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Yes, car insurance is a legal requirement if you drive or keep a car on UK roads. Driving without insurance is a criminal offence and can result in fines, penalty points, or even prosecution. It can also make your future insurance premiums more expensive.
If you only drive occasionally, you don’t necessarily need an annual policy. Short-term or temporary car insurance can cover you for the days or weeks you’re behind the wheel, giving you flexible protection without paying for a full year of cover.
What types of car insurance are there?
Choosing the right level of car insurance can feel tricky – too much cover could mean you’re paying more than you need, while too little might leave you exposed if you need to make a claim. In the UK, there are three main levels of cover to consider:
Third-party only
Third-party, fire and theft
Comprehensive
Insurance trends show that the average cost of car insurance in the UK is now £735**, but this can change depending on a few factors, such as:
The type of car you drive: You car's model, age, value, and engine size all affect the price of your car insurance.
Your details: Age is the main example of this – the younger you are, the more expensive your car insurance tends to be. Your occupation, driving history and no claims bonus can impact it too.
Where you live: If you live somewhere that's got a high crime rate, for example, your insurance could cost more. Cars in bigger cities also face higher insurance prices. For example, the average cost of car insurance for people in Inner London is £1,149** compared to £573** in South Wales.
There are a few different ways to save on your car insurance, including:
Comparing quotes: One of the best ways to save on car insurance is by comparing quotes from lots of different providers. This can help you find the right cover for you at a competitive price.
Pay more excess: Paying a higher voluntary car insurance excess can make your car insurance cheaper, but you have to pay this amount if you make a claim. So, make sure you set it to an amount you can afford.
Pay annually: When you pay monthly, you have to pay interest too. Paying annually avoids this, so it's worth considering if you can.
Review your optional extras: If you're paying for car insurance extras that you don't think you need, like windscreen or personal possessions cover, consider removing them from your policy when you renew.
Improve your security: Sometimes, extra security features — like steering wheel locks and dashcams — can help reduce your insurance costs.
Build up your no claims bonus: Every year you go without making a claim, you build up a no-claims bonus. Your insurer rewards you with a discount on your insurance.
Consider multi-car insurance: If you have multiple cars in your household, a multi-car insurance policy might work out cheaper.
Here's what you'll need to get a quote:
Claims history: We'll need to know how many years you've gone without having a car accident or making a claim.d
Convictions: If you have any unspent convictions you need to declare them when you're getting a quote with us.
Your licence details: For example, if you've got a manual or automatic licence. Plus, any extra driving qualifications you have.
Your car's make and model: Note down your number plate (if you don't know it off by heart), and we'll find its details in our registration database.
Personal information: We'll need the usual things like your name, address, and employment details. These are all factors that affect your level of risk and your insurance price. Make sure you're as accurate as possible with this.
Usage and mileage: If you use your car for commuting or just for personal travel, we'll need to know. Also try to accurately estimate your mileage.
Try to always be as accurate as possible when you're getting a quote with us. You risk invalidating your cover if you leave out any key details.
It's worth considering what car insurance extras might be beneficial for you. These are available for an extra fee, but can mean you end up getting the exact cover you need. These extras might include:
Legal cover
Breakdown cover
Cover for lost or stolen keys
No-claims protection
Cover for driving abroad
Windscreen repair and replacement
Courtesy car
Personal injury
Specialist car insurance policies
Specialist car insurance policies
Multi-car insurance
Multi-car insurance policies cover two or more cars in your household.
Black box car insurance
This monitors your driving using a telematics box fitted to your car. The data is sent back to your insurer, so the better you drive, the less you pay.
Learner car insurance
Learner driver insurance is required if you hold a provisional licence and are practising in a car that isn’t a registered instructor’s vehicle or one on which you are listed as a named learner driver.
Taxi insurance
A motor insurance policy designed to cover cars used for commercial hire.
Temporary car insurance
Short-term car insurance covers you for short periods of time, typically a few days or weeks, when driving a borrowed vehicle.
European car insurance
This covers you when driving in certain countries. Check your existing UK car insurance first, as European cover typically comes as standard for EU countries in particular.
Business car insurance
This is designed for people who use their car for business purposes such as driving to meetings on behalf of their employer.
Classic car insurance
Specialist cover for classic car owners. Classic cars are usually worth more (and cost more to repair) than modern cars, so sometimes require a special classic car insurance policy.
