Best Fully comprehensive Car insurance: how to choose the right option

Your best-value route to comprehensive cover in 2025

A data-led snapshot: comprehensive car insurance can be cheaper than third-party cover in the UK. With AXA leading on price and Which? raising the quality bar, there is real value to be had if you compare smartly.

Why this matters to UK motorists

If you drive regularly, commute, or own an EV or hybrid, fully comprehensive cover often provides broader protection at a lower premium than third-party options. It suits cost-conscious drivers who still want robust cover for their own vehicle, legal liabilities, and add-ons that fit modern driving needs.

The essentials behind the jargon

Understanding APR is not the only finance skill worth mastering. Insurance terms can change what you pay and how well you are protected.

• Fully comprehensive: Covers your car, third-party liabilities, fire, and theft. Often cheaper than third-party options in the UK due to risk profiling.
• Third-party only (TPO): Covers damage to others. No cover for your own car.
• Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT): Adds theft and fire protection to TPO.
• Excess: The amount you pay towards a claim. Voluntary excess can lower premiums, but avoid setting it above your savings cushion.
• No-claims discount (NCD): Reduces premiums for claim-free years. Protecting NCD can prevent a future jump in price after a claim.
• Courtesy car: A temporary car while yours is repaired by approved garages.
• Legal expenses: Help with legal costs after an accident. Which? Best Buys expect this to be included.
• Liability limits: Strong policies offer at least £20m for third-party liability, aligning with Which? standards.
• Repairs guarantee: Quality assurance for approved-repairer work, typically 12 months or more.

Key takeaway: Fully comprehensive often delivers the widest cover and, counterintuitively, the sharper price for many UK drivers.

Your options at a glance

Price leadership and coverage quality are shifting fast in 2025. Here are standout choices based on current UK data.

• Comparison tools: MoneySuperMarket lets you compare 180+ FCA-regulated insurers, with potential savings reported up to £508. Always verify what is covered, not just the price.
• Specialist options: Carole Nash and Swinton offer customisable add-ons like audio and sat nav cover, windscreen protection, and 24-hour claims support.

What it costs and why it pays to compare

UK averages highlight a counterintuitive truth: in June 2025, comprehensive quotes averaged £636, below TPFT at £1,104 and TPO at £1,497. Insurers often view comprehensive buyers as lower risk, hence lower prices. Your own premium will still depend on age, driving record, car value, location, annual mileage, and how you store the vehicle overnight.

• Returns: Better protection for your own car after fault and non-fault incidents, potentially saving thousands in repair costs.
• Risks: Underinsurance from choosing TPO or TPFT can expose you to full repair costs on your own vehicle. Check exclusions and windscreen limits.
• Savings drivers can pull: Compare at renewal, tweak voluntary excess sensibly, review annual mileage, consider telematics if you are a safe driver, and remove add-ons you do not need.

Who typically qualifies

Most UK drivers can access comprehensive cover provided they hold a valid licence and disclose accurate information. Pricing varies materially by profile.

• Younger drivers: May pay more, but can still find comprehensive cheaper than TPFT or TPO. Telematics can help.
• EV and hybrid owners: Comprehensive is often preferred due to high repair costs and battery-related risks. Aviva offers tailored benefits for these vehicles.
• High-risk postcodes or claims history: Expect higher pricing but still compare across multiple FCA-regulated providers.
• Modifications: Declare all changes. Undeclared mods can void claims.

Tip: Aim for policies that meet or exceed Which? Best Buy criteria, including legal expenses, repairs guarantees, and at least £20m liability.

From quote to cover in simple steps

1. Gather details - driver, car, mileage, claims, NCD.
2. Compare quotes - use MoneySuperMarket and at least one other site.
3. Check coverage - look for legal cover and £20m liability.
4. Adjust excess - balance premium savings with affordability.
5. Review add-ons - windscreen, courtesy car, breakdown, EV extras.
6. Verify repair network - quality guarantees and approved garages.
7. Confirm payments - monthly APR vs paying annually to save.
8. Finalise - read exclusions and cooling-off terms before purchase.

Advantages and trade-offs

Fully comprehensive often costs less than TPFT and TPO while covering your own vehicle. You get better financial protection, access to courtesy cars, and higher liability limits. The trade-off is potential upselling of add-ons you may never use, and higher base costs for young or high-risk drivers. Choosing a very high voluntary excess can lower premiums but may strain your finances at claim time. Always evaluate repair network quality and claims service alongside price.

Checks before you commit

• Coverage depth: Accidental damage, fire, theft, third-party claims, windscreen, and personal accident. Verify legal expenses are included.
• Liability: Seek at least £20m third-party liability in line with Which? standards.
• Excess structure: Ensure total excess is affordable in a worst-case claim.
• EV specifics: Battery, home charger, and HV technician repairs for electric cars.
• Claims performance: Repairs guarantee and courtesy car terms.
• Renewal strategy: Avoid auto-renewals without re-quoting.

If this is not the right fit

• Telematics comprehensive policies for new drivers seeking price relief.
• Third-party options only if the car’s value is very low, and you accept the risk.
• Short-term cover for occasional drivers or test drives.
• Multi-car policies if you have several vehicles in one household.

Common questions, clear answers

• Is comprehensive always cheaper? Not always, but recent UK data shows it can be cheaper than TPFT and TPO for many profiles due to insurer risk assumptions.
• Who is the cheapest right now? AXA has the lowest average comprehensive premium at around £251, followed by Allianz and Hastings. Always compare for your profile.
• Should I protect my NCD? If you have several years built up, NCD protection can stabilise future pricing after a claim.
• Do I need legal expenses cover? It is strongly recommended and is part of Which? Best Buy expectations, supporting recovery of uninsured losses.
• What about EV cover? Comprehensive policies with EV-specific benefits are preferred. Aviva’s Signature product is a strong UK option.
• Are big brands always better value? Not necessarily. Admiral is the largest by share but not the cheapest for comprehensive cover, so shop around.

What to do next

• Compare prices on at least two UK comparison sites and the insurer direct.
• Prioritise comprehensive policies meeting Which? standards, including legal cover and £20m liability.
• For EVs, shortlist Aviva and other EV-oriented policies.
• Set a realistic voluntary excess and prune add-ons you do not need.

Aim to review quotes 3 to 4 weeks before renewal for stronger pricing.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and not financial advice. Prices and features change frequently. Always read the policy wording, check FCA authorisation, and consider professional advice if unsure.