Car Insurance

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Why Compare Car Insurance Quotes?

How To Compare Car Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote.co.uk

You can compare quotes from 130+ UK insurers in minutes using the online comparison tool.

Enter your details

Fill in one form with your car registration, driving licence details, annual mileage, and claims history.

Compare your quotes

The tool returns prices from multiple car insurance companies side by side. You can filter by cover level and sort by price.

Check policy details

Do not just pick the cheapest quote. Check the excess (both compulsory and voluntary), confirm the cover level matches your needs, and read what is excluded.

Buy online

Once you have chosen a policy, you can buy directly online. All quotes are provided through FCA-regulated providers.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?

The average UK car insurance premium was £551 per year in Q3 2025, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). That was 10% lower than the same quarter in 2024, when premiums peaked at around £635.

What you actually pay depends heavily on your age, location, car, and driving history. The table below shows how premiums vary by age group.

What is the average cost by age group?

Age Group Average Annual Cost (£) Average Monthly Cost (£)
18-24 £1,251.00 £104.25
25-34 £890.00 £74.17
35-44 £745.00 £62.08
45-65 £498.13 £40.76
65+ £423.13 £35.28

Figures are based on ABI market data and Quotezone comparison quotes. Your actual price will depend on your individual circumstances.

How have premiums changed?

UK car insurance premiums rose sharply during 2023 and peaked in early 2024 at an average of around £635. Since then, prices have fallen steadily.

The ABI reported a 10% year-on-year drop in Q3 2025, and young driver premiums fell from over £2,100 at their peak to around £1,121. Comparing quotes now is worth doing before the next renewal cycle pushes them back up.

How does the cost vary by cover level?

Comprehensive cover is often cheaper than third-party only because insurers associate third-party policies with higher-risk drivers. TPFT typically falls between the two.

Tip

Always compare all three levels when getting quotes. The cheapest option may not be the one you expect.

Young drivers pay the most because they have less experience behind the wheel. For a detailed look at what under-25s can expect to pay, see how much does young driver insurance cost.

 

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What Affects The Price Of Car Insurance?

Insurers calculate your premium based on how likely you are to make a claim and how much that claim would cost.
For a full breakdown of how providers set your price, read how is car insurance calculated.

Your age and driving experience

Younger drivers with less time on the road pay significantly more. Premiums drop steadily as you gain experience and build a claims-free track record.

Your car’s insurance group

Every car sits in one of 50 insurance groups. Smaller, lower-powered cars in groups 1–10 cost the least to insure.

See which car insurance group is cheapest if you are choosing a new car.

Where you live

Postcodes with higher crime rates or more road traffic accidents attract higher premiums. Urban areas typically cost more than rural ones.

Your driving record

A clean licence with no claims keeps your premium low. Points, convictions, or past claims push it up.

Annual mileage

The more you drive, the greater the chance of an incident. Reducing your declared mileage can bring your premium down, but be accurate or you could invalidate your policy.

Your voluntary excess.

Agreeing to pay a higher excess per claim reduces your premium. Make sure you can afford it if you do need to claim.

Your job title

Your occupation affects your premium because insurers use it as a proxy for risk. Some job titles cost significantly more than others.

See which job titles are cheapest and most expensive for car insurance.

What Are The Three Levels Of Car Insurance?

UK law requires at least third-party insurance under the Road Traffic Act 1988. There are three levels to choose from.

Third-party only

The minimum cover required by UK law. Third-party insurance pays for damage to other people’s vehicles, property, and injuries, but nothing for your own car.

Third-party, fire and theft

Everything in third-party only, plus cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. See third-party, fire and theft insurance for a full breakdown.

Fully comprehensive

The widest cover available. Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your own car as well as third-party damage, regardless of who caused the accident.

Tip

Comprehensive cover is not always the most expensive option. Insurers know that experienced, low-risk drivers tend to choose comprehensive policies, so it can be cheaper than third-party only for many motorists.

 

What each level covers

Feature Third-party only TPFT Fully Comp
Damage to other vehicles and property
Injury to other people
Fire damage to your car
Theft of your car
Accidental damage to your own car
Windscreen repair or replacement
Courtesy car while yours is repaired
Personal belongings in the car

*Courtesy car and personal belongings cover vary by insurer and are not included on every comprehensive policy.

Important

*51% of consumers could save £518.14 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from June 2025 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance
supplier.

What Does Car Insurance Cover?

What your policy covers depends on the level you choose, but all car insurance policies in the UK must cover third-party liability as a legal minimum.

What is included as standard?

Every policy covers compensation for injuries to other people and damage to their property caused by your driving. TPFT and comprehensive policies add fire and theft protection.

Comprehensive cover also pays for repairs or replacement after an accident regardless of fault, plus windscreen damage and (on most policies) a courtesy car while yours is being repaired.

What are the use classes?

Every car insurance policy includes a use class that defines how you can use your vehicle. Getting this wrong can invalidate your cover.

