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What information do I need to get cheaper car insurance online?

To get good quotes and find cheaper insurance, you will need to share some basic information. Here is what you should have with you:

Your vehicle information

Please enter your car registration number to check the right vehicle. The car insurance price you get will depend on a few important things. These include your car’s make and model, fuel type, engine size, and how many miles you drive each year.

Your Claim and Driving History

Insurers will want to know about your driving history. They ask if you have made any claims in the last five years. A good claims bonus can help lower your premium a lot.

Your personal details

Your name, age, licence type, and job are all things that help insurance companies figure out risk and set prices. You have to be as accurate as you can with this information.

Other driver information

If you want to add a named driver, you will need to give their personal and driving details too. This can make your premium go up or down, based on who they are and how they drive.

Type of policy

Your quote will change depending on the type of cover you pick.

  • Fully comprehensive
  • Third party, fire and theft
  • Third party only

You can also choose some optional extras. These include things like windscreen cover or personal accident protection.

Voluntary excess

Choosing a higher voluntary excess can help you lower your premium. But if you make a claim, you will need to pay both the voluntary and compulsory excess. So, be sure to pick a level that you can pay without trouble.

It is very important that you have the above information when you get ready to compare car insurance quotes. T&C's apply

Remember: It is very important to give the right information. If you share wrong details, your policy could be made invalid.

Why should I takeout a car insurance policy?

In the United Kingdom, you must have car insurance if you drive on public roads. A valid car insurance policy helps protect you, other drivers, and covers any harm to cars or property that happens in an accident. This is needed by law, and it makes sure you and others are covered if things go wrong while driving.

Some insurers can offer cheaper insurance if you use a dash cam. A dash cam records what happens when you drive. You can use this as proof if there’s an accident or claim. This helps you protect your driving record and may lower prices on your insurance.

What are the different types of car insurance policies?

There are three main kinds of car insurance that you can get in the UK. Each one gives a different amount of cover and cost. The best one for you will depend on what you need and how much you want to spend.

  1. Third party only is the most basic level of cover and is needed by law for all vehicles. It pays for damage or injury you cause to other people, their cars, or their things. But it will not pay for fixes to your own car.
  2. Third party, fire and theft takes care of all the things third party covers. It also helps if your car is taken by theft or hurt by fire.
  3. Comprehensive cover is the top level of cover you can get. It gives you cover for third party, fire and theft. It also pays for problems to your own car, even if you are the one who made a mistake.

Knowing the differences between these policies can help you pick the right level of cover for your car and your needs. This way, you get what works best for your vehicle and your situation.

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What You’ll Need to Compare Car Insurance Quotes

Every car insurance quote is made just for the person who is getting it. So, you need to have some details ready before you start. This will help you get the right car insurance quote quickly.

  • Your driving licence details
  • Your car registration number
  • An estimate of your yearly miles
  • Information on where your car stays during the day and at night
  • The reason you use your car, such as for social trips, going to work, or for business

Having this information ahead of time can make sure you get the right quotes from insurers. This helps you avoid any hold-ups or wrong prices.

What Is a No Claims Bonus? Can It Be Used on a Second Car?

A no claims bonus is a discount you get if you do not make a claim on your car insurance for a year. The more years you go without making a claim, the bigger your discount becomes. This can help you get cheaper car insurance over time. A no claims bonus is a great way for people to save money on their car insurance.

Your no claims bonus is usually for only one car at a time. If you get insurance for a second car, you often cannot use the same claims bonus on both. You can only do this if your insurer has a mirrored no claims bonus policy.

What Is a No Claims Bonus Can It Be Used on a Second Car

How can I get cheap car insurance quotes?

Pay your premium annually

Paying each year instead of every month can help you save up to 20 percent. This is because when you pay every month, the payment can have added costs or other fees. If you pay one time a year, you may not have to pay these extra charges.

Install a Black Box

A telematics device, sometimes called a Black Box, is put in your car to keep track of how you drive. It will watch things like your speed, how hard you brake, and how far you go. If you drive safely, you can get lower insurance premiums. This makes it a good choice for people who want to save money and drive well.

Use your no claims bonus

If you already have a no claims bonus, be sure that it's used when you get car insurance. A no claims bonus can help you get cheaper car insurance. It is one of the ways that many people use to save money on what they pay for car insurance. Using your claims bonus will help you get the best rate.

