Car Insurance

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Car Insurance

What is car insurance?

Having car insurance ensures you are covered financially if the worst were to happen to your car. Such incidents could involve damage from an accident, theft, vandalisation and fire damage. Car insurance means you won't have to dig into your pocket to pay for potentially huge repair or replacement costs.

Car insurance is a legal requirement for cars driving on public roads. You will be heavily penalised if you are found to be driving without insurance. The minimum level of coverage you must legally have is third-party car insurance. Third-party insurance covers the damage to another person's car, for example, in a collision accident, but provides limited cover for your vehicle.

Quotes from over 110 top UK insurance providers

How much does car insurance cost?

Car insurance is either made up of an annual or monthly premium. Annual premiums are paid in a single lump sum when a policy is purchased; monthly premiums require a deposit and a monthly direct debit. Many factors come into play that will affect the cost of your car insurance. It needn't cost the earth when you take the time to compare premiums.

Why compare?

Compare Car Insurance Quotes in the UK

When looking for insurance on your new car, you want as much coverage as possible for the lowest price. Therefore, it is vital to compare UK insurance providers to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. Comparing car insurance at Insuro couldn’t be easier, and you’ll be saving money and driving away in no time. Understandably, car insurance comparisons can be complex, so we’ve compiled this guide to provide information in an easy-to-understand way, dispelling any industry myths.

Car Insurance in 2025

Looking at 2025, the landscape of car insurance, often called auto insurance in North America, has evolved significantly, introducing various benefits and dispelling many myths that once permeated the industry.

One notable advancement is using digital calculators that provide quick policy estimates, making it easier to find the cheapest options. These tools allow customers to compare a comprehensive list of insurance offerings daily and hourly and highlight the potential for significant cost savings, ensuring they receive the most current information possible.

Combined Policies

The introduction of tailored packages that combine home and car insurance has also gained traction, offering substantial savings and simplifying the management of multiple policies, such as home and car insurance or multi-car. This holistic approach to insurance provides significant savings and simplifies the management of various policies, making it particularly beneficial for those looking to streamline their expenses and paperwork. Additionally, searches for no-deposit and low-deposit insurance plans, which do not exist as products, have become more widespread. These searches appeal to young drivers and those with limited cash flow, who might find traditional payment structures prohibitive.

EV Insurance

Electric vehicles (EVs) have also impacted insurance trends significantly. With the rise in EV ownership, insurers have adapted by offering plans specifically designed for electric cars, considering their unique maintenance and repair costs. Moreover, the duration of insurance policies has seen more flexibility, with 6-month plans becoming more common, providing a perfect balance between short-term commitments and year-long contracts.

Locational relevance

For Northern Ireland (NI), where insurance premiums have historically been higher, there has been a concerted effort to align costs more closely with those of mainland UK, especially at renewal times. This adjustment has been a welcome change for NI residents, fostering a more equitable insurance landscape across the UK.

Our Top Tips for Comparing Car Insurance

Using comparison sites to save money on car insurance can sometimes be an overwhelming and confusing experience. Here at Insuro, we have streamlined the process to help you get a quote quickly. Find below some top tips when comparing car insurance policies in 2025 through the Insuro website:

Summary

In summary, these considerations provide a holistic overview of car insurance offerings and aid in informing and converting website visitors into customers. Conversely, insurers might emphasise various elements depending on their unique selling propositions and target demographics.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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Different types of car insurance provide various levels of coverage, and the premiums for each will vary depending on the additional coverage they offer. It is essential to consider your cover needs when selecting a type of car insurance.

Third-Party Car Insurance Comparison

Third-party insurance is the lowest level of coverage a driver in the UK can have, but not necessarily in terms of cost. It only covers damage incurred to other drivers and their cars in the event of an accident. Also, third-party insurance coverage will not cover repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Third-Party, Fire and Theft Car Insurance Comparison

Third-party, fire and theft insurance includes all third-party insurance and cars stolen or damaged by fire. Importantly, this level of insurance does not cover the costs of damage to your vehicle in an accident.

