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COMPREHENSIVE CAR INSURANCE often costs less than third party.
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Fully comprehensive car insurance offers the highest level of protection available for UK drivers. Despite the name suggesting a premium price, comprehensive cover is often competitively priced – and can sometimes cost the same as, or less than, basic third party insurance[1]. This guide explains what's covered, what it costs, and how to get the best deal.
Comprehensive car insurance combines the legal third party cover (protecting others if you cause an accident) with extensive protection for your own vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. The terms "fully comprehensive" and "comprehensive" mean the same thing[3].
Most comprehensive policies also include windscreen cover (repair or replacement with reduced excess), personal accident benefits, medical expenses, limited cover for personal belongings stolen from your car (typically £100-500), EU driving cover (usually 30-90 days), and audio equipment protection.
UK law under the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires all drivers to have a minimum of third party insurance[4]. There are three levels of cover available:
Legal minimum
Mid-tier protection
Maximum protection
Surprisingly, comprehensive insurance is often cheaper than third party cover, particularly for experienced drivers with good records. This happens because insurers associate comprehensive buyers with lower risk – they're protecting an asset. Third party is sometimes chosen by higher-risk drivers looking for minimum cover, so the risk pool is different[1]. Always compare actual quotes for all three levels rather than assuming third party will be cheapest.
Premiums have fallen for three consecutive quarters in 2025 after peaking at £635 in Q1 2024[2]. However, costs vary significantly based on individual circumstances:
| Factor | Impact on Premium | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Age (under 25) | Substantially higher | £1,500 - £2,500+[5] |
| Age (over 50) | Below average | £300 - £500[5] |
| Location (London) | Highest in UK | 40-60% above national average[6] |
| Location (South West) | Lowest in UK | 20-25% below national average[6] |
| 5-year no claims bonus | Major reduction | Up to 60-75% discount[7] |
| Insurance group 1-5 | Low premium | £300 - £600 (experienced drivers) |
| Insurance group 30-50 | High premium | £1,000 - £4,000+ |
Motor insurers paid out a record £11.7 billion in claims in 2024[2], with repair costs accounting for 64% of total payouts. The increasing complexity of modern vehicles – packed with sensors, cameras, and integrated systems – means even minor repairs are more expensive, which keeps pressure on premiums even as headline averages fall.
With comprehensive insurance, you'll pay an excess towards any claim. This has two parts:
Your compulsory excess (set by the insurer, often £100-300) is added to whatever voluntary excess you choose. A higher voluntary excess reduces your premium but increases what you pay out of pocket if you claim. Choose an amount you could comfortably afford.
Even with comprehensive cover, there are important exclusions to be aware of:
| Not Covered | Why |
|---|---|
| Driving under the influence | Drink or drug driving invalidates all cover |
| Uninsured drivers using your car | Only named/permitted drivers are covered |
| Deliberate damage | Intentional damage to your own vehicle is excluded |
| Wear and tear / mechanical | Normal deterioration and breakdowns aren't insurance matters |
| Business use (unless declared) | Standard policies cover social, domestic, and pleasure only |
| Driving other cars | Check your certificate – this isn't automatic on all policies |
For most drivers, yes. Comprehensive insurance is recommended if your car is worth more than £2,000-3,000, if you couldn't afford to replace it out of pocket, if you have finance or a lease agreement (where comprehensive is usually required), or if you simply want the most extensive protection available. The price difference between comprehensive and third party is often surprisingly small – sometimes just £50-150[1].
Many insurers bundle some extras into their comprehensive policies as standard, while others offer them as paid add-ons. When comparing quotes, check what's included – a slightly more expensive policy with breakdown cover and a guaranteed courtesy car may offer better overall value than a bare-bones policy plus separate add-ons.
Search over 130 UK insurers in minutes. See prices, cover levels, and policy features side by side to find the best deal for your circumstances.
Compare Car Insurance QuotesComprehensive cover is equally important for vans – especially if your vehicle is essential for work. Compare van insurance quotes from leading UK providers, or read our self-employed van insurance guide for trade-specific advice.
Comprehensive cover is essential for high-value vehicles. Our performance car insurance page covers a range of cover options including modifications.
Comprehensive cover is often cheaper than third party for young drivers. Visit our young drivers insurance or student car insurance pages for quotes tailored to your age group.
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Choosing the right car can save you hundreds of pounds on insurance every year. Some cars cost much less to insure because they're safer, cheaper to repair, and less likely to be stolen.
Car insurance has its own language. This glossary explains every term you need to know, from excess to no claims bonus. Use this guide before you compare car insurance quotes to make sure you know exactly what you're buying.
*51% of consumers could save £518.14 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd's insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from June 2025 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
Find answers to common questions about full comprehensive car insurance.
At Brumble, we cut through the gimmicks and focus on what matters – real quotes from trusted insurers via our partner platform, so you can quickly find the best value cover for your needs.
You could save up to £518*
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Compare 130+ UK car insurance providers instantly. You could find cheaper cover in minutes.
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