Is comprehensive or third-party car insurance cheaper?

What does comprehensive car insurance cover?

Comprehensive car insurance covers everything that's included in third-party only and third-party fire and theft. It's the most extensive form of cover you can buy.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own car, whether that's accidental or otherwise, even if the accident is your fault.

There are also some common optional extras that can be added on to your policy. These may include:

• Windscreen cover: Repairs for chips, cracks or full replacement.
• Courtesy car cover: Provides you with a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired by an approved garage after an accident.
• Personal accident cover: This provides a set level of compensation if you or your passengers are seriously injured or killed while in your car.

What factors affect the cost of my car insurance?

There are a number of variables that determine how expensive your car insurance is, regardless of policy type. These include:

• The car: Its insurance group, value, and whether the vehicle has any modifications.
• The driver: Their age, experience, occupation, claims history, as well as any penalty points.
• Usage: Annual mileage and where it's parked overnight.

These factors are used to calculate how much risk you pose to insurers. For example, if you're someone with an extensive claims history, this indicates you're more of a risk.

Our comparison tool can help you find the cheapest quote that's right for you. 

Should I get comprehensive or third-party car insurance?

This depends on your own needs, risk profile, and vehicle value. Let's take a closer look:

• Comprehensive: This is the most extensive insurance you can buy and is recommended for most drivers. It's especially worthwhile for newer or more valuable cars or if you couldn't afford to replace your own car after an accident. Comprehensive cover offers peace of mind, leaving you safe in the knowledge that you're covered for a variety of incidents.
• Third-party only/third-party fire and theft: This type of cover may only be worthwhile for very old, low-value cars where the vehicle's market value is less than the cost savings, or a high excess on a comprehensive policy.

It's important to consider the cost vs. coverage trade-off when comparing insurance, rather than just focusing on the price of the premium. 

If you're still unsure which level of insurance is right for you, our checklist can help:

• Can you afford to replace your car?
• Do you do low mileage or high?
• Do you have a history of car insurance claims?

If the answer to these questions is no, it's likely more cost-effective to buy a comprehensive car insurance policy. Having the highest level of cover in place can give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered against a variety of circumstances.