Reduce your annual mileage

Driving fewer miles each year can lower your risk. When you drive less, you often get lower premiums. Our data shows that people who drive 6,000 miles a year, on average, pay £38 less than those who drive 10,000 miles. Always be honest with your mileage. Giving the wrong number can make your policy not valid.

Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium

Avoid auto car insurance renewal

Letting your car insurance policy auto-renew might feel easy, but it can cost you more money. More than a third of UK drivers let their insurer renew their plan for them and do not look for better prices. Many of them pay more than they have to. If you compare car insurance quotes on the internet, you can find better deals and save more money. The Financial Conduct Authority encourages drivers to seek out competitive rates.

Increase your voluntary excess

Choosing a higher voluntary excess can help lower your monthly car insurance price. But, keep in mind that if you need to make a claim, you have to pay both the voluntary and the compulsory excess. Make sure you pick an amount you can pay, so it will not stop you from making a claim when you need to. A good car insurance plan should fit your needs and budget.

Avoid unnecessary modifications

Car modifications can make your insurance costs go up. This is because many insurers ask for more money to cover the higher repair or replacement costs for the car. A car that is modified may also get fewer insurance offers. This makes it harder for you to compare prices from different insurance providers.

Improve your vehicle’s security

If your car does not have an immobiliser or an alarm, you should think about getting one installed. Having extra security features can help lower the risk of theft. This can also help you get a lower renewal price for your car insurance. A lot of insurers like to see Thatcham-approved devices. These devices are tested for how well they work to keep cars safe. Using them can give you a good chance to get cheaper car insurance.

Tip: Take an advanced driving course. Drivers who have extra skills, like Pass Plus or defensive driving certificates, may get lower car insurance rates from some companies.

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Types of car insurance policies

Fully Comprehensive Insurance

This is the top level of car insurance cover you can get. It protects your own car and third party cars if there is an accident. With fully comprehensive car insurance, you also get cover for fire damage and theft. Some policies let you drive other vehicles, but only as third party cover, and this will depend on the insurer.

Key details:

  • Offers the most complete level of car cover.
  • Covers damage to your car and damage to others if you get into an accident.
  • Includes protection against theft and fire.
  • This type of car cover is often more expensive, but it gives you the broadest protection.

Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance

This type of car insurance costs less than comprehensive cover, but it will not protect you as much. It offers third party cover, so it pays if you damage someone else’s car or property. The car insurance also helps if your car is hit by fire damage or if it is stolen. But, it will not pay out if you have an accident that is your fault.

Key details:

  • This type of insurance is usually lower in cost than comprehensive insurance.
  • It covers any damage your car does to other people’s vehicles and things.
  • It gives you more protection if your car gets stolen or burned in a fire.
  • It does not pay for repairs to your own vehicle if you are the one who caused the accident.
Types of car insurance policies

Third party only insurance (TPO)

This is the minimum legal insurance you need to drive a car in the UK. Third party insurance only gives you a basic level of cover. It helps pay if you hurt other people, damage their vehicles, or harm their property when you have an accident and it is your fault. It does not cover your own car. If your car has theft, fire damage, or other harm, this type will not cover it.

Key details:

  • Car insurance like this is needed by law for every driver.
  • This type is usually the cheapest car insurance you can get.
  • It gives cover only for third party injury or property damage.
  • There is no help for your own car if something happens.

Car insurance tailored to your need

The right car insurance policy will be different for every person. It depends on the kind of car you have, where you keep it, and how you use it. You can add some optional extras to your car cover, like legal protection, courtesy car cover, or windscreen cover. When you compare car insurance quotes with Free Price Compare, you can find a car insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget.

Young drivers insurance

Car insurance for young drivers usually costs more. This is because they have little experience on the road and are more likely to get into an accident. There are some things you can do to make the premium lower. You can increase your excess, or you can take an advanced driving course. But, you should only pick an excess that you know you can pay if you have to make a claim.

Learner drivers insurance

If you are learning how to drive in your own car or using a family member’s car, you can get learner driver insurance. You do not have to add your name to an old policy for this. This kind of insurance helps you get driving practice. You will be able to practice while there is someone with you who is over the age of 25. The price that you pay depends on the level of cover that you choose.

Multi car insurance

Families that have more than one car can save money with multi car insurance. You can put all your cars on the same policy. This way, you pay less, and you have less paperwork to do. A lot of car insurance companies also give discounts when you have more than one car at the same home.

