Compare Fully comprehensive Car insurance quotes (UK)

Smart ways to compare fully comprehensive car insurance

A fully comprehensive policy can protect you, your car, and others - but prices and features vary widely. With the UK average at £735, comparing quotes and benefits helps you judge value, not just price, and avoid overpaying at renewal.

Half of UK drivers could save £500 or more by comparing across multiple insurers.

Who should read this

If you drive in the UK and want robust protection at a fair price, this guide is for you. New drivers, families with more than one car, EV owners, and anyone facing a steep renewal will benefit from clear definitions, practical savings tactics, and a simple comparison checklist.

Terms that matter - plain English

Understanding the basics makes comparison easier and decisions clearer.

• Fully comprehensive cover - highest level of car insurance in the UK. It can pay for damage to your car and others’, injuries to other people, fire, and theft. Check inclusions carefully as features vary by insurer.
• Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) - covers liability to others plus theft and fire damage to your car. Usually fewer extras than fully comp.
• Excess - the amount you pay towards a claim. Voluntary excess can lower your premium, but keep it affordable.
• No Claims Discount (NCD) - a discount for claim-free years. Protecting it can help preserve future savings after a claim.
• Add-ons - optional extras like courtesy car, key cover, wrong fuel cover, and legal expenses. Some insurers include a lifetime guarantee on repairs at approved garages.
• Telematics (black box) - policy that monitors driving behaviour. Safer driving can reduce premiums, particularly for younger drivers.
• Multi-car policy - one policy covering multiple vehicles in a household. Some providers offer up to 15% discount.
• Market value - the amount an insurer pays if your car is written off, typically its value immediately before the incident.
• Approved repairer - a garage vetted by the insurer, often with repair guarantees and smoother claims handling.
• FCA-regulated - insurers and brokers must be authorised, providing consumer protections and clear complaint routes.

Your choices at a glance

Comparing fully comprehensive policies is about scope, service, and price - in that order.

What varies by insurer

• Price - the UK average is £735, but quotes depend on driver profile, vehicle, location, mileage, and use.
• Covered events - accidental damage, fire, theft, vandalism, storm, and flood. Confirm what is included and excluded.
• Courtesy car - standard or only while repaired at an approved garage. Some exclude total loss or theft.
• Repairs - lifetime guarantees at approved garages are common among top brands.
• Excess options - flexible voluntary excess can trim costs, but make sure it remains payable if you claim.
• Payment options - some providers charge interest for monthly payments; others, such as NFU Mutual, have no admin fees or interest for paying monthly.
• Add-ons - key cover, wrong fuel, legal expenses, personal accident, breakdown, and enhanced windscreen cover.
• EV specifics - cover for charging cables, home chargers, and traction batteries now widely available with major insurers.

Quick comparison table

Price, value, and risk - getting the balance right

• Market snapshot - the average fully comprehensive policy costs £735 across the UK. Your price will vary by age, postcode, vehicle group, and claims history.
• Real savings - 51% of drivers could save £500 or more by comparing multiple quotes rather than accepting the first offer. Savings are often greatest at renewal.
• Breadth of choice - leading UK comparison services can show quotes from roughly 130 to 180+ FCA-regulated insurers within minutes. One form, many results.
• Beyond the headline - the cheapest policy might exclude features you expect. Weigh repair guarantees, courtesy car rules, and excesses against marginal price differences.
• Payment methods - monthly can be convenient. Some providers charge interest or fees, but a few do not. Factor this into total cost.
• Risk management - higher voluntary excess reduces premiums but increases what you pay if you claim. Choose a level you can cover in cash.

Standout takeaway: price is important, but quality of claims handling and repair standards matter most when things go wrong.

