Life is full of unexpected incidents and that's why you need insurance. You may resent paying it, but if you have a smash, you'll appreciate it.
On top of that, it's the law - and there's nothing worse than some chimp crashing into you with no cover.
But that doesn't mean you should just hand over the cash like some highway robber's victim. Use our guide to become a savvy insurance buyer and you could save cash and hassle.
Just use the navigation at the bottom of each page to flick between the pages.
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
Do shop around to get the best price and deal
Don't be afraid to go back to an insurer and ask them to beat a quote from another company. Remember, they want your business
Do be scrupulously honest - any porkies will come back to haunt you. If your car has been heavily modified and you tell the insurance company it's stock standard, they won't pay any claim and may even take you to court for lying to them
Don't make a claim on your insurance for that slight scratch on the alloy wheel. It's cheaper to pay for it be fixed yourself as any claim is likely to bump up your premium next time around
Do ask about compulsory and voluntary excesses. Most policies will have a compulsory excess (you pay a fixed amount before the insurance company pays the outstanding balance of any claim). A voluntary excess is where you agree to pay a greater amount of any pay-out in return for a smaller premium
Do look after your no-claims bonus (NCB). It will help reduce your premium as the longer you go without making a claim, the safer a driver you are to the insurer
Consider a protected no-claims bonus that allows you to keep the full benefit of the NCB even if you make one or more claims
If you intend to travel abroad, tell your insurer as soon as possible. Many policies include cover for foreign holidays, but check it's included or you may have to pay more
Women are considered safer drivers than men by most insurance companies and there are some insurers who only deal with women. A good option for the laydeez, but shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal
Find out about extras on the insurance policy. Most insurers offer extra legal cover, breakdown cover, personal injury cover and protected no-claims bonus, but these can all add to the cost of your premium. Haggle and ask for them to be included in the price
Don't be frightened to take your business elsewhere to get a better deal
You can reduce your insurance premium by making yourself more attractive to insurers. Tell them if your car is garaged, has an alarm or tracking device, visible security such as a steering wheel lock, or if you've been on an advanced driving course.
For the very best deal on your insurance, there's one final tip worth considering.
There are a number of smaller, specialist insurance brokers out there catering for drivers of less run-of-the-mill cars - or those who use their car infrequently.
See if any of these apply to you:
Drive a classic? Then classic insurance is cheaper
Ask for a limited mileage policy if you don't use the car often
Use a dedicated broker for modified cars
Kit cars cost peanuts to insure with a specialist company
Basically, if you drive something special, try a specialist broker...
