurance is by comparing quotes online. You should choose the right level of cover. Increasing your voluntary excess can help, too. Adding a named driver to your policy and looking for better deals before renewal can really lower your premium.

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance?

1. Compare Car Insurance Policies

Using a car insurance comparison service is the best way to get cheaper car insurance. Different insurance companies give different rates. By comparing these rates, you can save a lot of money each year.

2. Consider Black Box Insurance

A black box car insurance policy listens to how you drive. If you drive safely, it can lower your costs. This is great for new drivers and younger drivers.

3. Choose the Right Excess Insurance

If you choose a higher voluntary excess, you might think about getting excess insurance. This insurance can cover some or all of the extra payment you need to make when you file a claim.

4. Adjust Your Policy Details

You might find extras like motor legal protection and breakdown cover helpful. However, if you remove any extra features you don’t need, it can lower your insurance premium.

5. Get a Policy That Matches Your Car Usage

If you do not drive very often, temporary car insurance might be a better choice than buying a yearly policy.

Electric Car Insurance – Is It Different?

If you have an electric vehicle (EV), you need electric car insurance. This insurance is like normal car insurance policies, but some things make it special:

1. Battery cover – Replacing EV batteries can be costly. Some car insurance policies do not cover them.
2. Specialist repair costs – Not every mechanic can work on EVs. This can lead to higher repair bills.
3. Charging cable cover – Some electric car insurance options include protection against damage or theft of charging cables.

Using a car insurance comparison service for electric car insurance can help you find the best deal.

What to Do If You Need to Make a Claim?

If your car breaks down or you have a car accident, follow these steps:

1. Collect information – Get details about everyone involved and take pictures.
2. Contact your insurer – Let your insurance company know as soon as you can.
3. Provide a crime reference number – If your car was stolen, report it to the police.
4. Pay your excess – You need to pay your car insurance excess before your insurer pays the rest.
5. Wait for processing – Your insurer will review the claim and decide the payment.

Correct as of 04 February 2025