Social, domestic and pleasure

Covers everyday driving such as shopping, visiting friends, and leisure trips, but not commuting.

Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting

Adds cover for driving to and from a single permanent place of work or study.

Business use

Covers driving for work purposes beyond the commute, such as visiting clients or travelling between sites.

See business car insurance for details on what business use policies include.

 

What is not covered?

Car insurance does not cover mechanical breakdowns, wear and tear, or driving under the influence.

Using your car for purposes not declared on your policy (such as business use without the right cover) can also invalidate a claim. Modifications that have not been declared to your insurer are another common exclusion.

What Types Of Car Insurance Are Available?

Different drivers have different needs. Whether you have just passed your test, drive for work, or own a
classic car, there is a policy designed for your situation.

By driver

Young driver insurance
is tailored for drivers under 25, where premiums are highest.

Learner driver insurance
provides short-term policies for learners practising before their test.

Older driver insurance
Cover for over 50s, over 60s, over 70s, and over 80s suits drivers who often benefit from lower premiums.

Convicted driver insurance
is specialist cover for drivers with points or convictions on their licence.

Student car insurance
offers budget-friendly options for full-time students who need cover during term time.

Unemployed driver insurance
covers drivers not currently in employment, where premiums can vary by insurer.

Disabled driver insurance
covers drivers with medical conditions or disabilities who may use adapted vehicles.

By cover type

Black box insurance
uses telematics to reward safe driving with lower premiums.

No black box insurance
gives you standard policies without telematics tracking.

Temporary car insurance
provides flexible short-term cover from a few hours to a few months.

No deposit car insurance
lets you pay monthly with no large upfront cost.

Multi-car insurance
covers multiple vehicles at the same address on one policy, often at a discount.

Named driver insurance
is tailored for drivers under 25, where premiums are highest.

Business car insurance
is designed for vehicles used for work beyond the daily commute.

Some providers sell direct only, so checking insurers not on comparison sites separately can uncover cheaper deals.

By vehicle

Electric car insurance
and hybrid car insurance include specialist cover for battery damage and charging equipment.

Classic car insurance
offers agreed-value policies for vintage and classic vehicles.

Modified car insurance
covers vehicles with aftermarket modifications that standard policies may exclude.

4×4 insurance
covers larger vehicles where repair costs and theft rates can push premiums higher.

Sports car insurance
covers high-performance vehicles where expensive parts and increased theft risk push premiums up.

Imported car insurance
covers vehicles imported from abroad, where non-standard parts and higher repair costs can affect premiums.

Need cover for a different vehicle? See van insurance or taxi insurance.

What Add-Ons Should You Consider?

Most policies let you bolt on extra cover for risks that are not included as standard. Not all add-ons are worth paying for, but several can save you money in the long run.

Breakdown cover

Includes roadside assistance, home start, and national recovery if your car breaks down.

Motor legal protection

Covers solicitor fees if you need to recover uninsured losses after an accident, typically up to £100,000.

Courtesy car

A replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired, often included with comprehensive policies as standard.

No-claims discount protection

Keeps your no-claims bonus intact even if you make a claim.

Excess protection

Reimburses your excess if you make a claim, so you are not left out of pocket for the first portion of any repair bill.

Key cover

Pays for replacement keys if they are lost, stolen, or damaged, which can cost several hundred pounds on modern vehicles.

GAP insurance

Covers the shortfall between your car’s market value at the time of a write-off and the amount you originally paid or still owe on finance.

European cover

Extends your policy to cover driving abroad, typically for up to 90 days per year.

Driving other cars (DOC)

Provides third-party cover when driving a car that is not your own, but check your policy as this is rarely included automatically

Windscreen cover

Pays for windscreen repair or replacement, usually without affecting your no-claims discount.

Personal accident cover

Pays a lump sum if you or your passengers are seriously injured or killed in a car accident.

Wrong fuel cover

Covers the cost of draining, flushing, and repairing your engine if you accidentally fill up with the wrong fuel type.

How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance

You do not have to accept the first quote you see. There are several practical steps that can bring down the cost.

Compare quotes every year

Always compare before renewing. Your renewal price is almost always higher than a fresh quote from the same insurer, and switching can save hundreds.

Pay annually instead of monthly

Annual payments are almost always cheaper. Monthly instalments include interest that can add 15–20% to the total cost.

See monthly vs annual car insurance for a full comparison.

Increase your voluntary excess

A higher excess reduces your premium, but make sure you can afford to pay it if you need to claim.

Reduce your mileage

Lower annual mileage means a lower premium. Be accurate when you declare it, because understating your mileage could invalidate your policy.

Improve your car’s security

An approved alarm, immobiliser, or tracking device can lower your premium by reducing the risk of theft. Parking in a garage or on a driveway rather than the street also helps.

Choose a car in a lower insurance group

Cars in lower groups cost less to insure. If you are choosing your next car, check which car insurance group is cheapest before you buy.

Build your no-claims discount

Every claim-free year adds to your discount. Five or more years of no claims can reduce your premium by up to 70%.