Classic car insurance

Classic car insurance is made for cars that are over 30 years old or are special collector cars. This type of car insurance gives protection that fits the needs of people who own older cars. Some of the things it can cover are agreed value plans, options for driving your car only a little each year, and extra help for owners who care a lot about their cars’ history.

Telematics Vehicle Insurance (Black Box Insurance)

Telematics insurance tracks how you drive by using a black box or a mobile app. It looks at things like how you brake, the speed you drive at, and how many miles you drive. If you show safe habits when you are on the road, like stopping smoothly, staying aware of your speed, and not driving too much, your car insurance may cost less over time.

Business car insurance

If you use your car for more than just getting to and from work, you will need a business car insurance policy. This type of cover is for people who drive to several work sites, help move colleagues, or use the car to do deliveries. You can pick business use while getting a quote to make sure you have the right level of cover for your car insurance policy.

Short term car insurance

If you just need temporary car insurance for a few days or weeks, like when you borrow a friend's car, short term car insurance can help. This is a flexible way to get the cover you need without getting a yearly plan. It works well for people who do not drive very often. It can also cost less than being put on someone else’s insurance.

European car insurance

Most UK car insurance plans give some level of cover if you need to drive in other European countries. This means you can go to many EU places with your UK policy. But, if you plan to be away for a long time or want to visit places that need different things for your car, it is a good idea to get extra cover. This can help you feel safe and ready for your trip.

Over 50's car insurance

Drivers who are over 50 years old often pay less for car insurance. This is because they have more experience and are seen as lower risk. Some companies offer special car insurance for people over 50. These plans may come with extra things, like courtesy car cover, better breakdown help, or protection for your claims bonus.

Additional cover options and upgrades

Courtesy Car Cover

If your car gets damaged in an accident and has to be fixed, your insurer might give you a temporary car. This is called courtesy car cover. It helps you keep driving while your own car is getting repaired at an approved garage. The type of policy you have with your insurer will decide if you get this car cover. For some people, courtesy car cover is included, but for others, it may be an option you have to pick.

No Claims Bonus Protection

A no claims bonus can make your car insurance premium lower every year you do not make a claim. The more years you go without a claim, the bigger your discount will be. A lot of car insurance companies let you keep your claims bonus even if you make a claim. This means your discount does not go away if you need to use your car insurance. When it is time for renewal, your insurer will usually give you proof of your no claims bonus.

Break down cover

Breakdown cover is there to help you if your car stops all of a sudden. You can pick from several levels of breakdown cover.

  • Roadside assistance only
  • Roadside assistance and recovery
  • Full recovery including home start

You can often find cheaper breakdown cover if you compare plans on your own. So, it’s a good idea to look at all your options before you buy.

Personal injury cover

If you or someone riding with you get hurt in a car accident, personal accident cover and personal injury cover can help with money to cover injuries. The amount you get will be different with each insurer. Some insurance plans also give cover to people travelling with you.

Lost or stolen keys cover

Losing your key or having it stolen can cost a lot. This can be more expensive with newer cars that use electronic or smart keys. This cover can help pay for your new key. If needed, it can also help pay for a new lock. If you can’t use your car, this cover may also help you get a ride or use another way to get around.

Legal expenses cover

Legal expenses cover helps you if you have an accident that is not your fault. It lets you get back your costs from the person who caused it. It can also help you stand up for yourself if someone makes a claim against you.

Windscreen replacement and repair cover

Windscreen cover helps you fix chips and cracks in your car’s glass. If the windscreen cannot be fixed, it may have to be replaced. A different windscreen excess might be needed for this. A lot of insurers will repair the windscreen for no extra cost.

What are car insurance groups?

Car insurance groups help insurance companies know how risky it is to cover your car. When your car is in a higher group, the risk goes up. This means your car insurance premium will usually be higher, too.

There are 50 car insurance groups in the UK. The groups start from Group 1, which is the cheapest, and go up to Group 50, which is the most expensive. Thatcham Research brought in this system in 2007. It looks at things like the make of the car, how much it costs to fix, what safety features it has, and how much it is worth. This helps people find out how much they might need to pay for their car insurance.

