Car insurance quotes have surged by 61% since last year, and these increases are expected to persist into the next year. This means that EVERYONE should proactively review their options now, even if it’s not your renewal date. While insurers are now prevented from charging renewing customers more than new customers, it doesn’t guarantee you the best price by sticking with your current policy.
What is car insurance?
Car insurance provides protection for other road users in case you damage their vehicle or property. Depending on your chosen level of coverage, it can also safeguard your own car in case of theft, break-ins, or accidents.
All cars must be insured, except when they are not in use and are off the road, typically with a statutory off-road notification (Sorn).
There are three primary types of car insurance coverage, which we delve into further in our comprehensive car insurance guide. In summary, you can select from:
Third-party: This is the minimum required coverage for legal driving and only covers damage to others or their property.
Third-party, fire and theft: Similar to third-party, but with added coverage in case of theft or fire damage to the car.
Comprehensive: The most extensive level of coverage available, providing third-party, fire and theft coverage, and the ability to claim repair costs if you are at fault in an accident, as well as covering damage to others or their property.
What’s the cheapest type of policy?
Determining the cheapest type of policy isn’t straightforward, as the premium is based on the insurer’s perception of your risk. It considers how likely you are to make a claim, so, for instance, new and young drivers usually pay more than those with a proven accident-free history.
The choice of policy type also factors in. While you might assume that third-party coverage is the cheapest because it offers less coverage, car insurance doesn’t always follow logical patterns.
Some insurers may consider you more responsible if you opt for comprehensive coverage, potentially labeling you as a lower risk and offering broader coverage at a lower cost. However, there are no set rules – it’s a matter of trial and error when obtaining quotes. Therefore, never limit your search to just third-party coverage when seeking the most cost-effective policy.