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Compare cheap car insurance quotes with Money Expert

Cheaper car insurance is only a few clicks away!

Whether your current policy is approaching its renewal date, or you’ve just bought a new car and need cover so you can drive it, you could save yourself up to £535* by comparing car insurance policies with Money Expert.

1. Tell us about you and your car

We’ll need some basic personal information, as well as details on the make, model, and age of your car.

2. Tell us what type of cover you need

Let us know what type of policy you’re after, and provide some detail about how you use your car.

3. Choose the right policy

We’ll show you a bespoke list of policies, generated based on your requirements. All you need to do is pick the one that’s right for you.

Do I need car insurance?

Yes. Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. You must have at least third party cover to drive on public roads. This applies from the moment you pass your test, and it applies to learner drivers too.

Driving without insurance is a serious offence. The penalties are significant.


Penalties for driving without insurance

  • A £300 fixed penalty notice and 6 penalty points on your licence if dealt with out of court.

  • If the case goes to court: an unlimited fine and a possible driving ban.

  • Your vehicle can be seized and destroyed by the police.

Penalty figures sourced from GOV.UK: Penalties for uninsured driving.


When you do not need car insurance

There are two narrow exceptions. If your car has a valid Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) and is kept off public roads, you do not need insurance. The same applies if your car has been scrapped, stolen or exported and you have notified the DVLA.

Outside of those exceptions, you need cover. Comparing now takes minutes and removes the risk entirely.


What level of car insurance do I need?

  • Comprehensive
  • Third party, fire & theft
  • Third party only

Comprehensive

What is comprehensive car insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance (or “fully comp”) is the highest level of cover available and in most cases will protect you whether you are at fault or not. Comprehensive car insurance provides protection if your car is damaged or written off, if your vehicle is stolen or catches fire, as well as covering any medical expenses.

Clauses within Comprehensive car insurance policies can often be quite different, so you should always check what is covered by before you buy.

Who is comprehensive car insurance for?

Comprehensive car insurance policies are suitable for most drivers and almost always offer the best value for money. Always check what each insurance provider actually includes in their fully comprehensive policies.

Find out more: Fully comprehensive car insurance

Key features of Comprehensive car insurance

Highest level of cover available.

Usually the cheapest insurance available to drivers.

Covers damage if you're involved in an accident, theft, medical expenses, fire damage, and theft of your vehicle.

Third party, fire & theft

What is third party, fire and theft insurance?

Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) is a level of car insurance that covers the cost of damage to another person, their vehicle, or their property if you're found at fault for causing it.

If you're involved in an incident and found responsible, you won't be covered for repairs to your own car or for your own medical bills. You will, however, be covered if your car is stolen, damaged during an attempted theft, or damaged by fire.

Who is TPFT car insurance for?

Not many people, in practice. Third party, fire and theft cover often costs more than fully comprehensive cover while offering less protection, so it's worth comparing it against a comprehensive policy before you decide.

Find out more: Third party, fire and theft cover

Key features of TFPT car insurance

Damage to another person, their property, or vehicle, is covered.

You’ll be covered if your car is stolen or involved in a fire.

Damage to your car and yourself isn’t covered if you are found at fault.

Third party only

What is third party only insurance?

Third party only (TPO) car insurance is the minimum level of cover required to drive your car in the UK legally. Your insurer will pay out if you damage another person’s vehicle or property, but they will not cover any repairs you need to make to your own vehicle.

Who is TPO car insurance for?

The budget-conscious. Third party only cover doesn't offer much protection, but it's often assumed to be the cheapest option available. That isn't always the case, and even when it is, the limited cover can make it a false economy, so it's worth comparing it against higher levels of cover before you buy.

Find out more: Third party car insurance

Key features of TPO car insurance

The minimum legal requirement for driving your car in the UK.

Covers other people’s vehicle or property if you damage them in an accident.

Often the most expensive level of insurance.

How much does car insurance cost?

The price of your cover depends on a number of factors, including the type of cover you choose, your no-claims bonus, and your age and driver profile.

Type of cover

Average premium cost1

Fully comprehensive

£1,124

Third party, fire and theft

£1,947

Third party only

£3,324

1Average annual premium cost based on 443,843 quotes delivered through Money Expert, Aug 2025 - Jul 2026

Average cost by age and experience

Older, more experienced drivers generally pay less. New and young drivers pay the most, because statistically they are more likely to make a claim.


