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The short answer
Third party is the legal minimum for driving, but it does not pay for damage to your own car. Comprehensive adds own-car damage cover, subject to the policy terms. A lower level of cover is not necessarily cheaper.
Third party only
This covers liability for injury to other people and damage to their property when you are responsible. It does not cover repairing your own vehicle after an accident you cause.
- Check liability limits and permitted drivers.
- Do not assume passengers, property and every incident are treated identically.
Third party, fire and theft
This adds protection for your car if it is stolen or damaged by fire. Accidental damage to your own car is not normally included.
- Read theft conditions for keys, security and unattended vehicles.
- Check the excess for fire and theft separately.
Comprehensive cover
This normally includes accidental damage to your own car as well as third-party liability, fire and theft. Comprehensive does not mean every possible loss is covered.
- Driving other cars is not automatic.
- Breakdown, legal expenses and a guaranteed replacement car may cost extra.
Compare the whole policy
Use identical driver, vehicle, mileage and use details for each quote. Compare the total price alongside excesses, exclusions, replacement transport and claims conditions.
- Read the Insurance Product Information Document and full wording.
- Check who is insured and when cover starts.
Before you decide
- Get quotes for the cover levels you would accept.
- Add compulsory and voluntary excess together.
- Check optional extras before paying.
Frequently asked questions
Is comprehensive always more expensive?
No. Insurers price risk differently; compare actual quotes rather than assuming the order of prices.
Does comprehensive let me drive any car?
No. Any driving-other-cars provision has its own eligibility and restrictions. Check the certificate and wording.
Sources and further reading
Prepared by CompareDirect using the sources above. Policy eligibility, cover and claims depend on the provider’s current documents and your circumstances.
Before you buy
Our car insurance listings compare provider features and quote destinations, not personalised premiums. Check the exact product, eligibility, excesses and full terms on the provider’s website. Nothing here is a personalised insurance recommendation.
More guides
- Car insurance excess: compulsory and voluntary
- Car insurance policy documents: what to check
- Does my insurance let me drive another car?
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