Art of Gears
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What are the 3 main types of UK car insurance?

By Zain Ullah

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Police officers talk to a driver, on December 02, 2022 in Bournemouth, England. Dorset Police launched their annual Christmastime drink-drive public safety campaign, coupled with a large-scale enforcement operation aimed at those who drink- or drug-drive. Officers work together in marked and unmarked vehicles for the operation covering the Bournemouth and Poole area. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Police officers talk to a driver, on December 02, 2022 in Bournemouth, England. Dorset Police launched their annual Christmastime drink-drive public safety campaign, coupled with a large-scale enforcement operation aimed at those who drink- or drug-drive. Officers work together in marked and unmarked vehicles for the operation covering the Bournemouth and Poole area. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images) /
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Having the right insurance on your vehicle is critical, illegal road users that drive an uninsured vehicle are committing a major criminal offence. If caught by the UK police, those behind the wheel of an uninsured vehicle are liable to receive 6 penalty points, a costly fine and can also be disqualified from driving if the case is sent to Magistrates Court, as mentioned on the official United Kingdom Government website.

Choosing the right insurance when in the process of looking through different websites, you should think carefully about which type of insurance suits you and your vehicle. The 3 most notable vehicle insurances are comprehensive, third party (fire and theft) and third party. So, what is the difference between these 3 insurance categories?

Comprehensive

Comprehensive is the most recognizable and recommended type of insurance a driver should have. As the highest level of insurance a driver can have in the UK, this type of insurance covers against all type of incidents to all members of the party. It covers injury costs to other road users/passengers and also the damage on the vehicle of the opposing party. The insurance also covers your own vehicle if an incident has occurred which is not your fault. For example, your vehicle being stolen, damaged or burned in a fire. Regardless of who caused the accident, the insurance will cover yourself and also others involved within the car accident.

Third party (fire and theft)

Third Party (fire and theft) covers the insurance of damage which is sustained to another vehicle and the injuries the other person may occur during an accident. The insurance also covers the damages caused by an attempted theft on your vehicle and fire damage. Although the risk of your vehicle being set alight in flames is low, a pay-out will be awarded to the owner of the vehicle.

However, the insurance does not cover your vehicle if it has been damaged in a road traffic collision and you were responsible for the crash. Although fire is protected by the insurance, it does not cover you if your vehicle is the cause of the fire. For example, electrical wiring failure or a mechanical failure that has led to your vehicle being destroyed in a fire. If your car windows also need to be replaced or fixed, then this type of insurance does not cover you have this issue.

Third party UK

Having a third-party insurance on your vehicle is the legal minimum requirement to able to drive legally on the UK roads. Third party insurance covers you if your vehicle is involved in a collision or accident which has caused injuries or damages to another vehicle or person(s). As the lowest kind of insurance a driver can have this type of insurance does not cover you for damages caused to your vehicle, which means you have to pay for the repair work or replacement vehicle from your own money. Theft and fire on your own vehicle is also not covered which means the insurance broker will not award money in a scenario like this.

Moreover, if an accident is caused and you are hit by another driver with void or no insurance then you will also not be liable and covered which means all damages sustained to your vehicle will have to paid from your own pocket too.

Conclusion

I personally would recommend having comprehensive insurance on your vehicle. It may cost a little more depending on your area, vehicle model or insurance firm but if an incident does occur then comprehensive is the best type of insurance to have. Choosing the right type of insurance is critical and must be done properly. Also always make sure your insurance company allows you to have commercial top up insurance running at the same time as your normal insurance if you are working as a food or parcel courier.

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