{"id":360240,"date":"2020-12-23T16:40:24","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T16:40:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?page_id=360240"},"modified":"2025-04-15T09:32:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T08:32:18","slug":"car-insurance-guides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/car-insurance\/car-insurance-guides","title":{"rendered":"Car insurance guides & resources"},"content":{"rendered":"

What guide are you looking for?<\/h3>
Insurance types<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Driver types<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Vehicle types<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Optional extras<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Insurance groups<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Makes & models<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Reviews<\/a><\/div><\/div>
All guides<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>

Car insurance types<\/h3>
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Temporary car insurance<\/h4>\n

Short term cover can be extremely handy if you want to help share the driving on a longer journey, you\u2019re borrowing a car for a weekend, or you\u2019re loaning your car to a friend or family member whilst you\u2019re away on holiday.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Pay-as-you-go car insurance<\/h4>\n

Pay-as-you-go car insurance (PAYG) is a specialised type of policy that\u2019s designed so that you only pay for cover when you\u2019re using your car. Find out how it works and compare your PAYG insurance options.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Black box car insurance<\/h4>\n

Black box or telematics car insurance is a specialised type of cover that\u2019s designed to give good drivers cheaper car insurance. A black box device is attached to your car to record your driving performance, which is then used to determine the size of your premiums. The safer your driving, the less you\u2019ll pay for cover.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Black\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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Multi-car insurance<\/h4>\n

Multi-car insurance is like regular car insurance, but allows you insure up to ten cars on the same policy. You\u2019ll also generally receive discounted cover for each additional vehicle you add to the policy.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Car hire excess<\/h4>\n

If you rent a car and it\u2019s damaged, lost or stolen, you\u2019ll be charged an \u201cexcess\u201d by the rental company (the amount you have to pay before the insurance cover kicks in). It\u2019s typically several hundred pounds. Car hire excess insurance covers this amount so you don\u2019t have to pay it.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Car\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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Comprehensive car insurance<\/h4>\n

From a 6-car pileup on the motorway to a rogue shopping trolley in the carpark, comprehensive insurance provides the highest level of protection available. It\u2019s designed to cover your car, other people\u2019s cars as well as other people\u2019s property when the unexpected happens.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Third party, fire and theft car insurance<\/h4>\n

Third party, fire and theft car insurance is designed to cover you when your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire, or if you\u2019re responsible for an accident that damages someone else\u2019s vehicle or property. This mid-level car insurance option provides cover against the most common risks you face when on or off the road, but is designed to be more affordable than fully comprehensive car insurance.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Third\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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Third party only car insurance<\/h4>\n

Third party car insurance is the most basic policy you can get, and it only covers you for a collision or accident that damages someone else\u2019s vehicle or property. While it has historically been the most affordable level of car insurance on the market, this isn\u2019t always the case.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Third\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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Car warranty insurance<\/h4>\n

A third-party warranty can cover the cost of repairing your car if it suffers from a mechanical breakdown or electrical failure. Some will even cover you for wear and tear. If you\u2019re looking at taking out a car warranty policy, we explain what types of repairs a car warranty will cover you for and look at whether a policy like this is good value for money.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Car\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div><\/div>

Driver types<\/h3>
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Young driver car insurance<\/h4>\n

There\u2019s nothing quite like the feeling of getting behind the wheel for the first time after you\u2019ve passed your driving test. But nothing can slam the brakes on your driving dreams quite like the cost of car insurance.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Older driver car insurance<\/h4>\n

If you class yourself as a safe and experienced driver aged over 50, you should be tapping into some of the cheapest car insurance currently on the market. Car insurance providers are more likely to lower your risk and your premium if you have a long history of safe driving.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Bad credit car insurance<\/h4>\n

A poor credit score can affect more than your ability to borrow money or apply for a credit card in the future \u2013 it might also affect your car insurance premiums or exclude you from some insurers. However, you can still get car insurance with bad credit, you simply might have to do some more research. Below are some options and resources that can get you on the right track.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Convicted driver car insurance<\/h4>\n

Do you have a driving conviction and worry whether insurance providers will offer you the car insurance policy you need? Be it points on your license, driving under the influence or a previous driving ban that\u2019s left a smear on your record, there are insurance options out there.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Vehicle types<\/h3>
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Electric<\/h4>\n