What are car insurance groups
Insurance Group Range Car models and Manufacturers
1 -10 Volkswagen Golf, Citroen C1, Vauxhall Corsa, Audi A1, Ford Ka
11-20 Kia Picanto, Fiat 500, Audi A3, Honda Civic, Mini Countryman
21-30 BMW 1 Series, Audi Q5, Mini Cooper S,  Land Rover Freelander
31-40 Porsche Boxster, BMW 5 Series, Audi TT, Ford Mondeo, Lexus IS
41-50 Volvo XC90, Infiniti M, Audi R8, Volkswagen Phaeton, Citroen C6

When you pick a car and want cheaper insurance, make sure to check what group the car is in. Cars in a high group can be more to insure. This is because they often cost more to fix or have more risks. Also, some cars in these groups may have exclusions, based on what your insurer says.

Car insurance can seem like a lot to manage. A good first step is to know the group your car belongs to. This helps, whether you have an electric car or a small family car. If you compare quotes based on your car group and the policy wording, you can find something that fits your needs and budget. This way, you get to make a smart choice about car insurance.

Tip: Always check the insurance group before you buy a new vehicle. This can help you avoid surprises with your premium.

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Does my no claims bonus carry over if I stop driving for a period of time?

A no claims bonus (NCB) is a discount you get from your insurer each year you do not make a claim. This helps lower the cost of your car insurance when it is time to renew. But the bonus is not forever. If you stop driving and do not have a valid car insurance policy for around two years, you will probably lose the full claims bonus.

If that happens, you will have to begin rebuilding your bonus from the start. This can make your premiums go up.

Tip: Some insurers let you pay a little extra for no claims bonus protection. This means you can keep your claims bonus even if you make a claim. But, read the policy wording carefully, because there may be exclusions or other rules that apply.

Can I drive in any country with my car insurance?

You do not always get to drive in other countries with your car insurance. It depends on your car insurance policy and the level of cover you have.

By default, most UK car insurance policies come with basic third party cover for driving in some countries. Right now, you can usually drive your car with this minimal cover in the following places:

  • All EU countries, and that includes Ireland
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Norway
  • Switzerland
  • Andorra
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Serbia

If you plan to go to places not on this list or want to have comprehensive cover when you are abroad, you may need to upgrade your car insurance or get temporary European car insurance extensions. It is a good idea to read your insurer's policy wording and ask them about any exclusions that could apply.

Driving abroad: What you need to know

Your insurance policy might give you extra cover for theft or damage when you travel to another country. But it is important to read all the details closely. A car insurance policy with a high level of cover in the UK does not always mean you will get the same level of cover when you drive in other places. Even if you have comprehensive car insurance, there can be changes to what is covered when you are outside the UK.

You should read your policy wording, or get in touch with your insurer, so you know:

  • The extent of cover abroad – Many plans will only give you third party cover when you are overseas.
  • Time limits – Some companies put a limit on this. You may only have cover for 14 days in a row or for a set number of days in the year for driving in other countries.
  • Country-specific exclusions – Your plan may not work in some places. There could be exclusions for certain countries.

You should also know about the green card system. This is an internationally accepted paper that shows you have at least the minimum insurance needed when you drive in another country. A green card is not needed for most places in the EU and EEA, but there are some destinations where you will need one.

Can I drive in any country with my car insurance
  • Albania
  • Belarus
  • Azerbaijan
  • Moldova
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • Tunisia
  • Morocco
  • Israel
  • Iran

If you need a green card, you can ask your insurer to give you one. There may be a small fee for paperwork. If you want the card sent by mail, ask for it at least six weeks before you go.

You may also need to get another insurance policy for caravans, trailers, or any other towed vehicles. Go to the UK government travel advice to see the latest updates and information for each country.

You may have to show your green card at border checks. You can also be asked to show it if there is a crash. A police officer might ask to see it during a normal stop while you drive in another country.

How do I know how much to insure my car for?

Getting a quote has never been so simple. At Free Price Compare, all you have to do is type in your vehicle registration. After that, we will give you car insurance quotes that fit you from many providers. You do not have to do any hard calculations.

You do not have to guess what your car is worth by yourself. Instead, you should focus on these things:

  • The level of cover you want, like comprehensive, third party, or something else.
  • Your chosen voluntary excess.
  • Any optional extras, such as breakdown cover or windscreen protection.

