What is fully comprehensive car insurance?

Fully comprehensive car insurance is the top tier of car cover, giving you the broadest protection available. It doesn’t just cover damage to other people’s cars or property, it also looks after your own vehicle if something goes wrong.

With this type of insurance, you’re protected against a wide range of incidents. Accidents, fire, theft, and even damage caused by the weather are usually included. Policies often come with extras like windscreen cover, courtesy cars or personal belongings protection.

Fully comprehensive car insurance isn’t just for new or expensive cars, it’s useful for anyone who wants extra peace of mind on the road. Even older vehicles can usually get it, so it’s all about making sure you’re protected whatever car you drive.

Why do I need fully comprehensive car insurance?

Fully comprehensive car insurance gives you peace of mind because it covers both your car and other people’s vehicles if the worst happens. Unlike third-party insurance, which only covers damage you cause to someone else’s car or property, comprehensive cover also helps pay for repairs to your own vehicle. It’s ideal if you want to avoid unexpected repair costs or financial stress after an accident.

Even if your car isn’t new or of high value, repairing your own vehicle after accidents, theft or weather damage can still be expensive. Fully comprehensive cover lets you drive with confidence, knowing you’re covered if the unexpected occurs.

Here’s what fully comprehensive car insurance brings you:

  • Peace of mind: Protects both your car and other vehicles in accidents.

  • Financial security: Reduces the risk of unexpected repair or replacement costs.

  • Convenience: Access to extras like courtesy cars, windscreen cover and breakdown assistance.

  • Confidence on the road: Helps you drive without constantly worrying about accidents or damage.

  • Flexible protection: Choose add-ons such as driving abroad cover, enhanced gadget protection, or lost car key replacement.

What does fully comprehensive car insurance cover?

Fully comprehensive car insurance gives you the broadest protection for your vehicle, helping you feel secure on the road. It covers your car, other vehicles and property if something goes wrong, and many policies also include helpful extras.

While cover can vary between providers, here’s a typical breakdown of what is often included:

  • Accidental damage: Repairs to your car or another vehicle if you’re involved in an accident.

  • Personal injury: Cover if you or others are injured in a car accident.

  • Third-party property damage: Compensation for damage caused to other people’s property.

  • Personal belongings: Protection for items in your car that are stolen or damaged.

  • Windscreen repairs: Cover for broken or damaged glass.

  • No-claims protection against uninsured drivers: Keep your no-claims discount and avoid paying an excess if an uninsured driver hits you, as long as you have their details.

  • Named driver cover: Lets you add other drivers to your policy so they can drive the car too with full cover.

  • Key and lock replacement cover: Protection for lost car keys.

  • Driving abroad cover: Protection for travel in Europe, either fully comprehensive or third-party, depending on your policy terms.

Some insurers also include extra perks that go beyond standard cover, such as:

  • New-for-old car replacement: Some will replace your car for a brand new one if yours is written off or stolen and under a certain age, say 12 months old.

  • Child car seat cover: Replaces child seats after an accident, even if they don’t look damaged.

  • Wrong fuel cover: Costs to clean out the tank if incorrect fuel is used.

  • In-car equipment: Cover for fitted items including a sound system, TV, DVD player, games console, sat nav and dash cam.

Remember, cover can vary depending on the insurer and the level of cover you pick. Comparing policies is the best way to make sure you get the protection that suits you and your motor.

Optional extras

Many insurers let you include optional extras for an additional premium, such as:

  • Protected no-claims discount: Lets you keep your no-claims bonus even after making a claim, helping you save on future premiums.

  • Motor legal protection or personal accident cover: Help with legal costs or injury-related expenses.

  • Breakdown cover: Roadside assistance and vehicle recovery if your car breaks down.

  • Courtesy car: A guaranteed hire car while yours is being repaired.

  • Extended personal accident cover: If you, your partner, or a named driver are seriously injured while in your car, you’ll receive an even higher payout with this cover in place.

Some policies may include extras like breakdown cover or a courtesy car as part of the package, while others might offer them for an additional cost. When comparing prices, check exactly what is included so you know whether you are getting good value and have all the cover you need.

Choosing the right add-ons can make your policy even more water-tight, protecting you from unexpected costs and hassle.

What isn’t covered by comprehensive car insurance?

Even the most extensive car insurance policies have limits, so it’s important to know what isn’t included. The specifics vary between insurers, but here are some common comprehensive car insurance exclusions:

  • Unnamed drivers: Claims aren’t typically covered for anyone not listed on your policy.

  • Leaving your car unsecured: No cover if your car is stolen while unlocked, running or with keys left inside.

  • Cat A or B vehicles:: Vehicles already classed as Category A or B write-offs aren’t typically eligible.

  • Campervan conversions: Vehicles that have been converted into campervans may not be covered.

  • Motorhomes: These may be excluded from standard comprehensive insurance.

