Our Comprehensive car insurance is highly rated and covers you for a wide range of eventualities, but even if you’re an experienced driver, it’s worth refreshing your memory so that you know exactly what is covered and what is not. The more you know about your car insurance, the more you make it work for you, and avoid making assumptions that could have dire consequences.
So, to begin: Comprehensive insurance (or 'fully comp', as it’s also known) covers you for damage you cause to someone else’s car or their property. It also covers you for damage caused to your vehicle, including and not limited to:
While there are many more add-ons you can have for added peace of mind, essentially, for most drivers comprehensive insurance is the most complete way to insure a car.
Contrary to what many people believe, a fully comprehensive insurance policy does not cover you to drive another person’s car. The general rule is that if you drive someone else’s car regularly, then you should be named on their policy.
Some policies offer limited cover to drive other cars in an emergency situation. For example, if a friend had an accident and they were unable to drive and you wanted to drive them to hospital - you might be allowed, if they give you permission and you meet certain criteria. However, if you have an accident en route, the level of cover is generally third party only.
Clearly, there’s a lot to consider. So, it's best to check your policy document, schedule or certificate to be sure of your cover.
Not necessarily, that depends on your personal circumstances, the level of cover you need, the type of car you drive, plus your average mileage and usage. Third party, fire and theft might initially offer savings in the short term; however, it could also work out more expensive in the long term.
In the event of an accident, assess whether you’re happy to be without a car for an extended period of time or whether you can afford to pay for another vehicle. If that isn’t the case, a fully comp policy could save you a great deal of hassle and money.
| Third party, fire and theft car insurance | Comprehensive car insurance | |
| If your car is stolen it gets replaced | Included | Included |
| Your car suffers fire damage it’s covered | Included | Included |
| Your phone or in-car entertainment system is damaged or stolen | Included | Included |
| Damage to a third person and/or their property | Included | Included |
| Wrong fuel cover | x | Included |
| Windscreen or windows repairs | x | Included |
| Natural disasters such as flooding | x | Included |
| Covers if an accident is your fault | x | Included |
| Covers if an accident is not your fault | x | Included |
| Covers if you can’t prove whose fault it is | x | Included |
Comprehensive cover is all about providing a wide range of cover, ensuring that in most situations, you are covered from having to pay the full expense in the event of an accident.
Third party, fire and theft car insurance may appear cheaper in the short term, but you may have to pay for repairs or even replace your car should it be written off. As such, third party, fire and theft may not work out cheaper in the long run.
So, if you’re using your vehicle daily for essential journeys including commuting, or to ferry your family from A-B on a regular basis, then taking out comprehensive insurance will give you the added peace of mind you need.
When it comes to insurance, you’re in the driving seat. The more you know, the further your money will go
The factors that determine how much you pay for car insurance include but are not limited to…
Does comprehensive car insurance cover other drivers?
If you have other people that drive your car regularly they should be added as a named driver on the policy.
Am I insured for driving other cars with fully comp cover?
Some policies offer limited cover to drive other cars in an emergency situation. However, if you drive someone elses car regularly then you should be named on their policy.
Is comprehensive car insurance compulsory?
No, the minimum cover required by law is Third Party. There are different levels of cover to insure your car for personal use. These also include Third Party, Fire and Theft.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover theft?
Your car is covered if it is stolen. It is also covered if it suffers damage during theft. The items you keep in your car are also covered including bags, mobiles, sat navs, etc, up to a monetary limit.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover personal injury?
Our comprehensive cover includes personal accident cover of up to £5,000 should you be involved in a life-changing incident. Personal injury for third parties is also included.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover windscreen replacement?
Yes, our comprehensive car insurance does cover you for damage to your windscreen, but we can’t speak for every insurer. Subject to an excess.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover breakdowns?
Although we will never leave you stranded following an accident, we offer breakdown cover as an optional extra - provided by the RAC. Together we’ll provide the assistance you need.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover vandalism?
Yes, our comprehensive car cover covers you for vandalism. Actually, with our MORE THAN vandalism promise, if you make a vandalism claim then it won’t impact your No Claim Bonus if you can provide us with a police incident number. Should your car suffer damage during theft, you’re also covered and personal belongings that are taken are covered too, up to a monetary limit.
A helpful guide explaining car insurance groups.
Check out our handy list of things to do if you’ve been involved in a car accident .
Understand some of the most common car scams and avoid becoming a victim.
Check out our handy guide to help you know if you can drive someone else's car on your insurance.