Your insurance premium will be based on many things. It can be about you or your car. Some of these things are:

  • Your age (for example, drivers who are 66–77 years old may pay about one-third of what people aged 18–20 pay)
  • Driving history and any no claims bonus you have
  • Your job or the kind of work you do
  • Where you live and how safe your parking for the car is
  • The type of car and which insurance group it is in
  • Policy type and the level of excess you chose
  • How much you drive in a year and why you use the car (such as for going to work or for business)

Did you know? If you think your car is worth more than it is, your payment won’t go up. It only makes your premium higher. Insurers use the market value when you make a claim, not the price you feel the car should get.

How can young drivers get cheaper car insurance?

Getting car insurance can be hard for a young driver. This is because people in this age group are seen as a higher risk by the companies. But, there are some ways you can lower the price of your car insurance and make it more affordable for you.

One good way for younger drivers to save money is to add someone who is an experienced driver as a named driver on your policy. Insurers often see this as a lower risk, which helps to bring down your costs. At Free Price Compare, we see that this trick can get younger drivers better rates most of the time.

Choose the right car

The vehicle you drive can affect your insurance costs a lot. Cars are placed in groups from 1 to 50 for insurance, and group 1 cars are the cheapest to insure. If you pick a car from a lower insurance group, you may get lower insurance costs. Before you buy the car, make sure to check which group it is in.

Avoid unnecessary modifications

Changing your car can make your insurance costs go up a lot. Sometimes, these changes can also make it tough to get cover at all. The upgrades such as alarms or immobilisers may help to bring your costs down. But you should check with your insurer to see if they accept them. Try not to add performance changes such as superchargers. These things often make your insurance costs higher. This is true, especially for young drivers.

Black box insurance

Black box insurance, which is also called telematics insurance, is when an insurer puts a device in your car to see how you drive. This box records things like your speed, how you brake, and how many miles you go. If you drive in a safe way, you might get lower prices from your insurer when it is time for renewal. It may not make your first policy cheaper, but it can help you save money later. This way of driving can be good for young people or someone who just got their licence.

Opt for a higher excess

Choosing a higher voluntary excess means you agree to pay more if you make a claim. This can help lower your insurance premium. But it is important to choose an amount you feel you can pay if something happens. You should pick a number that will not stop you from making a claim when you need to.

Adding an older driver

Adding an experienced driver, like a parent, to your policy may help lower what you pay. This is fine and legal if the main driver, which can be the older driver, actually drives the car. But you should know that if you list a parent as the main driver when the younger driver drives it most of the time, this is called fronting. It is not allowed and you can get in trouble for it.

Compare specialist insurance

It can be good to look at quotes from the insurers that focus on young driver cover. These plans are made for the needs and risks that young people have when they drive. You may get better prices, some flexible rules, and extra help when you choose these policies.

Keeping your vehicle safe and secure

Insurers may give you lower premiums if you keep your car safe. For example, if your car is in a locked garage or on a driveway, it is better. When you add approved security items like immobilisers and alarms, this can also help bring down the cost. These things can make your policy more affordable and give you a good deal.

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What is key protection and why might I consider it?

Key protection, also called car key cover, will help you pay for new car keys if you lose them or if someone takes them. This can also pay for a locksmith to come out, new keys, and even new locks. In some cases, you may also get a courtesy car while you wait for your new keys.

Modern car keys now use new technology. A key might have things like remote locking, a chip inside, or be a smart key. Because of this, it can cost a lot and take time to get a new key if you lose yours. Key protection can help with this. It means you do not have to worry about getting stuck or paying a lot of your own money if you lose your keys.

Some car insurance policies come with key cover included. But, some only offer it as an extra option you have to add. There are also separate key insurance plans you can buy if you want to. These may help if you lose the keys to your house or your business too.

Before you get key protection, make sure to read the policy details closely. For example:

  • Some providers will pay for if your keys get stolen, but not if you lose them.
  • Others can help with costs for fixing your immobiliser or the security system if you need a reset.
  • Certain policies may give you an emergency helpline or pay for other costs, like getting you somewhere or letting you stay overnight.

Be aware that some things are not included in most plans. Most plans do not cover the following things:

  • General wear and tear
  • Keys lost by someone else using your vehicle
  • Claims without a crime reference number (for theft)
  • Upgraded or aftermarket keys not approved by the vehicle manufacturer

Some insurers will let you claim for lost or stolen keys. This will not always affect your no claims bonus. But, this depends on who your insurance provider is.

