Car insurance companies

Types of cover

Learn more about the different types of cover available:

Comprehensive

Comprehensive car insurance gives you the most cover. It protects your car from damage, even if an accident's your fault, plus fire and theft. You'll often get handy extras like windscreen and personal accident cover. It's also often the cheapest option of the 3 types of cover, based on Confused.com data from March - April 2026.

Third-party fire & theft

Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) covers everything a basic third party policy does, plus cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. It won't pay for accidental damage to your own vehicle. But it does protect you from two common claims: theft and fire.

Third-party

Third-party-only (TPO) is the absolute minimum car insurance legally required in the UK. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, and their property. But it won't pay for any damage to your own car. If an accident is your fault, you'll pay for your car's repairs yourself.

What does car insurance cover?

What's included depends on your cover type. Here's a clear look at what most comprehensive policies include - and what they don't. Comprehensive cover is the most popular choice for customers, and according to our data, it's also the cheapest option (based on confused.com data from March - April 2026).

There are a number of things that are excluded from all cover types:

• Wear and tear or mechanical breakdown
• Damage from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving without a valid licence or MOT
• Using your car for purposes not listed on your policy (for example, business use if you're only covered for social use)
• Personal belongings left in the car – though some policies include this up to a limit
• Tyre damage from punctures or blowouts
• Modifications you haven't told your insurer about

Because there’s such a wide range of insurers and policies to choose from, the exact coverage varies by insurer. To be sure what is and isn’t included, always check your policy documents before buying

Car insurance add-ons

Car insurance add-ons boost your basic cover. These optional extras cost more, but they give you extra protection. Think no-claims bonus protection, legal cover for non-fault accidents, or a courtesy car while yours is in the garage. The right add-ons mean fewer worries when you claim.

• Breakdown cover: different levels of cover, from roadside assistance to home starts
• Legal expenses: cover for legal fees caused by non-fault accidents.
• Windscreen cover: repairing or replacing chipped or shattered glass. Typically no excess for claims.
• Key cover: replace or reprogramme your lost key or fob with no excess to pay when a claim is made.
• Courtesy car: get a replacement car while yours is being repaired at an approved garage.
• Protected no-claims bonus: keep the no-claims discount you’ve built up, even if you need to make a claim.