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Compare Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Edinburgh

When you need car insurance, it pays to use Free Price Compare. As a leading price comparison site, we can save our customers hundreds of pounds by seeking out the best possible car insurance deals on the market.

Car insurance can be expensive if you simply pay your renewal premium. Car insurers take advantage by charging more for premiums because they know many customers will simply accept their prices. But to get cheaper car insurance, if you allow some time to hunt around the market beforehand, you'll usually find that you can save money elsewhere.

This is where Free Price Compare makes it easy. No one has time to carry out dozens of individual searches online. We've all got more interesting things to do! But at Free Price Compare, you only need to provide your basic details once. You can even carry out a car insurance search online via our price comparison website if you don't already own the vehicle you're interested in insuring.

Simply enter the details of the car to be covered, plus basic details about the Edinburgh location at which it will be kept overnight and whether you use it for work, social, commuting or a mix. You'll also be asked for information on your no claims bonus if you have built this up previously.

Compare Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Edinburgh

Simply add your answers into the page, and let our technology do the hard work for you. Our high-tech systems and software will instantly scan the market and check hundreds of car insurance providers to find the best prices and products for your needs.

In just a few seconds you will see a list of car insurance premiums and providers, listed simply so you can see which one is cheapest and what types of features the policies include. You can also see what effect it will have on the price if you add optional extras such as key cover, legal expenses and courtesy car cover, so you can create a tailored policy that really works for you. Don't forget to consider comprehensive car insurance, which provides the highest level of coverage and protects against damage to your own vehicle, even if you're at fault for the accident.

Take a few moments to pick your perfect policy and then simply click through to complete the application. You can then buy your policy in just a few steps on the provider's own website, at the price you saw. You can choose to start your policy immediately or on a date that suits you. Drivers in Edinburgh can find the best deals on UK car insurance by comparing quotes from over 110 + panel of insurers. Whether you're looking for comprehensive cover, third-party policies, or specialised options like black box insurance, comparing quotes is the key to finding affordable car insurance in Edinburgh.

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Car Insurance in Edinburgh: The Essentials

Before exploring the different types of car insurance available in Edinburgh, it's essential to understand the legal requirements and other key facts:

  • Legal requirement: All drivers in Edinburgh must have at least third-party car insurance. Driving without insurance is a serious offence that can lead to fines, penalty points, and even disqualification.
  • Average cost: According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average car insurance premium in Scotland was £421 in 2023. However, prices can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances.
  • Factors affecting premiums: Your age, driving experience, vehicle make and model, postcode, and level of cover are just some of the factors that can impact your car insurance premiums in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Road Accident Statistics

Edinburgh's road network and traffic conditions contribute to a significant number of accidents each year. Consider the following statistics:

Accident Severity Number of Accidents Number of Casualties
Fatal 6 7
Serious 165 189
Slight 1,357 1,815
Total 1,528 2,011

Source: Edinburgh City Council (2023)

Car Insurance Claims in Edinburgh

Car Insurance Claims in Edinburgh

According to the Department for Transport, Edinburgh had the following car insurance claims statistics in 2023:

Car Insurance Claims in Edinburgh (2023)
Number of Claims 7,962
Average Claim Amount £2,894
Total Claim Value £23,036,028

These figures emphasise the importance of having the right car insurance cover to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident or claim.

Types of Car Insurance Available in Edinburgh

When comparing car insurance quotes in Edinburgh, you'll typically choose between three main types of cover:

  1. Comprehensive insurance: This is the highest level of cover, protecting you against damage to your own car as well as third-party claims for injury or property damage. Comprehensive policies often include additional benefits like courtesy cars and windscreen cover.
  2. Third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT) insurance: TPFT cover includes protection against third-party claims, as well as theft of your vehicle and fire damage. However, it does not cover damage to your own car in an accident where you're at fault.
  3. Third-party insurance: This is the minimum level of cover(most basic level of cover) required by law in Edinburgh. It only covers claims made by other people for injury or damage to their property caused by your vehicle. Third party insurance does not provide any cover for damage to your own car.

While third-party insurance may appear to be the cheapest option, it's crucial to consider the potential financial consequences of not having adequate cover in the event of an accident.

Specialised Car Insurance Options in Edinburgh

In addition to the standard types of cover, there are several specialised car insurance options available in Edinburgh:

  • Black box insurance: Also known as telematics insurance and learner driver insurance, this type of policy involves installing a small device in your car to monitor your driving habits. Premiums are then adjusted based on your driving behaviour, which can be particularly beneficial for young or inexperienced drivers.
  • Multi-car insurance: If you have more than one car in your household, a multi-car insurance policy can often be more cost-effective than insuring each vehicle separately.
  • Short-term car insurance: For those who only need car insurance for a short period, such as a few days or weeks, short-term policies can provide flexible cover without the commitment of an annual policy.
  • Classic car insurance: Owners of classic or vintage vehicles in Edinburgh may benefit from specialised classic car insurance, which often includes agreed valuation and limited mileage restrictions.
  • Student car insurance: With several universities and colleges in Edinburgh, student car insurance policies cater to the specific needs of students, such as temporary cover during term times or cover for multiple drivers.