Fully Comprehensive Car Insurance Comparison

Fully comprehensive car insurance provides the highest overall level of coverage. Also, it is fully comprehensive, includes coverage from all other policy types and physically protects the driver. For example, fully comprehensive car insurance coverage could cover medical treatment and legal costs. Despite offering the highest level of coverage, this type of insurance can often be very affordable. Compare fully comprehensive insurance with Insuro to see how much you can save.

You can choose from various options to avoid being insured in the long term, as insurance choices depend on individual circumstances. It is essential to ensure you are covered by the correct insurance when temporarily driving a vehicle.

Short-Term Cover

Short-term insurance coverage is a temporary form of car insurance that will cover the driver for a brief period of the agreed time. Typically, this can be between 24 hours and a month. This type of cover is an option for those who need to borrow or temporarily share a vehicle.

Use Abroad Cover

Using a car outside of the UK requires a different level of coverage from standard insurance. Ensure you have the appropriate type of cover for the country you will be driving in. This option suits those taking the car abroad on a family holiday.

Excess Protection Coverage

"Protection of excess" cover will maintain the level of excess you would have to pay, even after claiming your insurance. "Protection of excess" will ensure you aren't paying higher amounts if you get into an accident.

Black Box Cover

Telematics, or 'Black Box' cover, partly allows your premium to be determined by how you drive. A black box in your vehicle will measure how you drive your car and determine how likely you are to make an insurance claim. The black box cover is perfect for new or younger drivers looking to bring down their insurance premiums.

Multiple Car Coverage

Multiple car insurance coverage can insure several cars and vehicles at a single address. Insuring several cars under a multi-insurance policy is much cheaper than insuring them individually. Multi-car insurance is an option for households that want to save money by insuring their vehicles under one policy.

Insurance will vary depending on your car type and any moderations it has had. Certain types of cars will be more expensive to insure than others. Consider this before buying your car; whether it will be affordable in the long run is essential.

Standard Car Insurance

Regarding insurance, providers consider a car less than 15 years old a "standard car." Standard cars are the easiest and cheapest vehicles to insure. Compare standard car insurance through Insuro for an instant quote.

Imported Car Insurance

You can purchase imported cars worldwide and bring them to your home in the UK. However, they tend to be more expensive to insure. Import car insurance is due to a need for UK car specifications, making it harder for insurers to assess. Getting an imported car insurance quote before purchase is essential to determine affordability.

Sports Car Insurance

Sports cars can be a desirable option for buyers. Unfortunately, they can also be attractive to thieves. Sports cars are far more likely to be stolen than standard cars. Drivers of sports cars may also drive these vehicles faster than traditional cars, which increases risk. These factors combined lead to a higher and more expensive insurance premium.

Electric Car Insurance

Electric cars have become popular over recent years, and their environmentally conscious approach to travel has a massive appeal to the broader market. However, it is worth remembering that electric vehicles can be costly to insure. A high premium could be due to the technology involved in their creation, which can be expensive to repair if damaged.

Modified Car Insurance

Recently, cars have become more accessible for modifying personal tastes and preferences. However, a car's performance and aesthetic modifications can increase your insurance premiums, which can be higher because specific improvements and changes can put your vehicle at more risk of a claim.

A myriad of factors affect the cost of car insurance premiums. It is essential to consider these factors before buying a vehicle. Ensure that your car is affordable and that you can cover the insurance cost.

Making a Claim

Once you have claimed your car insurance, your premium will increase. Insurers increase premiums because they consider you a greater risk, and your history shows you are more likely to make a claim. On the other hand, not making claims and maintaining a no-claims discount will bring your annual premium down.