  • Wear and tear: Everyday deterioration from regular use of your car isn’t covered.

  • Driving under the influence: Claims won’t be paid if the driver was over the legal drink- or drug-limit, unfit to drive, or refused to give a specimen when asked by police.

  • Deliberate or illegal acts: No cover for loss, damage, injury or death caused on purpose or through criminal behaviour – including deliberate damage or road rage incidents.

Always take time to read your full policy documents carefully to understand exactly what’s included and excluded. That way, you avoid any surprises if you ever need to make a claim.

How much does fully comprehensive car insurance cost?

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in the second quarter of 2025 (April - June), the average cost of car insurance in the UK was approximately £562. That’s down from £622 in the same quarter of 2024. Whilst this figure covers both comprehensive and third-party premiums, comprehensive policies are usually the cheapest option despite offering the highest level of cover.

Of course, your own circumstances will influence the cost of your car insurance:

  • Your age and experience: Younger or newly qualified drivers often pay higher premiums.

  • Type of car: High-value, fast or sports cars will naturally cost more to insure.

  • Driving history: Past accidents, claims or driving convictions can increase costs.

  • Your postcode: Urban areas with higher traffic or theft rates typically have higher premiums, as can living in an area prone to flooding.

  • Your job: Roles that involve frequent driving or high stress may attract higher premiums.

  • Modifications: Performance upgrades can bump up the premium. So can expensive speakers or in-car entertainment systems as they might make your car more attractive to thieves.

  • Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher the risk and the cost.

  • Security measures: Cars with alarms, immobilisers or secure parking may attract lower premiums.

  • Car insurance group: Cars are placed into insurance groups (1–50) based on factors like repair costs, safety features and performance. The higher the group, the more you’ll usually pay.

  • Named drivers: Adding other drivers to your policy can either lower your premium if they’re experienced and claim-free, or raise it if they’re young or have a poor driving record.

  • Policy type and optional extras: Added cover like breakdown assistance or legal protection can raise premiums.

According to MoneyHelper, age really does make a difference to your car insurance bill. Drivers around 55 enjoy the cheapest premiums, while 20-year-olds face the priciest quotes due to the typically higher risks. So if you’re just starting out behind the wheel, expect to pay more initially – but hang in there as it usually gets cheaper as you get older.

Knowing these factors can help you find a policy that fits your budget while giving you the right level of protection.

Is fully comprehensive cover more expensive?

You might assume fully comprehensive car insurance costs more than third-party, but that’s not always true. Some insurers actually price comprehensive cover lower because you are choosing the highest level of protection, which they may see as a sign that you are a lower-risk driver.

That is why it is always worth comparing prices for all types of cover. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that the most comprehensive option is just as affordable or even cheaper than more basic policies.

And if it does cost a little extra, it could still be worth it. Think about whether you could cover the cost of repairs or a replacement car yourself after an accident. If the answer is no, paying a bit more for comprehensive cover could save you a big financial headache later.

Tips to save on your comprehensive car insurance

Car insurance premiums can vary a lot depending on your circumstances and the type of policy you choose. There are plenty of ways to reduce your costs without sacrificing cover. Being proactive and reviewing your policy regularly can help you find the best deal for your situation.

Some savings strategies are simple, like driving fewer miles each year, or paying annually instead of monthly. Others involve taking advantage of extras or policy features offered by insurers. By combining these tips, you can make your premiums more affordable while keeping your car and belongings protected.

Here are some ways to potentially reduce your car insurance premium:

  • Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurers before renewing to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

  • Pay annually: Paying your premium upfront can save you money compared with monthly instalments.

  • Don’t leave it to the last minute: Getting quotes a few weeks before your current policy ends can sometimes get you a better deal.

  • Be accurate with mileage: Don’t over-estimate your annual mileage as this could add pounds to your premium.

  • Increase your excess: Choose a higher excess if you’re comfortable paying more in the event of a claim.

  • Choose telematics/black box insurance: Take out a policy that includes fitting a device to monitor driving habits like speed and braking. These reward safe driving with potentially lower premiums.

  • Add a named driver: Including an experienced driver with a clean record can sometimes reduce your premium.

  • Protect your no-claims bonus: Paying to protect it keeps your discount intact after a claim.

  • Choose a lower insurance group car: Smaller or less powerful cars typically cost less to insure.

  • Install security features: Alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices can make your car cheaper to insure.

  • Take an advanced driving course: Demonstrating safe driving may earn discounts on your policy.

Why ‘fronting’ to save on premiums is risky

Fronting is when the person listed as the main driver on a car insurance policy isn’t actually the one who drives the car most of the time. This may get you a cheaper premium, but it invalidates your insurance. For example, if your 18-year-old daughter drives one of your cars more than you do, she should be listed as the main driver, not you. Getting this wrong could mean your insurer refuses a claim - a very costly outcome!

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Answering your questions about fully comprehensive car insurance