Introduction to Car Insurance UK - One of the three types of car insurance uk that are compulsory in the United Kingdom, Motor cover always produces fierce debate amongst individuals as to why the prices seems to vary so greatly. Seldom do two peoples car cover costs work out to be the same.  Please refer to our section on Money Saving tips and you will see the number of questions requiring an answer to accurately rate motor cover.   There are a large number of product providers and at the present moment a “ soft market” exists. Many insurers are competing for business and this is having the effect of driving down the costs. It really does pay to shop around for the best deal.

This type of cover can cause more problems than any other type of car insurance uk contract. It is fairly complex with a large number of rating factors that have to be taken in to consideration .Everyone wants a cheaper policy, but remember, cover will only be provided under the policy if all the conditions have been met etc.  So bear in mind, the implications of having an incorrectly insured car are severe, you must make sure that you provide the insurer with all of the facts. We list on our site the rating factors they will affect motor insurance. Remember, never try to obtain cheaper motor cover but covering up the facts , in the long run, it is simply not worth it.  It is best to try to obtain quotes from as many car cover companies as possible and before making your decision, compare the covers on offer.

Types of Car Insurance UK

There are three basic types of motor insurance available in the United Kingdom and only Third Party is required by law to satisfy the Road Traffic Act.

• Third Party ( Sometimes referred to as Road Traffic Act Cover).

• Third Party Fire & Theft

• Comprehensive

When requesting quotations for motor cover, remember to request covers that suit your needs, bear in mind the following;

Additional Drivers - Are you likely to require any additional drivers throughout the term of your policy, sometimes if you request that a son or daughter be added to your policy, the request may be declined or may be met with a large additional premium. Under no circumstance request an Any Licence Driver policy then let a son or daughter or other young person use the vehicle without informing the policy company, if there is a claim it is highly unlikely that your claim will be met.

Protected No Claims Bonus - Before you purchase your policy consider what the cost would be if you lost your no claims bonus. It may be advisable to request a quotation for Protected bonus so as if you are unlucky enough to have an accident, then your no claims bonus will be preserved.

Green Card Cover - If you have a home abroad or intend to Travel abroad with the vehicle always ask what your insurers attitude is to Green Cards. Some insurers now will provide a pan European wording where by you don’t need to extend your policy every time you travel abroad. Some companies will provide a Free Green Card for a certain periods of time. If you do need to travel abroad with your vehicle make sure your insurers can provide the cover you require before your accept the policy.

Driving other Cars - This cover can be quite useful if you need to drive someone else’s motocar in an emergency or have access to other cars that your need to drive on an infrequent basis. It only provides Third Party cover even if your own policy is Fully Comprehensive. It is usually given to drivers over 25 with good records and not involved in any type of driving occupation. This type of cover is not usually given to Professional Drivers etc. Similarly, if you have a poor conviction record, the cover is usually withdrawn.

Courtesy Vehicle - Check to see if your policy will provide you with a courtesy car following an accident. This is very important if you need your car for business or to drive to work or live in an isolated area. Some times a courtesy car can be obtained from a Legal Expenses insurer claiming from a Third Party on your behalf. However, they will be unable to source a car for you if your own vehicle is deemed to be a write off.  It is not normal practice for insurers to provide courtesy cars following a Theft claim.

Policy Excess - always check the TOTAL policy excess that is stated in your policy wording., If you have accepted an excess to reduce your premium bear in mind that this will be on top of any compulsory excess applicable. Make sure that you can afford to pay the excess if you are unlucky enough to have an accident.