Age

A driver's age plays a massive part in how expensive their car insurance will be. Older drivers tend to pay far less than younger and new drivers because they are considered more experienced and less likely to take risks on the road. Therefore, they pose less of a liability. Insurers expect brand-new drivers to have exceedingly high premiums, which will decrease as you get older and make fewer claims.

Profession

Insurers also consider a driver's profession when assessing an insurance policy. They view some jobs as riskier than others, making those individuals more likely to file a claim. The safer your job is perceived, the lower your premium will be.

The amount you drive.

Those who spend more time on the road are more likely to pay higher insurance premiums. You are more likely to be involved in an accident than those with lower mileage. Things like commuting to work on public transport instead of driving will help to bring your mileage down and, therefore, your premium.

Location

Where you live and how you keep your car affects this insurance cost. Areas that have seen lower insurance claims mean your vehicle, too, will feel that benefit. Alternatively, if you live in an area that experiences high claims, you'll likely pay more for insurance. Premiums will also be affected whether you have the security of a driver or garage to park your car overnight instead of street parking. This is considered more of a theft risk and will increase your insurance.

Criminal Convictions

If you have had past criminal convictions, your insurance is likely higher. Commonly, this is on your licence for things such as speeding. This deems you a higher risk to the car insurance company, so you will be expected to pay more.

Additional Drivers

Adding someone as an additional driver can decrease your overall premium when sharing a car. It is worth noting that this will only positively affect your policy if the other named driver is deemed "experienced" and maintains a no-claims discount.

Alongside your standard insurance policy, you can buy additional cover to protect yourself from specific situations that would otherwise require you to pay out-of-pocket to resolve. Consider your circumstances and if these other covers apply to you.

Courtesy Car Cover

Courtesy car cover means you will be provided with a car by your insurance company when you need it. For example, if you have your vehicle in the workshop for repairs due to damage. This cover ensures you are never left without a car and cannot make journeys.

Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover assists when your car breaks down or won't start. This means a mechanic will be sent to assess you, allowing you to continue your journey. This would otherwise have to be sourced at a potentially higher cost.

Non-Claims Protection

No-claims protection ensures that you can maintain your discount even when you have to make a claim. A no-claims bonus helps decrease the cost of your yearly premium. Without this cover, you could lose years of a built-up no-claims discount if you have to make a claim.

Personal Belongings Cover

The personal belongings coverage will compensate you for any belongings stolen from your car. Funding these replacements could prove very costly, especially if you have a lot of electronic equipment in the vehicle.

Car Keys Cover

Car keys cover the cost of lost car keys, and they will pay for replacement keys, key reprogramming, and stolen keys. Once again, this is costly to fund from your pocket.

Windscreen Cover

The windscreen cover protects your car's windscreen from damage, such as chips and cracks. It also allows you to claim repairs and replace the windshield when accidents happen.

Personal Accident Cover

Personal accident cover could provide compensation in terms of physical injury. For example, an insurance company would give you and your next of kin a balance if you are hurt or killed in a car accident. This is a reasonable precaution to avoid costly medical bills, and you plan to ensure your family will always be cared for.

Wrong Fuel Cover

A wrong fuel cover can compensate when you use an incorrect fuel type for your vehicle at a fuel station—for example, mistakenly filling a petrol-fueled car with diesel fuel. This coverage covers the costs of draining your petrol tank, getting it cleaner, and any repairs needed.

Legal protection cover means that your costs will be covered if you are injured in a car accident and need to take legal action. For example, if you are involved or injured in an accident that was not your fault, legal protection cover would assist with funding your legal expenses. These costs could be astronomical if they are self-funded.

Running a car can be costly enough, so it's always essential to decrease the cost of car insurance where possible. Luckily, there are several ways to do this. The best way to find the cheapest car insurance deal is by using comparison sites like Insuro.

Pay a Lump Sum Annually

It is more cost-effective to pay your annual premium lump sum at the start of a policy than to pay monthly by direct debit. These monthly payments incur an interest fee, making your premium more expensive. Pay your premium lump sum to decrease the overall cost if it is affordable.

