Buyer's Guides

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Insurance

Types of cover

Printable Version
There are three main types of motor insurance, ranging from fully comprehensive cover to the legal-minimum third party.

Here's how they break down:

Comprehensive

  • Covers almost every eventuality
  • Is the most expensive cover to buy
  • There can some exceptions with cover, so check the small print
  • Some stipulate a car must be garaged overnight
  • Some may specify an alarm
  • Ignore any stipulations and your cover may be void
    • Third party, fire and theft (TPFT)

  • Is cheaper than comprehensive cover
  • Covers third party costs after an accident
  • Covers theft loss or damage
  • Covers fire damage
  • Does NOT cover repairs to your car if the accident is your fault
  • May require a higher compulsory excess (the amount you have to pay towards any claim)


    • Third party

  • The most basic form of insurance
  • The legal minimum requirement in the UK
  • Covers third party repairs only
  • Does NOT cover repairs to your car if the accident is your fault
  • May be better to consider paying more for fire and theft cover
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