Driving on the open road requires that you are financially and legally protected in the event of an accident.  This form of protection obviously comes as an insurance policy.  As these programmes can cost a substantial amount of money each year, knowing which one best suits your needs is quite important.  We will attempt to take the guesswork out of the picture by quickly listing and describing the most common packages currently on the market so that you will be able to make an informed decision.

Third-Party Liability

This is the most basic type of insurance package and it is absolutely necessary if you wish to be legally compliant.  Third-party liability will provide you with a specific level of coverage if you happen to be involved in an accident.  As the title suggests, this plan is primarily intended to pay the other party or parties in the event that damage has been done to their property or they require medical treatment.  Coverage levels will vary depending upon the provider.

We should point out that while this level of coverage is legally acceptable, it only represents the bare minimum.  Serious accidents that result in tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage therefore might not be completely covered.  This is why it is often better to choose a more robust package.

Comprehensive Third Party

This is the next step up from basic liability, as it provides you with a greater level of coverage as well as additional stipulations such as fire and theft.  The majority of drivers tend to prefer these plans and they are also very useful if you utilise your vehicle for work purposes.   While the premiums are higher, the legal protection could be well worth the extra investment.

Comprehensive Third Party, Fire and Theft

This is the most detailed bundle and it therefore provides you with superior levels of protection.  All of the situations mentioned above are covered and you will likely be able to add additional features into the plan (such as glass and breakdown coverage) if needed.  It might also be possible to include other family members within this plan for slightly reduced rated.  This is obviously beneficial if you have younger drivers under your supervision.

Choosing the Best Car Insurance Policy

Price is obviously a concern but never forget that you get what you pay for.  The bare minimum might not be enough to guarantee complete legal and financial protection.  Here are some other questions to ask your provider:

• Will you be provided with reduced rates if you pay in a lump sum?
• Can a defensive driving course lower your premiums?
• What occurs in the event of a late payment?
• Can you cancel the policy early without needing to pay a penalty fee?

Car insurance policies come in all shapes and sizes, so be sure to take these variables into account.  It is also wise to speak with a number of different dealers if you hope to encounter the most amenable rates.