Non-Claims Discount

Building up a no-claims discount will help to consistently bring down the cost of your car insurance each year. A no-claims deal is a benefit of always not making any insurance claims. It suggests you are a dependable driver with less risk and, therefore, can be charged less. The bigger your no-claims discount (the number of years without a claim), the cheaper your insurance will be.

Do your Research Before Buying a Car

Researching the overall running costs of a new car before committing to buying it is vital. Research includes fuel costs and, of course, insurance costs. Consider your circumstances and how they may affect your premiums. For example, a younger person may be able to afford monthly payments on a new car, but can they also afford the higher insurance costs?

Installing a Black Box

Installing telematics or a "Black Box" in your car is one of the easiest ways to reduce your premium costs. High premiums are particularly true for new or young drivers who can't take advantage of a no-claims discount. This device monitors your driving, and your premium will decrease if you drive safely throughout the year. However, there is also the possibility it could increase if you have been driving recklessly. You can install Black Boxes yourself, which come at no extra cost. Some insurance companies may send out engineers to fit it in the vehicle for you, typically free.

Raise your Voluntary Excess

By increasing the amount you would pay towards a claim, you, in turn, can lower your premium. Voluntary excess is higher because the insurance companies know they will have to pay less in case of a claim. However, you must ensure you can then spend this excess.

You first need to compare car insurance to get the best car insurance. What is best for one person isn't necessarily always best for another. Your version of the best car insurance might work for your vehicle but does not apply to another vehicle or driver. As such, you need to ensure that you find the best car insurance for you by searching based on your specific criteria.

Car insurance comparison websites often have the cheapest car insurance available online. Comparing car insurance quotes on many car comparison websites will likely help you find the best deal. Sure, car insurance comparison websites have better arrangements with car insurance than others. Due to these arrangements, this may mean that in some instances, quotes come out more expensive for one car insurance comparison. In contrast, for a different type of car and a different driver, it may come out cheaper on another.

There isn't just the single best car insurance provider in the UK. What is best for one person will be different from another. Define what is best for you and then compare car insurance to car insurance online.

Each car insurance comparison website is different. There are many factors to consider when insuring drivers, so each insurance provider looks at various aspects. Additionally, comparison websites may have deals with a particular set of insurance providers, giving them preferential car insurance coverage rates. There is no single website that will provide the cheapest car insurance for everyone. Each website and provider will have a particular niche where they provide the cheapest car insurance.

Compare car insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best rates for you. Sometimes, it's best to add other drivers to your policy. Sometimes, changing the mileage may also impact policy. There are a variety of ways in which you can affect your quote when you compare car insurance.

You can compare car insurance for a car you do not own online, but you must ensure that you input factually correct information. You cannot take out a policy on a vehicle you do not own, but you may be able to take out a policy ahead of time, knowing that you will own the car.

Comparing cheap car insurance online is likely the best way to find the right one. Only then can you know what the best car insurance is for you. Instead, it would be best if you took the time to research the best car insurance for you.

Starting your journey with a comparison engine could be the best way to get cheap car insurance quotes. However, no car insurance comparison website guarantees the most affordable quote, as this is impossible.

Getting car insurance requires having a car. Although you don’t necessarily need to own the car, you must be listed as a named driver on the policy. Insurance can be obtained even if you don’t own the vehicle, but to arrange payment, you must either own the vehicle or be present with the car’s owner during the purchasing process.

To insure a car, you must first take out a policy with a car insurance provider. You can compare car insurance policies online with a car insurance comparison website. The insurance comparison website will not provide you with the insurance but will provide you with the information necessary to decide which car insurance to use. Car insurance comparison websites will enable you to compare car insurance from multiple providers and then redirect you to a car insurance provider to complete the journey.

