Car Insurance.

There are three main types of car insurance in the UK. Third party only is the minimum legal cover and pays for damage you cause to other people and their property. Third party fire and theft adds protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. Comprehensive car insurance offers the highest level of cover, including damage to your own vehicle even if the accident was your fault.

Many factors influence how much you pay for car insurance. Your age, driving experience, and claims history all play a role. The type of car you drive matters too, as vehicles in higher insurance groups cost more to cover. Where you live, where you park overnight, your annual mileage, and even your job title can affect your car insurance quote. Adding named drivers or choosing a higher voluntary excess can help lower your premium.

Third party car insurance only covers damage you cause to other vehicles, property, and injuries to other people. It won't pay out for repairs to your own car. Comprehensive car insurance covers everything third party does, plus damage to your own vehicle from accidents, vandalism, and weather. Despite offering more protection, comprehensive cover is often cheaper than third party only because insurers see it as a sign of a lower-risk driver.

Yes, you must declare all car modifications to your insurer. This includes performance upgrades like engine tuning or exhaust changes, as well as cosmetic modifications such as alloy wheels, tinted windows, or body kits. Even small changes like dash cams or parking sensors should be mentioned. Failing to declare modifications could invalidate your car insurance policy and leave you unprotected if you need to make a claim.

Your no claims bonus, sometimes called no claims discount, is a reward for claim-free driving. Each year you don't make a claim, you build up another year of bonus, which reduces your car insurance premium. Most insurers offer up to five or more years of no claims discount. You can protect your no claims bonus for an extra fee, which allows you to make a limited number of claims without losing your discount. Your NCB can usually be transferred between insurers when you switch.

Driving other cars cover, known as DOC, is not automatically included on most car insurance policies. If your policy does include it, you'll typically only have third party cover when driving someone else's vehicle. You'll also need the owner's permission. Never assume you're covered to drive another car without checking your policy documents first. If you regularly drive other vehicles, consider adding them as a second car or taking out a separate short-term car insurance policy.

If you're involved in a car accident, stop at the scene and exchange details with the other driver, including names, addresses, and insurance information. Take photos of any damage and note down what happened while it's fresh in your mind. You must report the accident to your insurer even if you don't plan to make a claim. If anyone is injured or the other driver doesn't stop, you'll need to report the accident to the police within 24 hours. Your insurer will guide you through the car insurance claims process.

Comparing car insurance quotes can save you hundreds of pounds each year. Every insurer calculates risk differently, so prices vary widely for the same driver and vehicle. Your renewal quote from your current insurer is rarely the cheapest option. By comparing quotes from multiple providers, you can find the best car insurance deal without spending hours getting individual quotes. Always compare policies on the same level of cover to make sure you're getting like-for-like protection.

The best time to compare and buy car insurance is around three weeks before your renewal date. Insurers often offer their most competitive quotes during this window. Leaving it until the last minute can mean higher prices, while buying too far in advance may not give you access to the best deals. Set a reminder to start comparing car insurance quotes 21 days before your policy expires. Never let your car insurance auto-renew without checking if you can get a better price elsewhere.

Brumble connects you with a powerful car insurance comparison tool that searches leading UK providers in minutes. Simply enter your details once and you'll see competitive quotes from a wide panel of insurers. The comparison shows you clear, like-for-like prices so you can understand exactly what each policy covers. The service is completely free to use and there's no obligation to buy.