​Private Car Insurance

Because we’ve got access to leading insurance companies, we can help you get exactly that. Your car is often the second most valuable thing you own, and driving opens you up to the risk of accident and injury. It is therefore essential to make sure you’re financially covered with an appropriate motor insurance policy if you need to repair your car, replace it if it is stolen, or incur liability to other people following an accident and claim on your car insurance.

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Suitable for

→ Private cars

→ Private cars used for business

→ Imported and modified cars

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Not Suitable for

→ Vehicles weighing over 3,500kg

→ Minibus, motorhome, horsebox, or limousine

 

What is Car Insurance

Car Insurance is a legal requirement. It gives you financial protection in the event of an accident. Some types also cover claims arising from injuries to other people.

Choose from comprehensive or third-party fire and theft insurance, or third-party only.

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Comprehensive cover

Sometimes called "fully comprehensive" or shortened to "fully comp."

Main features: It covers you, your car, your passengers, your property, and any third parties involved in an accident. It also protects your car against vandalism and theft.

Suitable for: Most drivers. Three-quarters of UK drivers choose comprehensive cover because it offers complete protection. Some comprehensive policies will allow you to drive other cars, but not all.

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Third-party, fire, and theft car insurance

Sometimes shortened to TPFT.

Main features: It covers third parties involved in an accident and also provides protection for your car against theft and damage caused by fire. However, it will not pay to cover the damage to your vehicle after an accident or act of vandalism.

Suitable for: Those looking for a cheaper policy, although fully comprehensive insurance can still sometimes cost less.​

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Third-party

Main features: This is the most basic level of car insurance and covers liability for injury to others and any damage to third-party property only. This level of cover is the minimum legal requirement for motorists in the UK.

Suitable for: Drivers who drive infrequently or those looking for the cheapest possible cover. Not all insurers offer this type of policy, and it is not always the cheapest.

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Insurance groups and price

The Group Rating Panel, made up of members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Lloyd's Market Association (LMA), assigns each car a car insurance group. There are 50 groups. Group 1 is the cheapest to insure, and Group 50 is the most expensive.

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Cars are assigned a group based on several factors, including:

• Repair costs and times

• The car's performance, e.g., acceleration and top speed

• Safety features

• New car value

• Car security

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Examples

• Group 1: Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback 1.0ltr

• Group 50: Range Rover Sport 5.0ltr V8

 

If you want to keep your insurance costs as low as possible, look for cars in the lower insurance groups. Parker's website lets you find out which group your car is in.

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​Insurance Optional extras

Many car insurance providers offer extra cover options, also called add-ons. These come at an additional cost to your main premium, but they could give you valuable protection if you use them.

 

Common add-ons include:

• Breakdown cover This will provide roadside assistance should your car break down. Have a look at the levels of breakdown we offer.

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• Legal cover This covers expenses if you have to take legal action after an accident. Here is more on how legal cover will protect you.

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• Key cover This will cover the replacement of your car keys if they are lost or stolen, which can cost over £200. It can also include the cost of locksmith charges and new locks. Your home insurance may have this included, so it's worth checking your home insurance policy documents.

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• Windscreen protection Protects against the cost of repairing or replacing your windscreen, rear, or side windows if they are chipped or broken.

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• Courtesy car Offers the use of an alternative vehicle when your car is stolen or off the road following an accident. Check each policy first, as some insurers will not provide a car if your vehicle is written off.

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• No claims bonus protection Depending on the insurer, this cover allows the policyholder to make a claim, usually once during the year insured, without the no claims discount being affected.