The cost of key protection is usually low. This is true when you look at what you would have to pay to replace high-tech car keys. The price for this will depend on what kind of vehicle you have. It also depends on the type of key you use.

What do I need to know about legal protection and why might I add it to my car insurance?

Motor legal protection, or legal expenses cover, is something you can add to your car insurance policy. It helps pay for legal help if you have an accident. You do not have to get this extra cover by law. However, it can be very helpful if you ever want to make a claim or need to protect yourself after a crash. With the right car insurance, motor legal protection gives you more help when you need it most.

Legal protection can help you:

  • Get your excess back if the accident was not your fault.
  • Make a claim for personal injury to you or your passengers.
  • Get money for loss of earnings if you cannot work after an accident.
  • Pay for legal help in disputes about repairs, who is at fault, or who is to blame.
  • Cover legal costs if someone makes a claim against you.
know about legal protection and why might I add it to my car insurance

This kind of car insurance is often used when there is a good chance you can get your costs back from the other person in the accident. Most of the time, insurers will look to see if your case is strong before they pay for any legal steps.

It usually adds only a little to your premium, but you can get a big benefit from it. This is true if you have a hard or expensive claim. Here, what you get can be much more than what you pay for it.

It’s good to read the policy wording, because the coverage limits and exclusions can be different with each one. Some legal cover has a top limit on how much you can claim. This can be £50,000 or sometimes £100,000. Also, not every type of claim will be covered by it.

If you want to get car insurance at a good price and feel more at ease, you should think about adding legal protection. This is helpful, especially if you do not have easy access to a lawyer after an accident.

Do I need to print and carry my car insurance documents with me?

You do not have to keep printed car insurance papers in your car by law. Some people still like to keep a copy in their glovebox. They feel it makes things easy if they need to show their car insurance.

If the police stop you, they might ask for proof of insurance. You do not always have to show it right away. But if they ask for it, you must take your proof to a police station within seven days.

Keeping a printed copy of your insurance in the car can help you save time and trouble. But now, most insurance providers let you get your documents online. This makes it easy to show proof of insurance on your phone or other device when you need to.

In the end, no matter if you have a printed copy or a digital one, make sure that your insurance certificate is easy to get when someone asks for it. This will help you feel ready and save time if you need to show your insurance.

Does car insurance include vehicle recovery if I break down?

Car insurance does not often come with breakdown cover. But you can add it if you want. You just have to pay extra for it. If vehicle recovery will be in your cover depends on the level of breakdown cover you pick. It also depends on what is wrong with your car.

Some insurers might give you a discount when you get both car insurance and breakdown cover from them. But the basic version usually gives you only basic roadside help. If you want full vehicle recovery, make sure you choose a plan that has this before you finish buying it.

Breakdown cover can give you two main options. Personal breakdown cover is for a named person. It works in any car that they drive or travel in. Vehicle breakdown cover is different. It only works for the car you choose to insure.

To make sure that your car will be taken back if they can’t fix it at the roadside, you need to find a policy with national recovery. This means they will tow your car to any place in the UK. If you will be driving outside the UK, you should also look for European recovery.

You may also want to think about if your plan has home start or help for onward travel.

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If I have a car accident, what should I do at the scene?

Being in a car accident can be hard. It is good to stay calm at this time. There are some important steps you can take to keep yourself safe. These steps can also help you with your insurance claim.

Stop your vehicle and turn off the engine. Turn on your hazard lights, too. Look for injuries, and get help if you need it. Call emergency services at 999 if it is needed.

  • Someone got hurt
  • The road is blocked or may be broken
  • You think the crash was on purpose (for example, crash-for-cash)
  • The other driver looks drunk
  • The other driver leaves the place or does not have insurance

If the police do not come to the scene, you have to report the crash in 24 hours. You can do this online. You can also call 101 or go to a police station.

At the scene, you should give and get full information with any other drivers that are there. This will include:

  • Full name
  • Contact number
  • Vehicle registration
  • Address
  • Insurance company details
  • Vehicle owner’s information if different from the driver
If I have a car accident, what should I do at the scene

Also, try to get contact details of any witnesses.

Do not say you are at fault or say sorry when you are at the scene. The thing about who is at fault will be looked at later with all the facts.

