​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:
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Repair costs and times
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The car's performance, e.g., acceleration and top speed
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Safety features
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New car value
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Car security
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Examples
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Group 1: Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback 1.0ltr
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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:
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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.
Optional Extras
→ Breakdown Cover
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​Have a look at the levels of breakdown we offer
→ Motor Legal Expenses
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This covers expenses if you have to take legal action after an accident.
→ Courtesy Hire Vehicle
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​The use of an alternative vehicle when your car is stolen or off the road following an accident
Type of Cover
→ Third Party Only
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The minimum level of cover you’ll need to drive on UK roads
→ Third-Party Fire & Theft
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​This offers the same level of cover as third-party but also offers cover if your car is stolen, damaged, or destroyed by fire
→ Fully Comprehensive
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This includes cover for all of the above, but could also cover your motorhome if it’s damaged or destroyed by an event that’s your fault.​
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What are the rules for car insurance in the UK?
The law says that you must normally have at least third party motor insurance if you drive a vehicle. You must also have insurance if you leave it parked on the street, on your driveway or in your garage. The police can check on the spot if your vehicle is insured using the Motor Insurance Database.
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How does insurance work in the UK?
When you buy a policy you make regular payments, known as premiums, to the insurer. If you make a claim your insurer will pay out for the loss that is covered under the policy.
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How do car insurance claims work in the UK?
To make a claim, get a form from your insurer or write to the other driver or their insurer, giving details of the accident and the other driver's policy number. Tell your insurer about any independent witnesses and send them witness statements if you can.
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What happens if you don't have insurance in UK?
The police could give you a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 penalty points if you're caught driving a vehicle you're not insured to drive. If the case goes to court you could get: an unlimited fine. disqualified from driving.
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How to check if a car is insured or not in the UK?
Like the DVLA will, you can check your vehicle has a valid insurance policy on the MID. It's free. Simply enter your vehicle registration number on askMID.com. If you suspect that you have been involved in an induced or staged accident, you should contact your insurer.​
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Can non residents get car insurance in the UK?
Yes, you can certainly get car insurance as a non-UK resident, though you might have to jump through a couple of hurdles. It's important to note that anyone driving a car in the UK must have valid insurance, regardless of whether you're a resident, a temporary resident, or a visitor.​
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Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in the UK?
If you are the registered keeper of a vehicle you must make sure your car is insured or you must make a Statutory off Road Notification (SORN). This means that if your friend is using your vehicle then it can't have a SORN and would therefore have to be taxed and insured.
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Can I get car insurance in the UK with an EU licence?
Car insurance for non-UK residents with a foreign driving license is possible in the UK, although it is often more expensive given that insurers usually view international drivers as a higher risk.
Can you get car insurance without an address UK?
Often, yes. Whilst having a permanent address in the UK is typically a requirement for obtaining car insurance, there are alternatives available for those without one. It's all about finding the right insurer and understanding what information you'll need to provide.
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