Car Insurance - Types of cover

Most private motorists take out fully comprehensive insurance cover. However, depending on your circumstances, it can make more sense to go for one of the cheaper levels of cover. Read Clever Zebra’s guide to insurance types to see which cover might suit your needs best.

Third Party

This is generally the cheapest cover available to motorists and is the minimum cover you require to legally drive your car in the UK.

Third Party will cover:

· Liability for injuries to other people, including passengers.
· Liability for damage to other people’s property.
· Liability of passengers for accidents caused by them.
· Liability arising from the use of caravans or trailers while attached to the car.

Third Party, Fire and Theft

As you would expect, Third Party Fire and Theft offers the same level of cover as Third Party insurance plus:

· Fire and Theft. Individual policies will vary so check your policy carefully to see what the excess is and if there are any exceptions or special conditions that apply to cars that are not kept in garages etc.

If you are selling your car, make sure you receive proper payment before parting with it. Third Party, Fire and Theft won’t cover your car if it is taken from you by deception.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance is the most popular level of cover chosen by UK motorists. The level of cover it offers is the same as Third Party, Fire and Theft plus:

· Accidental damage to your own car.
· Certain amounts are paid in the event of the death of the driver or specific permanent disablement of the policy holder. Sometimes this extends to the spouse or family of the policy holder.
· Any medical expenses incurred by an accident. There will usually be a limit to the amount that the insurance will cover – refer to your policy to find out what this is.
· Damage to or loss of personal belongings in your car. As with medical expenses there will be a limit to what this will cover. Refer to your policy to find the stated limit.

Please note that the above should only be treated as a guideline as cover can vary from one insurer to another.