Navigating the world of car insurance can be akin to trying to find your way around an unfamiliar city in thick fog – confusing and a tad overwhelming.
With the sheer variety of cover options available in the UK, you might feel tempted to pick any random option and hope for the best. However, it’s crucial to understand what you’re buying into, ensuring that it truly aligns with your needs. Whether you’re buying temporary car insurance or an annual policy, let’s unravel the layers of UK car insurance cover levels to help you make a sound choice.
Fully Comprehensive cover
The crème de la crème of car insurance, fully comprehensive cover offers the widest level of protection among the types available. If you’re buying an annual car or van insurance policy, more often than not these types of policy will be referred to simply as “Comprehensive”.
What does fully comprehensive car insurance cover?
- Damage to your own car and personal injuries
- Third-party damages, injuries and claims
- Fire damage and theft
Why choose fully comprehensive car insurance?
Given the holistic protection it provides, many assume it would be the priciest. But often, it can be cheaper than the lesser covers, mainly because insurers view those opting for this cover as more risk-averse and hence, less likely to make a claim.
One key difference between Fully Comprehensive and Comprehensive is “standalone windscreen and glass” cover – which we come to in just a moment.
Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT)
This is the middle child of car insurance – offering more than basic protection, but not as comprehensive as the first.
What does Third Party, Fire and Theft car insurance cover?
- Damage to third parties (this includes injuries, death, and property damage)
- Fire-related damages to your car
- Theft of your car
Why choose Third Party, Fire & Theft car insurance?
TPFT is suitable for those who might find fully comprehensive cover an overkill, yet want more than just the basics. However, remember that it won’t cover any damage to your own vehicle in an accident that was your fault, or acts such as vandalism.
Third-party only (TPO)
This is the most basic level of insurance cover required by UK law.
What does Third Party only car insurance cover?
- Injuries to other people, both inside and outside the car
- Damage to other people’s vehicles and property
Why choose Third Party only car insurance cover?
While TPO might seem the most pocket-friendly option, it leaves you vulnerable to hefty expenses if your own car gets damaged. This level of cover is designed for lower value cars or those with minimal market value.
Why is choosing the right cover essential?
Understanding your needs: The car you drive, how often you drive, where you park, and many other factors determine the best insurance cover for you. For instance, if you’ve just invested in a brand new luxury vehicle, saving money by choosing TPO might not be the wisest choice – but it is your choice.
Legal implications: Driving without at least TPO insurance in the UK can lead to severe consequences, including fines, driving bans, or even prison time.
Financial protection: No one fancies unexpected financial burdens. A proper insurance cover acts as a safety net, ensuring you aren’t left in a lurch facing massive repair bills or compensation payouts.
Peace of mind: There’s an intangible benefit to having the right cover – peace of mind. Knowing you’re aptly covered allows you to drive with confidence and security.
Did we mention Comprehensive cover?
Before you head off, there’s just one more level to introduce you to, and that’s Comprehensive cover. But “hey”, you say, “we already covered that.” Not so fast. Some temporary car insurance policies offer Comprehensive cover. “What’s the difference between fully comprehensive car insurance and comprehensive car insurance you ask?” Great question.
A temporary car or van insurance policy like the one from Zixty (and a few others that we won’t name) don’t include standalone windscreen and glass cover. So, in the event that the vehicle is involved in an accident, and the windscreen and/ or windows are damaged in conjunction with other vehicle damage, the glass is covered. But in the event that the windscreen or glass of a vehicle is damaged, but this damage is not the result of an accident, the windscreen and windows aren’t covered. An example might be someone throwing a brick through the windscreen. We don’t hide behind small-print here.
In conclusion
Car insurance isn’t just another box to tick off your adulting checklist. It’s a pivotal decision that can either save you from unforeseen hassles or plunge you into them. While external sources, such as comparison websites, can guide you, remember the onus of ensuring the cover meets your needs squarely rests on your shoulders. So, review your options, evaluate your circumstances, and drive into the sunset (or the bustling streets of Cardiff), knowing you’ve made an informed choice about car insurance cover levels in the UK.
The level of cover that you choose is just one way to manage the cost of your car insurance. In other articles we look at the role of car insurance groups, and how car insurance excesses impact on the price you pay. And finally we’ve rolled all of our tips for saving money on car insurance into one uber article.
Stay safe.