How to Get Best Car Insurance in Edinburgh?

While car insurance premiums in Edinburgh can be higher than the national average, there are several ways to help reduce your costs:

  1. Compare quotes from multiple providers: Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurers is one of the most effective ways to find cheap car insurance in Edinburgh.
  2. Choose a car with a low insurance group rating: Cars with smaller engines, lower value, and better safety features are generally cheaper to insure, i.e. type of car will affect cost of your car insurance.
  3. Increase your voluntary excess: By agreeing to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim, you can often lower your annual premiums. Just make sure you choose an affordable excess amount.
  4. Build your no claims discount: Each year of claim-free driving can earn you a significant discount on your car insurance premiums. In Edinburgh, drivers with 5 years or more of no claims can save up to 65% on their premiums.
  5. Consider black box insurance: As mentioned earlier, telematics policies can offer reduced premiums for safe driving, especially for young or inexperienced drivers. In Edinburgh, black box insurance can save drivers up to 25% on their premiums.
  6. Pay annually: If you can afford to pay your car insurance premiums in one lump sum, you can often save money compared to paying in monthly instalments. In Edinburgh, paying annually can save drivers up to 10% on their premiums.
  7. Limit your annual mileage: Lower annual mileage can result in lower premiums, as it reduces your risk of being involved in an accident. Edinburgh drivers who travel less than 7,000 miles per year can save up to 10% on their car insurance.
  8. Improve your car's security: Installing approved alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices can help lower your insurance costs. In Edinburgh, cars with approved security devices can qualify for discounts of up to 5% on their premiums.
  9. Consider adding an experienced named driver: Adding an older, more experienced driver to your policy can sometimes lower your premiums, as it's seen as a way to reduce the overall risk associated with the policy.

Optional Extras for Edinburgh Car Insurance

When comparing car insurance quotes in Edinburgh, you may come across range of optional extras that can be added to your policy for enhanced protection. Some common examples include:

  • Breakdown cover: Provides assistance if your car breaks down, including roadside assistance and repairs or towing services. In Edinburgh, adding breakdown cover to your car insurance policy can cost around £50 to £150 per year.
  • European Breakdown cover: Extends your breakdown cover to include assistance when driving in Europe, ensuring you are protected even when travelling abroad. This can be especially beneficial for Edinburgh drivers planning road trips across the continent.
  • Legal expenses cover: Covers legal costs associated with pursuing or defending claims related to a car accident. In Edinburgh, legal expenses cover typically costs between £20 and £50 per year.
  • Personal accident cover: Offers compensation if you or your passengers are injured or killed in a car accident. Personal accidental damage cover in Edinburgh can cost around £30 to £100 per year.
  • Courtesy car cover: Ensures you have access to a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired following a claim. In Edinburgh, courtesy car cover can add around £20 to £50 to your annual car insurance premium.
  • No claims discount protection: Allows you to maintain your no claims discount even if you make a claim on your policy. Protecting your no claims discount in Edinburgh typically costs an additional 5% to 10% of your base premium.
  • Windscreen cover: Provides cover for the cost of repairing or replacing your car's windscreen if it's damaged. Windscreen cover in Edinburgh can cost around £30 to £50 per year.
  • Key replacement cover: Covers replacement costs in case you lose or damage your car keys, providing coverage for the cost of replacing or repairing them. In Edinburgh, key replacement cover is a convenient add-on that can typically range from £15 to £30 per year. This additional feature ensures peace of mind for drivers in case of unexpected key issues while on the road or at home.

While these optional extras can provide added peace of mind, they will also increase your premiums, so consider which ones are most important to you and balance them against the additional cost.

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Edinburgh

If you're involved in a car accident in Edinburgh, it's crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure your safety and protect your interests:

  1. Stop your vehicle and check for injuries: If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately.
  2. Exchange insurance details with the other driver(s): Take not of important information such as their name, contact information, vehicle registration, insurance provider and policy information details.
  3. Document the accident: Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved and the accident scene, if it's safe to do so.
  4. Notify your insurer: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident and initiate the claims process.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Edinburgh

Remember, if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). In Edinburgh, the MIB received 753 claims related to uninsured drivers in 2023.

Edinburgh Car Insurance FAQs

Yes, all drivers in Edinburgh are legally required to have at least third-party car insurance.

According to the ABI, the average car insurance premium in Scotland was £421 in 2023. However, prices can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances.

Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the most affordable car insurance policy that meets your needs.

Stop your vehicle, check for injuries, call emergency services if needed, exchange insurance details with the other driver(s), document the accident, and notify your insurer as soon as possible.

Choose a car with a low insurance group rating, increase your voluntary excess, build your no claims discount, consider black box insurance, pay annually, limit your mileage, improve your car's security features, and consider adding an experienced named driver to your policy.

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