- Car insurance quotes

What is car insurance?

Motor insurance is a type of insurance policy that consumers can purchase for cars, motorbikes, vans and other motor vehicles. It covers the consumer against the cost of repairing a vehicle following an accident; purchasing a new vehicle following theft or damage; and against any liability claims. Owning or driving any motor vehicle means taking risks for yourself and others; motor insurance is therefore compulsory in the UK.

Most car insurance companies offer three types of insurance: third party only (TPO); third party, fire and theft (TPFT); and comprehensive car insurance. Third party only cover insures against accidental damage to a third party vehicle, injury to third parties and liability to passengers in the policyholder's car. Third party, fire and theft normally includes all the benefits of third party only with the addition of cover for fire, lightning, explosion, theft, attempted theft and taking without consent. Fully comprehensive car insurance covers against accidental damage to a third party vehicle and to the policyholder's car, injury to third parties and liability to passengers in the policyholder's car. There are many cheap motor insurance providers in the UK, however make sure that you choose a policy not because you get a cheap quote but because it's right for you.

Car insurance - A legal requirement

Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. As an absolute minimum before venturing on to the road, you are required by law to have car insurance to cover your potential liability to other road users. Car insurance entered the field of law in 1930 when legislation was introduced requiring every person using a motor vehicle on the road in the UK, or permitting others to use that vehicle, to be insured against damage by causing personal injuries to third parties.

Car crime facts

1. Crimes involving vehicles make up 19% of all recorded crime in England and Wales

2. 64% of car crime in the UK happens when vehicles are parked close to the owner's residence.

3. Nearly 1.7 million vehicle-related thefts were recorded in last year.

4. Having security equipment on your car - especially an immobiliser - makes your vehicle more than ten times safer than a car with no security equipment.

5. 20% of all recorded crimes are vehicle related

These depressing facts all add up to a compelling argument for buying comprehensive insurance for your car, which for many owners is one of their most important assets and is certainly one of the most vulnerable to crime.

Motor vehicle accidents are frequent and your insurance is designed to protect you from their financial costs. If you cause a collision while driving uninsured, you will not only have to cope with the costs of damage to your car but you can be held legally responsible for the cost of providing care and compensation to any others injured or for any property you damaged.

After your home, your vehicle is probably your most expensive purchase. Damage caused by or done to it could be financially crippling, so not only is it a legal requirement but insurance offers you peace of mind that should an accident occur you are protected.