Cover for your possessions
Cars, cats and cameras covered
In addition to protecting the contents of your home, there may be other aspects of your life and belongings that need to be insured, some by law - others for peace of mind. These include your car, your pets and your holidays.
Motor insurance
It's illegal to drive any kind of motor vehicle whether it's a moped, car or lorry, without motor insurance. Some policies will cover the cost of the replacement or repair of your vehicle in the event of a theft or accident, while others will only cover damage you cause to another vehicle in an accident.
There are three types of motor insurance and generally the level of cover has a large bearing on the cost of the policy. These are:
Third party the minimum legal requirement covering you for the cost of injury or damage to someone else or their property, but not your own.
Third party, fire and theft offers the same level of cover as third party, with the addition of covering your vehicle for damage by fire, or theft. It doesn't cover your vehicle for accidental damage.
Comprehensive covers your vehicle for theft or damage caused by fire or accident, as well as any other vehicles or people injured by you.
Most insurance providers will allow you to pay by monthly instalments if this is more affordable to you. You may pay more doing it this way, but it shouldn't be much.
Comprehensive policy benefits vary, so be sure to check what you're getting for your money. Look out for things like courtesy car cover, which will provide a replacement car while yours is being repaired, legal expenses, personal injury and audio cover. Most policies will have an excess. This is what you will have to pay towards any claim you make. Often you will be able to lower your premiums if you agree to a higher excess.
At a glance:
- Legally required if you own any type of motor vehicle
- Choice of three types of cover
- Can often be paid by instalment