Car Insurance FAQ

Q: Do I need car insurance?

A: Yes. It is a serious criminal offence for you to drive or to allow others to drive your car without insurance, this is classed as breaking the law and may cause you to serve some prison time especially if you or another person are involved in an accident.The UK Road Traffic Act legally binds all motorists to take out insurance to cover themselves for the liability against injuries to other drivers, passengers and including any damage caused to others properties. The minimal legal requirement in the UK is the Third Party insurance policy, this category insures against loss and injury toward others. (Please remember that driving without car insurance is against the law and may lead to imprisonment).

Q: What are the main types of car insurance?

A: The three main types of car/motor insurance are : Third Party Only (TPO) which protects the individuals against liability if they injure a third party or if damage is caused to a third party's property. It is very important to be aware that (TPO)Third part only does not cover the driver for damage, loss or theft to his/her car and property. Third Party Fire and Theft is Third Party coverage also offering additional coverage for the theft of your own vehicle as well as fire damage. Fully Comprehensive or (Fully Comp) coverage offers protection for accidental damage, fire and theft as well as liability towards third parties properties. Most importantly Fully Comprehensive insurance can pay for damage to the driver's vehicle and property no matter whose fault the accident was. Remember to always get quotes for comprehensive deals as well, even if you are considering Third Party options as the best likely outcome. Surprisingly, some insurers may offer a similar price for both third party and fully comp or even a cheaper fully comp offer.

Q: Which Policy Should I Choose?

A: The best way to choose which policy is best for you is to assess your budget, amount of miles you drive each year, distances you regularly travel, the value of your vehicle and then make a decision on what you need. Remember, the more the coverage you have the more you are likely to pay. Idealy a full comp policy is the best option as long as you can afford it. Third Party F&T offers coverage for injuries to other people, this includes passengers and damage to other people's property, injury to passengers and coverage in the event of fire or theft to your vehicle. Fully Comprehensive covers injuries caused to other people, including passengers, damage to other people's property. As well as coverage for accidental damage to your vehicle, medical expenses for your personal injury, loss of or damage to personal items in your car.

Q: Is Age An Important Factor?

A: If you are an older driver with a clean record you should find that fully comprehensive is more affordable as the years goes by. For younger drivers with an expensive first car you may find fully comp makes more sense then having an inexpensive first car as you will find the high cost of comprehensive motor insurance is prohibitive and does not make a lot of sense. If you wish to safeguard the value of your expensive car. Many companies will offer a special deal on young drivers car insurance.

Q: What's A No Claims Bonus?

A: The No Claims Bonus or No Claims Discount is the traditional way of keeping car insurance premiums low. A history of zero claims demonstrates proof to your insurer that you are at a lower risk. So they are happy to reduce the cost of your policy. Discounts may vary depending upon the number of years you have had the No Claims but it could be very significant in some cases insurers will offer over 60 per cent discounts! Some also offer small claims protection coverage; meaning for a small fee you can protect your No Claims Bonus. This allows a limited number of claims to go through before any discount is affected.