Take detailed notes including:

  • The make, model, and registration of the other vehicle
  • The date and time when the crash happened
  • The road conditions, lighting, and weather at the time
  • The visible damage to the vehicle
  • Any injuries to drivers or passengers

Use your phone to take photos of all the cars that are there. Make sure to get pictures of how the cars are positioned. It is good to take some pictures of the whole area, too. This will help you and others see what has happened.

Get in touch with your insurer as soon as you can. If you are able, call them while you are still at the scene. If you can't, contact them at the first chance you get.

How many claims can I make in a year on my car insurance?

There is not a set number on how many claims you can make in a year on your car insurance policy. You can make as many claims as you want to, but there can be a cost. If you make several claims in a year, your future premiums will likely go up. Insurance providers use your claims history with your car insurance to look at risk. If you have a pattern of making many claims, they think you may claim again, so you pay more later.

If you do not know how many claims you have made, you can call or email your insurance provider. They will be able to tell you about your claims history. They will give you a simple recap of your past claims, including:

  • Types of claims made
  • Dates the claims were made
  • Amounts paid out

You can also look at the Claims and Underwriting Exchange, known as the CUE database. This is a national system that keeps details about all events reported to insurance companies. It includes things that did not lead to a claim. Claim details will stay on the CUE record for as long as six years.

To get this data, you can ask for it on the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) website. You do this by filling out an online form. This can help, but most of the time, you will get it quicker if you just go to your own insurer.

Car Insurance Frequently asked questions

You need to have at least third party insurance if you want to drive legally on UK public roads. This is the lowest level of cover you can get, and it is required by law. Third party insurance pays for damage you cause to other people or their things, but it does not pay for repair or replacement of your own vehicle.

If you have told the DVLA about your vehicle and made a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), you do not have to have insurance for it. But keep in mind, if it is not insured, the vehicle will not get any cover for damage or theft.

Most car insurance policies last for 12 months. But there are short-term car insurance options too. These can last from 24 hours to 21 days. Short-term car insurance is good if you borrow a car or share driving during a holiday.

Third party only policies are usually the cheapest option. But, they also offer the lowest levels of cover. These plans will not pay for any damage to your own car. So, you need to think if the third party cover is enough protection for what you want.

You must be properly insured to drive someone else’s car. This can mean getting added to their policy, or getting a temporary policy on your own. Some fully comprehensive policies might let you drive other cars with only third party coverage, but this is not always the case. Always read your policy wording to be sure. If you drive without the right cover, you could lose your insurance and get penalties.

Drivers under 25 are seen as a higher risk by insurance companies. This is because they get into more accidents than people who are older. The cost to get insurance is more for them. After someone turns 25 or builds up a claims bonus, the price usually goes down.

Yes, many insurance companies offer claims bonus protection. You can add this to your policy for a little extra money, usually about 10% more. With this, you can have up to two claims where you are at fault in three years and still keep your discount.

Driving a car without insurance is not allowed. If you do this, you could get a fine of £300. You may also get six penalty points on your license. Your car might be taken away or even destroyed. There are times when you could go to court and lose your right to drive.

Giving wrong or missing details, like not saying up front about penalty points, past claims, or health problems, can make the policy no longer good. If you do this, they might refuse your claim. In some cases, you could also face legal trouble.

A no claims bonus is a discount you get for every year that you do not make a claim. It tells the insurance company that you are less likely to have an accident. If you decide to change to a different provider, you may have to show proof of your claims bonus.

Your current insurer will often give you this information in your renewal notice. If you choose to switch, send your new insurer the NCB proof. It is best to do this within the first 14 days of your new policy.

It will depend on the insurer. Some UK insurers will take NCBs from Europe. But bonuses from outside Europe are often not accepted.

UK comprehensive policies often come with third party cover when you drive in EU countries. But, this cover is for a short time. It usually does not include damage or theft. You should always check what your policy covers before you travel. Also, look at the exclusions to know what is not covered.

Yes, you might be able to get laid-up cover for your car. This type of insurance covers a car that is not being driven. It can protect you if there is theft, fire, or some other accident while the car is off the road.

Insurers need to follow the Equality Act 2010. This means they can't ask you to pay more just because you have a medical condition unless it makes a claim more likely. You can also look at some specialist providers. Another way is to try the government’s Motability Scheme.

Yes, you can get insurance for a car even if it is in someone else's name. You need to let the insurance company know who owns the car. Also, you have to say what your connection is to that person when you fill out the form.

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Page last updated on: 01/07/2024

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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