Are you eligible - typical factors

Insurers assess risk using a mix of personal and vehicle data:

• Driver profile - age, licence length, occupation, claims, convictions, and credit history for monthly payments.
• Car details - make, model, engine size, value, modifications, security devices, and where the car is kept overnight.
• Usage - annual mileage, business use, named drivers, and commute patterns.
• Location - claim and theft rates vary by postcode.
• EV and hybrid specifics - battery value, charger installation, and usage pattern influence cover and price.

Eligibility varies by provider. For example, some telematics policies target young drivers, while certain multi-car products work best for two or more vehicles at the same address. Always check age limits, vehicle restrictions, and documentation requirements.

Simple path to a sharper quote - step by step

1. Gather details - licences, NCD years, mileage, and claims.
2. Enter car reg - pull official specs to reduce errors.
3. Describe usage - commute, business, and annual mileage.
4. Choose cover level - fully comp with essential add-ons.
5. Set excess sensibly - balance premium and affordability.
6. Compare 130-180+ insurers - shortlist top three offers.
7. Check ratings - claims service and repair guarantees.
8. Buy securely - confirm documents and cancellation terms.

Advantages and trade-offs

Pros:

• Highest level of standard protection for you and others.
• Wide insurer choice online within minutes.
• Potential savings of £500+ for many drivers.
• Options to tailor cover via add-ons and excess.
• EV-friendly features increasingly standard.

Cons:

• The cheapest deal may exclude useful benefits.
• Higher voluntary excess lowers premiums but adds claim cost.
• Monthly payments can attract interest and fees with some brands.
• Telematics savings depend on consistently careful driving.

Read this before you click buy

• Renewal inertia - loyalty often costs more. Shoppers who switch typically save most, especially when circumstances change.
• Claims experience - Which? ratings highlight differences in service. Names like Allianz, LV, and NFU Mutual score highly for satisfaction.
• Add-ons value - a modest premium uptick can offset larger out-of-pocket costs after incidents. Prioritise legal expenses, courtesy car, and repair guarantees if you rely on your vehicle daily.
• Small print - confirm windscreen excess, personal belongings limits, and whether courtesy cars apply after theft or total loss.
• Payment terms - look for no-interest monthly options to smooth budgets without hidden charges.

Alternatives and special cases

• Third party, fire and theft - can be cheaper for lower-value cars, but weigh savings against risk of paying your own repair costs.
• Telematics-first policies - ideal for young drivers aiming to build a record and reduce premiums through safe driving data.
• Multi-car cover - useful for households with two or more vehicles, often with meaningful discounts.
• Specialist EV policies - ensure cover for chargers, cables, and batteries, plus recovery to chargers if stranded.

Frequently asked questions

• Is fully comprehensive cover worth it? For most drivers, yes. It includes your own car damage and protects others, often with better repair pathways and courtesy vehicles.
• Will comparing quotes hurt my credit score? Price checks typically use soft searches that do not impact credit scores. Finance for monthly payments may involve a hard search.
• How can young drivers cut costs? Consider telematics, adding an experienced named driver, choosing a lower-group car, and keeping mileage realistic.
• Are monthly payments more expensive? Often yes, due to interest or admin fees. Some providers, such as NFU Mutual, include monthly at no extra cost.
• Do EVs need special cover? Many comprehensive policies now include EV-specific benefits like battery and cable protection. Check limits and exclusions.
• When should I shop around? Around 3-4 weeks before renewal is often optimal. Avoid leaving it to the last day.
• What documents will I need? Driving licences, proof of No Claims Discount, details of claims or convictions, and your vehicle registration.

Move forward with confidence

Start with your must-have features, then compare quotes from 130-180+ UK insurers. Shortlist three policies that balance price with service and repair quality. Check customer ratings, confirm monthly payment terms, and only set an excess you can comfortably afford. Then buy and save your documents safely.

Understanding APR is useful, but with insurance it is the total paid over the year that matters. Add optional fees and monthly interest before deciding.

Important information

This guide provides general information for UK consumers and is not personal advice. Always read policy documents and insurer terms before purchasing. Features and prices change frequently and depend on your circumstances.