Driver age band

Average annual premium (fully comp)

Monthly equivalent

Newly Qualified Drivers* 17-24

£2,743

£229

Newly Qualified Drivers** 25+

£1,584

£132

17 to 19

£2,648

£221

20 to 24

£2,043

£170

25 to 29

£1,305

£109

30 to 39

£987

£82

40 to 49

£880

£73

50 to 59

£633

£53

60 to 69

£418

£35

70+

£558

£47

*Newly qualified drivers: licence obtained in 2025 or 2026.

**Average annual cost based on 334,005 fully comprehensive quotes delivered through Money Expert, Nov 2025 - Jul 2026.

Figures based on Money Expert quote data [Nov 2025 - Jul 2026]. See dedicated pages for young driver car insurance, car insurance for 17-year-olds, and car insurance for over 50s.


How does the type of cover you choose affect your insurance premiums?

This might seem counterintuitive, but fully comprehensive car insurance policies tend to actually be the cheapest, despite offering the most cover.

We found that fully comprehensive policies cost an average of £1,124 a year, while TPFT comes in at £1,947, and third party-only as high as £3,324.

A key reason for this is that drivers with third party-only cover are more likely to make a claim against their policy.

How to get cheaper car insurance

To get cheaper car insurance, there are several simple steps you can take to improve your chances of being offered a lower quote, whatever car you drive and whatever your driver profile looks like.

Pay upfront, not monthly

Paying annually rather than monthly works out cheaper, as you avoid the interest charged on a monthly finance arrangement.

Drive fewer miles

The fewer miles you drive each year, the lower the risk you pose to insurers, which can reduce the price of your policy. 

Become a named driver on another policy

Being a named driver on someone else's policy is a great way to reduce your car insurance costs. However, named drivers don't build up any no-claims bonus, as the policy isn't in their own name.

Build up your no-claims discount

Every year you go without claiming, your no-claims bonus grows which helps to lower your premiums. 

Increase your voluntary excess

Higher excess on car insurance policies can mean lower premiums. That said, it’s important to ensure you’ll be able to afford the excess in case a claim is made against your policy!

Buy at the right time

Research suggests buying your policy roughly 20 to 26 days before your renewal date can produce cheaper quotes than leaving it to the last minute. Do not auto-renew without checking the market first.

Improve your car’s security

Fitting security devices such as a steering wheel lock or alarm can push your premiums down, as can parking off-road or in a garage overnight.

Get a black-box policy

Installing a black box, or telematics device, can help lower your car insurance premiums, this is especially effective for younger and beginner drivers.  

Choose a car in a lower insurance group

Cars in lower insurance groups cost less to insure. If you are buying a new car, checking the group first can save you money every year.

What does car insurance cover?

Not all policies cover the same things. Use this table to see exactly what each cover level includes, what is optional, and what is not covered at all.

Cover feature

Fully comprehensive

Third party, fire and theft

Third party only

Injury to others

Included

Included

Included

Damage to others' property

Included

Included

Included

Fire damage to your car

Included

Included

No

Theft of your car

Included

Included

No

Accidental damage to your car

Included

No

No

Windscreen cover

Varies

No

No

Courtesy car

Optional

No

No

Personal accident cover

Optional

No

No

Personal belongings

Optional

No

No

Breakdown cover

Optional

Optional

Optional

Motor legal protection

Optional

Optional

Optional

Uninsured driver cover

Varies

No

No

Driving abroad (third party minimum)

Varies

Varies

Varies

Driving other cars (DOC)

Varies

No

No

Note on driving other cars (DOC) cover: Where included, DOC cover is usually restricted to drivers aged 25 and over, excludes certain occupations, and typically provides third party cover only on the other vehicle. Always check your certificate of insurance before driving another car.

Car insurance add-ons explained

Car insurance add-ons are optional extras that can be added to a policy to enhance your cover. Some add-ons will be particularly useful for certain types of driver such as European cover if you regularly drive abroad, while others are helpful for almost anyone, like breakdown cover or roadside recovery.

Car insurance addons cost money, but some can save you money in the long run, so we've outlined some of the most common ones below to help you decide whether they're right for you.

Windscreen cover

Covers the repair of chips or cracks to your car’s windscreen.

Learn more

Breakdown cover

Makes sure you get home, or to the nearest garage, if your car breaks-down.


