Guide to UK Car Insurance

by: Christian Wilson

Getting insured for your car is like a spaghetti junction - which way’s home?

Make the right turn - compare quotes!

There are tons of car insurance policies to suit your pocket. As a tip, its worth bearing in mind that shopping online for car insurance can save you thousands of pounds compared with obtaining quotes from call centres. Simply key in your details!

Guide to Compulsory Excess and Voluntary Excess

Its bad news if you’ve had a road crash and even worse luck if you’re required to pay Excess or Total Excess Insurance.

You’ll find that Excess and Total Excess Insurance consists of two parts.

Compulsory Excess

This is the amount the insurer expects the policy holder to pay.

Voluntary excess

This is the amount the policy holder volunteers to pay.

In principle, its possible to set your voluntary excess to £0, however, as a hint, your premium will be less expensive if you choose a higher voluntary excess.

In the UK, there are three main types of insurance to choose from: Fire and Theft, Third Party Fire and Theft and Fully Comprehensive.

Third-party car insurance

Third-party car insurance is the cheapest form of car insurance and will only provide ‘basic cover’ to remain legal.

If you’re involved in an accident or cause an injury, this insurance will only pay for claims made against you, costs for repairing or replacement of the other person's car.

Disadvantages

You won’t be covered for damage to your car or a replacement car if you car gets stolen..

Third-party, fire and theft car insurance

Third-party cover, fire and theft car insurance will protect you in the event that you’re involved in an accident, cause an injury or cause damage to the claimant’s car. This insurance will also pay for fire damage and costs related to your car if its been stolen.

Disadvantages

You won’t be covered for damage to your car caused by an accident.

Fully-comprehensive car insurance?

Fully-comprehensive car insurance includes the widest cover to protect you and your car if you’re involved in an accident or your car’s stolen. Advantages of fully-comprehensive insurance include cover for cost of repair or replacements if your car’s involved in an accident whether or not you’re at fault.

Fully-comprehensive car insurance - Additional benefits

Additional benefits include medical expenses and personal belongings.

Car Insurance – Your Guide to Save Money!

Whether you own the latest luxury limo or third party banger, it pays to get the best deal by pre-planning, reading the smallprint and shopping around for the best deal.

As a general rule of thumb;

A car alarm or fitted security device could entitle you to a discount

Check terms. Read the small print for add-ons before purchase. Do you

really need that courtesy car?

Add your spouse - you may be entitled to a discount

Off-road parking entitles you to a discount - look for a garage

For a reduced premium, downsize to an older car

Deborah Harris