The next step is to look on the DVLA website. You can use this service to check the details about a vehicle, including:

  • Vehicle Tax - the current rate and when it expires.
  • SORN status.
  • When its MOT expires.
  • The date it was first registered.
  • Last logbook (V5C) issue date.
  • Year of manufacture.
  • Type approval category.
  • The weight.
  • Engine size.
  • Fuel type.
  • Emissions - CO2, absolute driving emissions level and European status.
  • Export status.

Additionally, you can use 'askMID' to check if your vehicle is insured before looking to compare.

The UK’s cheapest car insurance company can vary depending on several factors, including a driver’s age, location, driving history, and more.

There is no definitive 'cheapest' company, as the needs of each individual can vary.

The list is a random assortment of insurance companies, and is not a recommendation and we do not specifically advocate for any business listed.

  • Admiral: One of the largest car insurance providers in the UK, Admiral offers competitive rates and a range of coverage options, including multi-car discounts.
  • Direct Line: Known for not appearing on comparison websites, Direct Line often has promotions and may offer competitive direct rates.
  • Aviva: A major player in the UK insurance market, Aviva offers a variety of insurance products and often offers online discounts.
  • Churchill: A well-recognised brand, Churchill has been known to offer comprehensive coverage at competitive rates.
  • LV (Liverpool Victoria): They have a strong reputation and are recognised for their customer service and competitive pricing.
  • Hastings Direct: An insurer known for its competitive pricing, especially for younger drivers.
  • Tesco Bank Car Insurance: Leveraging its brand, Tesco offers car insurance that’s sometimes more affordable for its club card members.
  • More Than: They offer various types of coverage and sometimes have promotional rates.
  • Esure: Known for its comprehensive coverage options at competitive rates.
  • Sheilas’ Wheels: Initially aimed at women drivers, this company now offers car insurance to everyone, with some competitive pricing.

The best car insurance companies will depend on individual circumstances, so we always recommend comparing quotes from several companies.

When comparing premiums, consider coverage options, deductibles, and policy limits before purchasing insurance.

The 21-day rule is a nuanced concept in car insurance that can significantly impact the pricing of your policy. This rule outlines the best time to purchase your car insurance, roughly three weeks – or 21 days – before the start date. Studies have shown that insurers view customers who secure their insurance ahead of time as lower risk, which often results in more favourable rates.

The driving force behind the 21-day rule is that insurers offer better rates to drivers who appear organised and manage their insurance needs ahead of time. So, by applying the 21-day rule to your insurance search, you can avoid the higher prices imposed on last-minute buyers. To do this, make sure that you start shopping around for car insurance around 3 weeks before your renewal date.

The team at Money Saving Expert analysed more than 70 million insurance quotes across the major comparison sites in the UK to assess this rule. They found that the average quote made on the day of renewal was £504 more expensive than quotes offered 23 days prior.

Even with a spotless driving history, you might find your car insurance premiums surprisingly high. It’s no secret that insurers use many factors to gauge the price of policies, so even if you have a clean driving license, these variables can cause your insurance to increase. Some of the main things that affect your policy premiums include the following:

Your Location

Where you live will affect your insurance policy, as insurers look at the likelihood of car theft or vandalism based on regions and postcodes. So, if you live in a rural setting with low crime statistics, your policy will be cheaper than living in the heart of a city centre with high crime rates. Some insurers will also increase your premium based on where your car is stored overnight, as having it in a secure parking garage is deemed lower risk than on a busy street.

Who You Are

Insurers will factor many personal variables into your policy price, too. The most common example is age—younger drivers are expected to pay more due to the higher risk associated with their inexperience on the road. Other variables, such as your occupation, will also affect the price of your policy. For example, if you work in a job that requires regular driving, you can expect your premiums to rise as you are deemed higher risk.

Marital Status

Even your marital status will have some bearing on the cost of your car insurance policy. Insurers weigh married couples more favourably than single people, believing that married people are less likely to make expensive claims. As a result, being married can bring the cost of your insurance down.