Learn more

Personal accident cover

Provides compensation if you or a passenger is seriously injured or killed in an accident.


Learn more

Courtesy car

Gives you a temporary replacement car to keep you on the road while yours is being repaired.


Learn more

No claims discount protection

Lets you make a set number of claims each year without affecting your no-claims discount.


Learn more

Lost or stolen keys

Covers the cost of replacing your car keys if they're lost or stolen. 


Learn more

How your driver profile affects the cost of your car insurance premiums

Your driver profile affects the cost of your car insurance premiums because insurers base their prices on certain key facts about you, the driver. Older, more experienced drivers tend to be offered cheaper quotes, for example. Have a look below to find out how these different factors are likely to affect your premiums, and how to find the cheapest quotes for your circumstances.

Younger drivers

Younger drivers, especially under-25s, tend to pay much more for car insurance than older drivers, all else being equal. This is because drivers aged 17 to 29 are statistically far more likely to be involved in road traffic accidents than those aged 30 and over. You're not out of options as a younger driver, though: choosing a telematics policy or adding an experienced named driver can both help bring your costs down. 

Find out more: Car insurance for younger drivers

Older drivers

Car insurance generally gets cheaper as you get older, right up until around the age of 70 to 75. After that, cover can start to get more expensive, as the likelihood of having a medical condition that affects your driving increases. Even so, with tailored options like over-80s car insurance, drivers in this age group can still often secure lower premiums than under-60s, particularly by choosing a policy suited to their specific needs. 

Find out more: Car insurance for older drivers

New drivers

If you’re new to driving altogether, no matter your age, you can expect to pay a bit more for your cover than an experienced driver would. Choosing a smaller, less powerful car for your first set of wheels can be a good way get cheaper car insurance quotes. If you've already bought your car, opting for a policy with limited mileage while you build up experience, and a no-claims bonus, can also help. 

Find out more: Car insurance for new drivers

Disabled drivers

Insurance providers are legally prohibited from charging you more for your cover on the basis of your disability. However, you will likely have particular needs that might not be covered by standard policies, including cover that takes into account any modifications to your vehicle like wheelchair lifts or adapted steering wheels.

Find out more: Car insurance for disabled drivers

Convicted drivers

Car insurance gets a lot more expensive if you’ve got a criminal conviction or points on your license. As a result, it’s all the more important to make sure you get a good overview of what your options are by comparing as many policies as possible.

Find out more: Car insurance for convicted drivers

Specialist policies for professional drivers

If you drive your car for a living, you'll be using it in ways a standard policy might not cover. Your mileage is likely to be much higher than an average driver's, for example, and you may need additional cover in case of injury to your passengers. In these cases, a specialist policy built around how you actually use your car is usually the better option. 

Find out more:

Car insurance for Uber drivers

Car insurance for driving instructors

Why use Money Expert?

Money Expert has been helping customers compare and save since 2003. We offer impartial comparisons across car insurance products, with no fees and no obligation.

Explore other related products with Money Expert:

Multi-car insurance

Car insurance for over 70’s

Car insurance for 17-year olds

Young driver car insurance

How does the type of car affect insurance premiums?

The type of car you want insurance for has a big impact on what you'll pay. Smaller, less powerful cars tend to be cheaper to cover because they're less likely to be involved in accidents, while popular, inexpensive models are also cheaper to insure because replacement parts are easier and cheaper to get hold of.

Some cars have unique requirements that mean you may need a specialist policy: if you drive an electric car, for example, you'll want cover for the batteries and charging cables, and if you've modified your car for performance or accessibility, you'll need to make sure those modifications are insured.

Car insurance groups

Every car is placed into an insurance group based on how expensive it is to cover, the higher the group number, the higher your premiums are likely to be.

Electric car insurance

Electric cars often have unique insurance requirements, with cover needed for components like batteries and charging cables.

Modified car insurance

Modifications to your vehicle generally make your insurance more expensive, especially any that increase its power or value.

Classic car insurance

Classic cars can be trickier to repair because parts are harder to source, which can push your premiums up.

4x4 insurance

If you have a 4x4 that you often take off-road, you may need dedicated green lane cover on top of your regular insurance.

Sports car insurance

Powerful sports cars tend to cost more to insure than smaller vehicles, but there are ways to keep your costs from spiralling.

