Car insurance is a necessity for every motorist in the UK. But do you know exactly what does car insurance cover in the UK?
Understanding car insurance
Car insurance, also known as motor insurance, is a form of financial protection against damages from road accidents, theft, and other unforeseen incidents.
It is a contract between you and your insurer, where the insurer agrees to cover the costs related to these incidents in exchange for a premium.
The legal requirement of car insurance
In the UK, it is a legal requirement for all motorised vehicles using public roads to have at least third-party insurance. This is the minimum level of cover that protects you against the costs arising from injuries to others or damage to their property.
Calculating the car insurance cost
The cost of car insurance is calculated based on numerous factors, including your age, occupation, driving history, location, and the type of vehicle you drive.
Insurers typically assess the risk associated with these factors to determine the premium you need to pay. Higher risk factors usually result in higher premiums.
Different types of car insurance
There are three primary types of car insurance available in the UK:
Third-party insurance
This is the minimum cover level required by law. It covers the cost of any damage or injury you cause to others but third-party cover does not provide cover for any damage to your own vehicle.
Third-party, fire, and theft
This type of insurance covers everything included in third-party insurance, plus damage to your car from fire or theft.
Comprehensive car insurance
Comprehensive insurance provides the highest level of cover. Comprehensive cover includes everything covered by third-party, fire, and theft insurance, plus any damage to your own car, accidental damage, and medical expenses.
Does fully comprehensive insurance mean I can drive any car?
Not necessarily. While fully comprehensive insurance is the highest level of car insurance cover that protects against any damage to your vehicle and others, whether you’re at fault or not, it doesn’t automatically grant the policyholder the freedom to drive any car.
The ability to drive other cars under your policy is a feature that may or may not be included in your comprehensive cover and varies from insurer to insurer. It’s crucial to read the details of your policy documents or consult with your car insurance provider to understand what your cover includes.
What information is required for car insurance?
When applying for car insurance, you are required to provide certain personal and vehicle-related information. This includes:
- Personal details that include your age, occupation and address
- Details of any previous insurance claims or driving convictions
- Details about your vehicle: Including its registration number, age, make and model, and estimated annual mileage
No claims bonus
A No Claims Bonus (NCB) is a claims discount on your car insurance premium that you earn for each year you don’t make a claim. The more years you drive without making a claim, the larger the discount on your premium.
Understanding car insurance excess
Excess in car insurance refers to the amount you have to pay towards a claim before your insurer covers the rest. It is typically divided into compulsory excess, which is set by your insurer, and voluntary excess, which you can set yourself.
Duration of a car insurance policy
A standard car insurance policy in the UK lasts for 12 months. You can choose to pay the premium in a lump sum at the beginning of the policy term or spread it out over monthly instalments.
Specialist car insurance
Specialist car insurance covers situations that normal car insurance policies do not. This includes insurance for classic cars, imported cars, modified cars, and performance cars. Specialist insurers are often able to provide cover that mainstream insurers cannot.
Final thoughts
Understanding what does car insurance cover in the UK can help you make an informed decision about the type of cover that best suits your needs. Remember, while cost is an important factor, the most crucial aspect is ensuring you have the right level of car insurance cover for your personal circumstances.
Remember, car insurance is not just a minimum legal requirement – it’s a crucial financial safety net that protects you from potentially significant costs. So, take the time to thoroughly understand your policy, and ensure it provides the car insurance cover you need. Get a quote to discover your car insurance policy now with Budget Insurance.