Over 110 car insurance providers
Written by Michael Foote, Insurance and Finance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 13 years experience working in the finance, insurance and currency sectors. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city for a number of firms including HSBC.
For those in the market for car insurance the price is the first thing that people consider but when faced with the list of insurance covers available, people start to realise that there may be more things than the price tag that they have to get their head around.
The various types of car insurance cover are there to help people find the perfect cover for them. This includes protection for the vehicle itself, as well as protection for drivers, passengers as well as other drivers, their vehicles and property.
For UK drivers there are three main car insurance options. These vary between insurance providers and between policies but the main coverage is the same:
Third Party Insurance
This is the minimal amount of cover available to drivers and is the most limited requirement in order to get behind the wheel of a car and take it out on to UK roads. Third party insurance policies covers damage to someone else’s car or property as well as any injury you may cause to passengers in your own and other vehicles. What isn’t covered in a third party insurance policy is you and your own vehicle.
Whilst cover is limited in a third party policy, this doesn’t reflect noticeable savings in the amount you will have to pay. In fact, third party only car insurance can often be one of the most expensive forms of insurance on the market over time
Third party, fire and theft
Everything that is covered in this policy is in the name: everything that is covered in third party only insurance is there, plus the added addition of fire damage and theft that isn’t included in third party cover. This type of additional cover is great for those who want more protection than the bare minimum.
Even though additional cover is added, the cover still won’t protect you or your vehicle if anything other than fire or theft occurs. This includes any damage caused by attempted theft, so it is important that you consider your options carefully, especially if you live in area that has a high crime rate.
Fully comprehensive
This cover is the highest level of cover available and covers pretty much all aspects of you and your vehicle as well as others in the event of any damage. Cover usually includes:
- Damage to other car’s and property
- Injury to yourself, your passengers and others
- Fire damage
- Theft
- Chipping/Scratches
- Malicious damage and vandalism
- Accidental damage to your own car
Although this is the most comprehensive cover, there are a few things that may only be included if you discuss it with your car insurance provider, such as courtesy car cover, windscreen cover and personal belongings.