Insuring your car

How do you use your car?

Who drives the car, how far is it driven and what is it used for? It matters whether the details on the policy match reality. Also consider a change of regular driver, moving home or a different vehicle. Discuss changes promptly; insurance based on old information may raise questions when a claim is assessed.

Levels of cover at a glance

Statutory motor third-party liability cover concerns certain damage to others. Limited comprehensive cover adds certain events affecting your own car; fully comprehensive cover is broader. The exact events, limits and exceptions vary by policy. The names alone therefore do not tell you whether damage to your own car will be paid for.

Your car's value and age matter when choosing cover, as does the financial setback you could absorb yourself. This page does not set a rule that a car of a particular age always requires one particular level of cover.

Excess and no-claims years

Check which excess applies to which damage and whether conditions apply to your choice of repairer. Building up and using no-claims years also deserves explanation. A claim may affect the premium or record, depending on the event and agreements. When comparing cover, ask how these consequences are handled in your circumstances rather than looking only at the current premium.

The level of cover and main exclusions.
The excess for different events.
Arrangements for repairs and valuation.
The treatment of no-claims years and effects on premiums.

Optional cover and particular circumstances

Optional additions may cover occupants, motoring legal expenses or assistance, for example. The name of an addition does not yet tell you what you receive. Also consider existing cover to identify unintended overlap. Do you have a leased car, use the car for business or expect someone else to drive it regularly? Mention this in your enquiry. This page does not confirm an offer or cover for every use.

A different car or a claim

If you plan to replace your car, agree the timing of any insurance change before driving it. Have the registration number, use and main details of your current policy to hand for the discussion. RFD discusses which services suit your question and what information is needed; this page does not calculate an application or premium.

If damage occurs, use the online claims portal and follow your insurer's instructions. Share only the information needed for the claim through that channel. This general explanation is not personal advice or a commitment to pay a claim.

Have damage to your car? Use Report a claim and follow the instructions for your insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Is the cheapest premium always the best choice?

No. Cover, exclusions, excess and repair arrangements may differ. Consider the whole picture and what you could afford yourself in the event of damage.

Does comprehensive insurance pay for every type of damage?

No. Even broad cover has conditions and exclusions. The policy schedule and accompanying terms determine what is insured.

Do I need to report changes in use?

Discuss changes such as a different driver or use promptly. The insurer assesses which adjustment is needed under your policy terms.

Where do I report damage to my car?

Through the existing Report a claim page. Reporting does not confirm cover; the claim is assessed under your insurance.

This is general information, not personal insurance advice or confirmation of insurance cover. What is suitable and covered depends on your circumstances and the policy terms. Read the disclaimer.