Home Ownership

In some cases, owning a home can reduce your car insurance cost. Insurers view homeowners as more financially stable and risk-averse, leading to lower premiums. You can also bundle your home and car insurance together, which could be a good way to keep your insurance premiums low.

Your Vehicle

Another major factor in insurance premiums is the type of car you drive. If something goes wrong, more expensive cars and modified vehicles will cost more to repair and replace. As a result, insurers will charge more for policies than cheaper vehicle models. That said, many high-end cars have excellent safety and anti-theft features, which can lower your insurance cost.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get a better deal for your car insurance if you have a clean record. For example, switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle can drop your premiums significantly, as can installing telematics in your car.

If you want to switch insurance providers, you must let your previous insurer know that you won’t renew. Failure to do so may cause your policy to automatically renew, which can cause you a headache because you’ll need to cancel it. If you miss the 14-day cooling-off period, you might have to stick with that policy for the entire year or risk cancellation fees.

So, to avoid any of this hassle, make sure that you let your previous insurer know that you’ll be going elsewhere for your car insurance. You must contact them directly to inform them that you do not wish to renew. You can do this in writing, online or by calling them directly. Just make sure you do this before the 14-day cooling-off period lapses.

Finding the “sweet spot” for purchasing car insurance is key to maximising your savings and securing the best coverage. The sweet spot in car insurance is the optimal period during which you can buy or renew your insurance to take advantage of the best rates offered by insurers. This period is often identified as a time when insurers perceive buyers as being more conscientious and less risky, leading to more competitive pricing.

Research indicates that the sweet spot for purchasing car insurance is typically 21 to 30 days before the policy’s renewal or start date, which ties in nicely with the 21-day rule. During this window, insurers are likely to offer more attractive rates to secure committed and organised customers who don’t rush at the last minute.

To capitalise on the sweet spot, begin by setting reminders for when your current policy is due to expire and start shopping around three to four weeks in advance. Use comparison websites to get multiple quotes quickly, and don’t hesitate to switch insurers if you find a significantly better rate.

According to Statista, drivers aged between 17 and 24 in the UK have consistently faced the highest average premium costs for car insurance.

  • Between the second quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2020, drivers in this age bracket were charged an average premium of over £1,000.

 

Conversely, drivers between 65 and 79 tend to experience the most affordable car insurance premiums.

  • Statista reports that, during the same period, this age group was charged an average premium of under £500.

Always note that exact premium prices can fluctuate due to many factors and might differ between individual insurance providers.

A black box, or telematics device, can reduce car insurance premiums by 10% to 30%, depending on your driving behaviour and the insurer. Here's how it works:

How Black Box Discounts Work

  • Initial Discount: Many insurers offer an upfront reduction, typically around 10%, just for installing the device.
  • Further Savings: If the device records safe driving habits (e.g., smooth braking, steady speeds, and low mileage), you could see additional reductions at renewal, potentially up to 30%.

Key Factors Influencing Savings

  1. Driving Habits: Safer driving leads to greater discounts. High-risk behaviours, like speeding or harsh braking, might reduce potential savings.
  2. Mileage: If you drive less than average, you’re likely to save more.
  3. Time of Driving: Avoiding late-night driving, particularly between 11 PM and 5 AM, can help lower premiums.

Who Benefits Most?

  • Young/New Drivers: As high-risk drivers, they often see the biggest savings, sometimes halving their insurance costs.
  • Low-Mileage Drivers: Those who don’t drive often are rewarded for reduced risk.

Potential Downsides

While black boxes can lead to savings, some drivers dislike the monitoring and restrictions, such as curfews or penalties for risky driving.

For the best results, compare black box insurance policies and ensure the savings outweigh the limitations.

Please note: Insuro is not responsible for the results provided by Seopa Ltd. Any information provided on this website is not advice.

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