Buy 21–28 days before renewal

Research consistently shows that buying 21–28 days before your renewal date gets the best prices. Leaving it to the last day or auto-renewing almost always costs more.

For more ways to cut costs, read 10 tips to lower your car insurance premium.

How To Make A Claim On Your Car Insurance

If you are involved in an accident or your car is damaged or stolen, contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Report the incident

Call your insurer’s claims line and provide the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. Most insurers have 24-hour claims lines.

Gather evidence

Take photos of the damage from multiple angles. Note the other driver’s name, registration, and insurance details. Collect any witness contact details and, if the police attended, record the incident reference number.

Wait for assessment

Your insurer may send an assessor or approved repairer to inspect the damage and agree the cost of repairs.

Receive your settlement

Your insurer will either arrange repairs, reimburse you, or (if the car is written off) pay out the market value minus your excess.

Making a claim will usually affect your no-claims discount unless you have NCD protection. A fault claim can increase your premium at the next renewal.

What Do You Need To Get A Car Insurance Quote?

Having the right details to hand speeds up the process and helps you get an accurate price.

Your vehicle details

You will need your car’s registration number (or its make, model, and year of manufacture). The comparison tool uses this to look up your car’s insurance group, value, and security features.

Your driving licence

Have your licence type (full or provisional), the date you passed your test, and any penalty points or convictions from the last five years.

Your claims history

Insurers ask about claims from the last five years. Know the dates, fault status, and amounts. A clean record earns a no-claims discount that can cut your premium significantly.

Your annual mileage

Estimate how many miles you drive per year. Be as accurate as possible, because overstating wastes money and understating could invalidate your cover.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is car insurance a legal requirement in the UK?

Yes, under the Road Traffic Act 1988 you must have at least third-party insurance to drive or keep a vehicle on a public road. Driving without insurance can result in a £300 fixed penalty and six points on your licence.

Is it cheaper to pay car insurance monthly or annually?

Annual payments are almost always cheaper. Monthly instalments include interest, which typically adds 15–20% to the total cost over the year.

How much is car insurance for a 17-year-old?

Drivers aged 17–24 pay an average of around £1,121 per year according to ABI data. The exact price depends on the car, location, and whether telematics cover is used.

Does comprehensive car insurance cost more than third-party?

Not always. Comprehensive cover is often cheaper because insurers associate third-party-only policies with higher-risk drivers who are more likely to claim.

What is a no-claims discount?

A reduction in your premium for every consecutive year you do not make a claim. Five or more claim-free years can reduce your premium by up to 70%.

Can I drive someone else’s car on my insurance?

Some comprehensive policies include third-party cover for driving other cars, but this is not automatic. Check your policy wording before assuming you are covered.

How long does an accident stay on my insurance record?

Most insurers ask about claims from the last five years, and fault claims typically affect your premium for three to five years. Read our full guide on how long an accident stays on your record.

When should I renew my car insurance?

Start comparing quotes around three to four weeks before your renewal date. Research shows that buying 21–28 days early gets the best prices.

What is fronting?

Fronting is when an older, more experienced driver is named as the main driver on a policy when a younger driver actually uses the car most. It is illegal and can void your policy entirely.

Can I insure a car I do not own?

Yes, you can take out a policy on a car registered to someone else as long as you have the owner’s permission and declare accurately who the registered keeper is.

Can I tax a car without insurance?

No, you need valid insurance before you can tax a vehicle. If your car is not insured and not taxed, you must declare a SORN or face a fine.

What happens if my car is written off?

Your insurer pays out the market value at the time of the write-off, minus your excess. If you owe more on finance than the car is worth, GAP insurance covers the difference.

How do I switch car insurance mid-policy?

You can cancel your existing policy at any time and start a new one, but most insurers charge a cancellation fee. Check your policy documents for the exact terms.

What is the Motor Insurance Database?

A central record of every insured vehicle in the UK, maintained by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The police and DVLA use it to identify uninsured vehicles automatically.

What happens if I am caught driving without insurance?

You face a £300 fixed penalty and six points, or an unlimited fine and a driving ban if the case goes to court. Your car can also be seized, and you will need impound insurance to get it released.

Do I need car insurance if my car is parked on the road?

Yes, any vehicle kept on a public road must be insured even if it is not being driven. The only exception is if you have declared a SORN and the car is kept off the road.

Does my car insurance cover me to drive abroad?

Most UK policies provide the minimum legal cover in EU countries, but only at third-party level. You can add European cover to extend your full policy abroad.

What is a car insurance excess?

The amount you pay towards a claim before your insurer covers the rest. There are two types: compulsory (set by the insurer) and voluntary (chosen by you).

Can I cancel my car insurance at any time?

Yes, but your insurer will usually charge a cancellation fee and you may only receive a partial refund. Check your policy documents for the exact terms before cancelling.

Chris Richards
Last Updated: 7th May, 2026
Reviewed by: Chris Richards, Insurance Specialist