What is comprehensive car insurance?

Fully comprehensive car insurance provides you with the highest level of protection. Comprehensive car insurance even covers you for damage and costs to your own car or person if you were at fault in an accident.

Often referred to as ‘fully comp’, comprehensive car insurance covers you if your car is stolen, damaged by fire or an accident caused by another.

What does fully comprehensive car insurance cover?

Individual comprehensive car insurance policies will differ, but most will cover the following as standard:

How does fully comp car insurance work?

Fully comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of car insurance you can get to drive on the roads in the UK and gives you the most comprehensive cover.

If you damage someone else’s car in an accident, you’ll be covered for the repairs as well as any medical costs for any third parties. And you’ll be able to claim for your own medical costs and damage to your car, even if the accident was your fault.

You can also claim for your car being stolen or damaged by fire.

Is it worth getting comprehensive car insurance?

You need to have car insurance to legally drive on the road in the UK. However, the level of cover you choose depends on your needs and circumstances. If you want the most comprehensive level of cover for your car, you may decide fully comp insurance is worth it.

How much does comprehensive car insurance cost?

Although you may think fully comp insurance will be more expensive as it provides the highest level of cover, that’s not always the case.

*Based on premiums sold through the car insurance comparison service through Asda Money provided by Vast Visibility Limited for the period 1 January 2025 to 28 February 2025, 51% of customers paid £930.04 pr less for comprehensive car insurance £1354.81 or less for third party fire and theft, and £1053.04 or less for third party only car insurance.

Insurers look at several factors when calculating the cost of comprehensive car insurance, such as:

• Your age: If you’re a young driver, you’re likely to be considered higher risk.
  
  
• Your address: Insurers assess the risk of both the levels of traffic and crime rates where you live.
  
  
• Your car: More powerful cars are generally viewed as riskier.
  
  
• Your job: Jobs that require more time on the road can be viewed as more of a risk for insurers, making premiums higher.
  
  
• Driving history: Previous claims, points on your licence and previous accidents can all increase your risk.
  
  
• Mileage: The more miles you drive in a year and the more time you spend on the road, the greater the chances of you being in an accident.

Why is fully comprehensive car insurance often cheaper than third party?

Insurers base their car insurance quotes on risk, among other factors. Some insurers may feel that drivers who take out third party only car are more likely to make a claim than those with comprehensive insurance, which may explain why third party policies often cost more.

How can I get cheaper comprehensive car insurance?

There are some things you can do to try and lower your car insurance premiums, such as:

• Driving safely: Not making a claim helps prove you’re a safe driver and should help lower your premiums.
  
  
• Taking a Pass Plus advanced driving course: Some insurers (but not all) will reduce the cost of your car insurance premiums if you take this driving course within two years of passing your test.
  
  
• Opting for telematics (black box) insurance: By tracking how you drive and proving you’re a safe driver with telematics, you should get lower premiums when you come to renew your insurance.
  
  
• Driving a safer car: Choosing a car in a lower car insurance group can reduce the cost of your fully comprehensive car insurance.
  
  
• Reducing your mileage: By agreeing to drive less, insurers will likely reduce your premiums as it reduces your chances of being in an accident. Just make sure you provide an accurate estimate, so you don’t invalidate your insurance.
  
  
• Increasing your voluntary excess: If you agree to pay more towards an insurance claim, the cost of your insurance will likely be less. Only choose a figure you’re comfortable paying.

What add-ons are available with fully comprehensive car insurance?

• Courtesy car cover: So that you can get around while your car is being repaired.
  
  
• Breakdown cover: Ensuring your car can be fixed at the side of the road or towed to a local garage if you break down.
  
  
• Motor legal protection: Covering your legal fees if someone makes a claim against you after an accident.
  
  
• Key cover: Helping to pay for a lost or damaged key.
  
  
• Personal accident cover: Offering a level of financial protection following a serious injury or death.