Imported car insurance

Depending on where you've imported your car from, you may need extra certification before you're allowed to drive it, which can affect the price of your cover.

Petrol vs Diesel

Diesel cars are typically a bit more expensive to buy than petrol cars, and this tends to make them slightly more expensive to insure too.

Why is my car insurance premium so expensive?

Your car insurance costs may have increased because of changes in your personal circumstances. Moving home, getting a new job, or buying a different car can all have a knock-on effect on your premiums. If nothing has changed on your end, the increase may instead be down to inflation, as insurers are finding replacement vehicles and repairs more expensive and passing these costs on to consumers.

It's worth keeping the bigger picture in mind, though. The latest reports indicate that car insurance premiums actually decreased by an average of £56 in 2025 compared with the year before. While costs have fallen from their peak, they remain high by historical standards, making it more important than ever to compare car insurance policies and make sure you're getting the right deal for your needs.

Can I cancel my car insurance policy?

Yes, you're free to cancel your car insurance whenever you need to. What it costs you depends on when you do it.

New policies come with a 14-day cooling-off period, which every insurer is required to offer. Cancel inside that window and you'll generally pay for the days you were actually on cover, and possibly a small admin charge on top.

Leave it later than that and your insurer works out a refund based on how much of the year is left. Walk away six months into a 12-month policy and you'd expect roughly half your premium back, less any fees they apply. Worth knowing: extras like breakdown or legal cover usually can't be refunded once they're up and running, so read your documents before you commit to cancelling.

One catch on renewals. The cooling-off period is a one-time thing tied to taking out a fresh policy, so it doesn't reset each year. The moment a renewal kicks in, you're in a new annual contract and the usual cancellation rules apply from there.

Finally, if you're paying in monthly instalments, hold off on stopping your direct debit until the insurer has confirmed the cancellation in writing. Cut the payments off too soon and it can leave a mark on your credit file.

Car Insurance FAQs

Am I covered by my insurance when driving someone else’s car?

This depends on the type of cover you have. Most types of third party cover only insure you while driving your own car, but that doesn’t mean that every comprehensive car insurance policy will cover you while driving a car that’s not yours. If you need to drive another person’s car, look into getting extra cover as an add-on, taking out temporary car insurance, or becoming a named driver on someone else’s policy.

Can I cancel my existing car insurance policy?

In most circumstances, it is possible to cancel your current policy, but you may incur a fee by doing so. The best time to cancel is usually in the initial cooling-off period or around the time your policy is due to renew. However, if you want to cancel part-way through a contract, it’s best to speak to your provider to find out exactly how this could impact you financially.

How long is my car insurance quote valid for?

The length of time your quote is valid for depends on the provider offering it to you. Most quotes will be valid anywhere between 10 and 60 days, but some may change days after you receive them.

Why was my car insurance claim rejected?

Car insurance claims can be rejected for a wide range of reasons. For example, an insurer could refuse a claim for something not covered under your policy or when it’s not clear whose fault an accident was. Insurers can also reject claims if you’ve done something to invalidate your insurance, such as failed your MOT.

How does a no-claims bonus work?

For every year that you don’t make a claim on your car insurance, your no-claims bonus will apply a discount to your premiums. Keep in mind that every no-claims bonus works differently and some will have a cap on the number of years it will be effective. Depending on how much your no-claims bonus saves you, it can sometimes be better to hold off making a claim for minor incidents.

What are the new car insurance rules and will they affect my premiums?

New pricing rules were introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority in 2022, which means that companies must not charge existing customers more than new customers when their policy renews. This could mean that your premiums won’t increase as much as in previous years, but due to insurance costs rising across the board, it’s still worth using a car insurance comparison service to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your needs.

What is telematics and do I need it?

A telematics device, also known as a black box, can help to lower the cost of your car insurance. The device needs to be installed in your car and will monitor your driving, making sure you’re driving safely and within any agreed-upon limits. If your premiums are higher than you’re comfortable paying, telematics car insurance cover could be worth considering.

How do I make a car insurance claim?

The way you make a claim will vary depending on what’s happened and the process set out by your provider. Generally, you’ll need to:

·        Compile evidence of the car accident or incident that occurred

·        Familiarise yourself with your policy’s terms and conditions

·        Inform your insurer of the events as soon as possible (ideally within a day)

·        Fill in any relevant forms and gather documents so that your claim can be processed

·        Pay any excess charges you’re presented with

How much does car insurance cost?