Just like traditional car insurance, electric car insurance is calculated based on a number of factors based on the car, the driver and the risk they pose on the road.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Imported<\/h4>\n

Nowadays, it can be relatively easy to buy a car overseas and have it brought back to the UK. Whilst registering your new imported car with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and paying tax and VAT can be straight forward, getting it insured can be another matter entirely.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Sports<\/h4>\n

Read our guide to discover why sports car insurance can often be pricey but how you might be able to save on the premiums for your speedy pride and joy.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Modified<\/h4>\n

Certain changes such as installing a body kit or having tinted windows fitted can lead to insurance premiums increasing while other changes such as fitting an alarm or parking sensors can mean premiums actually fall. If you still crave that turbocharged engine but are worried about expensive insurance, find out how you might still be able to save money on your premiums.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Classic<\/h4>\n

Classic car insurance can provide your car with the specialist protection it needs. What\u2019s more, the insurance premiums can be competitive, leaving you with more money to spend elsewhere. Read our guide to discover how classic car insurance works, and if it\u2019s worth getting classic cover over traditional car insurance.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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4x4<\/h4>\n

If you own a 4\u00d74, you may be used to shelling out a whole heap to keep it running, but should you also expect to pay a hefty amount to protect it? If you want to cut costs without cutting cover, you do have options.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Specialist<\/h4>\n

Specialist car insurers will provide cover for drivers and their cars that wouldn\u2019t necessarily be able to obtain standard car insurance. While some popular insurance companies might offer a number of specialist car insurance policies, other policies may only be offered by companies that deal solely in specialist insurance.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Specialist\"\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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American<\/h4>\n

If you have your heart set on an exciting and iconic American imported car, one of the trade-offs is likely to be a hefty insurance bill. If you consider it a price worth paying for the thrill of driving an American classic, make sure that your policy has all of the features you need.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"American\"\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div><\/div>

Optional extras<\/h3>
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Optional extras<\/h4>\n

No matter whether you own a big luxury SUV or a zippy little hatch, car insurance is a crucial cost to consider before hitting the road. But as well as the standard cover provided by your comprehensive car insurance policy, there are several optional extras you can take out to provide increased cover for your set of wheels.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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No claims bonus<\/h4>\n

Making an insurance claim is sometimes necessary to cover the costs of damages or injuries after an accident. But did you know that the longer you go without making a claim, the more likely it becomes that you\u2019re eligible for discounts on your insurance costs? Read on to find out how these kinds of discounts work, and how you can use them to get the best value on your car insurance.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"No\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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Child seat<\/h4>\n

If you have young children, you will probably have the requisite car seat so they can travel safely on car journeys. But did you know that if you have a bump in your car, you should really replace all child car seats in case they\u2019ve been damaged or weakened as a result of the impact? Don\u2019t be left out of pocket if you do have to replace child seats<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Child\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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Personal accident<\/h4>\n

If you sustain significant injuries, or worse, prematurely die as a result of an accident, will you and your loved ones receive any compensation? You may think that personal accident cover will be included in your car insurance. However, that\u2019s not always the case. Here\u2019s what we think you should know about personal accident cov<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Personal\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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Legal expenses<\/h4>\n

To avoid being left out of pocket in such an event, you may consider legal expenses cover, which could provide you with financial protection against these legal costs. Although forget about any guarantees. Read our guide to discover what is typically covered by legal assistance and the pros and cons of getting it added to your car insurance policy.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Legal\n <\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>
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Key cover<\/h4>\n

Losing your car keys is both stressful and frustrating, and can also be quite expensive. Modern electronic key fobs are a whole lot more costly to replace than traditional keys, so a simple bout of forgetfulness could cost more than you think.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Windscreen repair<\/h4>\n

Windscreen cover protects you in the unfortunate event that your windscreen gets damaged and needs repairing or replacing. With most policies, you won\u2019t have to pay for small chip repairs but with some you may have to pay a small excess fee. If your windscreen needs a full replacement, you are likely to have to pay an excess, which can vary in cost across different providers.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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European cover<\/h4>\n

Each year millions of Brits drive over to Europe for their holidays. If you\u2019re planning on hitting the continental roads, we walk you through getting extra temporary European car insurance cover for anyone who\u2019ll be borrowing or sharing a car on their trip.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Insurance groups 1 \u2013 50<\/h3>