The cost of car insurance varies from driver to driver. Based on Money Expert quote data, average annual premiums range from £1,124 for fully comprehensive cover to £3,324 for third-party-only cover. How much your car insurance quote comes to depends on a range of factors, including your age, where you live, the type of car you drive, and your claims history. Because no two quotes are the same, the best way to find out how much your car insurance will cost is to compare quotes from multiple providers. 

How can I get cheaper car insurance?

There are several ways to lower your car insurance and reduce the cost of your premiums. To bring your costs down, you could pay annually rather than monthly to avoid interest, increase your voluntary excess if you can afford it, build and protect your no-claims bonus, and consider a black box policy if you're a newer or lower-mileage driver. Avoiding add-ons you're unlikely to use can also help, but the most effective way to lower your car insurance is to compare quotes from a range of providers before you buy or renew.

What is comprehensive car insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of cover available, protecting both you and other people involved in an accident. As well as covering damage to other vehicles and property, comprehensive car insurance typically covers damage to your own car, whether the accident was your fault or not. It typically also includes cover for fire and theft. While it offers the most protection, comprehensive cover isn't always the most expensive option, so it's worth comparing it against lower levels of cover.

What is third party car insurance?

Third party car insurance, also known as third party only, is the minimum level of cover you legally need to drive in the UK. Third party car insurance covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, and their property, but it does not cover any damage to your own car or any injuries you suffer. Because it offers the least protection, it's worth comparing it against higher levels of cover, which can sometimes cost the same or less. 

What is third party fire and theft car insurance?

Third party, fire and theft car insurance is a mid-level of cover that builds on a standard third party policy. As well as covering damage or injury you cause to other people and their property, third party, fire and theft car insurance also protects your own car if it's stolen or damaged by fire. However, it does not cover damage to your own car from an accident, so it's worth weighing it up against comprehensive cover before you decide. 

When does my car insurance run out?

Your car insurance typically runs out at the end of its policy term, which is usually 12 months from the date your cover started. You can find the exact date your car insurance runs out on your policy documents or certificate of insurance. Many insurers will automatically renew your policy before this date unless you tell them otherwise, so it's worth checking your renewal date and comparing quotes in good time to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Can I drive on someone else’s car insurance?

Whether you can drive someone else's car on your insurance depends on the type of policy you have. Some comprehensive policies include "driving other cars" cover, but this is far less common than it used to be and usually only provides third party cover, so you shouldn't assume you're covered. If you need to drive another person's car, it's best to check your policy documents and consider taking out temporary car insurance or becoming a named driver on their policy instead. 

How does a no-claim bonus work?

A no-claims bonus rewards you with a discount on your premium for each year you go without making a claim. The more consecutive claim-free years you build up, the larger that discount can become, though most insurers cap it after a set number of years.

Making a claim usually reduces your no-claims bonus, which can increase what you pay at renewal. You can pay extra to protect it, which lets you make a set number of claims within a period without affecting the discount, though it does not stop your overall premium rising after a claim.

Whether to claim is your decision and depends on the circumstances, including the cost of the damage, your excess, and the effect on your bonus. If you are unsure, your insurer can explain how a claim would affect your specific policy.

What is black box car insurance?

Black box car insurance, also known as telematics, is a type of policy that uses a small device fitted in your car or an app on your phone to monitor how you drive. The black box records things like your speed, mileage, and braking, and rewards safe driving with lower premiums. Black box car insurance can be a good way to reduce costs if you're a newer driver or someone who would otherwise face high premiums.

How much is my car worth?

How much your car is worth depends on factors like its make and model, age, mileage, condition, and service history. The easiest way to find out how much your car is worth is to use Motorway’s free online car valuation tool, which estimates its current market value based on these details. Knowing your car's value is useful when arranging insurance, as it helps you choose the right level of cover and makes sure you'd be paid out a fair amount if your car were written off or stolen. 

Car insurance guides and resources

Have a specific question? Our extensive catalogue of car insurance guides is here to help, answering your queries and giving you the knowledge to fully understand the policy you're looking at. 

Car Insurance Groups 1,2,3,4,5 Explained

A guide to Cat S car insurance

Named driver insurance rules

Cant remember your car insurance company?

When is the best time to renew car insurance?

*51% of consumers could save £535.17 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 May 2026 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.