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What is comprehensive car insurance? Comprehensive car insurance offers extensive protection against damages. From natural disasters to theft, comprehensive insurance provides coverage for a myriad of situations that can lead to significant damage to your vehicle.
Understanding comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive car insurance cover is an optional part of car insurance that covers damage to your car caused by incidents. For instance, if your vehicle is damaged due to theft, fire, hail, or an encounter with an animal, comprehensive insurance steps in to cover the costs.
What does a comprehensive car insurance policy cover
Cover for loss or damage to your car caused by accidental or malicious damage, fire, theft or attempted theft, or vandalism
Damage to glass
If your vehicle is involved in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, any excess you have to pay will be refunded*
*Make sure to check your policy documents as terms and conditions will apply
Comprehensive car insurance things to know
Loss or damage resulting from incorrectly maintaining or fuelling the car can be covered depending on the policy
There is no cover for theft if the keys are left in or on the car while it is left unattended
Driving other cars cover only applies if shown on your certificate of motor insurance and typically allows you to drive someone else’s car under specific conditions. This usually includes having the owner’s permission and ensuring the vehicle is insured.
Types of car insurance cover
When it comes to car insurance, there are several types of cover to choose from. The main types of car insurance cover are:
Comprehensive car insurance: This is the highest level of cover and provides protection against accidental damage, theft, fire, and vandalism. It ensures that you are covered for a wide range of incidents, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Third-party, fire and theft insurance: This type of cover provides protection against third-party damage, fire, and theft, but does not cover damage to your own car. It’s a step up from basic third-party insurance, offering additional protection without the full benefits of comprehensive cover.
Third-party insurance: This is the minimum level of cover required by law and provides protection against third-party damage, but does not cover damage to your own car. It’s the most basic form of car insurance, ensuring you meet legal requirements while offering limited protection.
Comprehensive insurance coverage
The coverage offered by comprehensive insurance is extensive, safeguarding you from numerous unexpected incidents. The following are some of the situations where comprehensive coverage can come into play:
Theft of the vehicle
Vandalism
Damage from fire
Weather-related damages, including floods and hail
Animal-related damages, such as hitting a deer
Car insurance considerations
Car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers. Your premium will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, driving history, and the type of car you’re insuring. If you’re ready to explore your car insurance options, get a quote with Budget insurance!
Budget’s comprehensive car insurance features and benefits :
Total excess
Courtesy car cover
Drive other vehicles*
Windscreen cover
Uninsured driver promise
Medical expenses
Emergency transport
Personal belongings cover
Child seat cover
Replacement locks
Audio equipment cover
Personal accident benefits
*If applicable. Check your policy documents for more information.
Advantages and disadvantages
This type of coverage goes beyond the basic third party insurance and provides a wide range of advantages that can give you peace of mind on the road.
One of the main advantages is that it covers damages to your car caused by accidents, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Whether you accidentally hit a pole, have your car stolen, or your windshield gets shattered by a hailstorm, a comprehensive car insurance policy will have you covered. This means that you won’t have to worry about the financial burden of repairing or replacing your vehicle in case of unforeseen events.
Another advantage of comprehensive car insurance is that it includes coverage for personal belongings inside your vehicle. So if your laptop or other valuable items are stolen from your car, you can file a claim and get reimbursed for their value*. Without comprehensive insurance, you would be left to cover the expenses yourself.
Comprehensive car insurance offers numerous advantages that go beyond basic liability coverage. From protecting against damages caused by accidents or theft to providing coverage for personal belongings and medical expenses, this type of insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection in various situations.
*Cover is limited per policy
How much does comprehensive car insurance cost?
Car insurance premiums are influenced by various factors such as your driving history, the make and model of your vehicle, and the chosen excess amount. Several factors can influence the cost of your comprehensive insurance premium.
Generally, if you choose a higher excess, your insurance cost could be lower, and vice versa. While it’s difficult to provide an exact figure without knowing these details, it’s important to note that comprehensive car insurance tends to be more expensive than basic insurance options.
Comprehensive cover
Comprehensive car insurance provides valuable protection against a range of non-collision events that can cause significant damage to your vehicle. While it’s an optional coverage, it can be particularly beneficial if you live in a high-risk area or if your vehicle is new or high-value. Remember to weigh the potential repair costs against the premium and excess amounts before deciding on comprehensive coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get comprehensive cover as a new driver?
As a new driver, it is absolutely possible for you to get comprehensive car insurance. In fact, comprehensive car insurance is highly recommended, especially for new drivers who are still getting used to the roads.
While it may come at a slightly higher cost compared to basic coverage, the benefits, such as covering damage to your vehicle and third-party property, are well worth it.
So, whether you’re a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, comprehensive car insurance is a smart choice to protect yourself and your vehicle.
Does comprehensive mean you can drive any car?
Comprehensive car insurance is a type of coverage that protects you against a wide range of risks, such as theft, vandalism, and damage caused by natural disasters. However, it does not necessarily mean that you can drive any car without any restrictions.
Most comprehensive car insurance policies only cover the specific vehicle that is listed on the policy. If you want to drive another car that is not insured under your policy, you may need to add it as an additional vehicle or obtain a separate policy for that specific car.
Some policies may allow you to drive someone else’s car under certain conditions, such as having the owner’s permission and ensuring that the car is already insured. The ability to drive someone else’s car with their permission while being insured on your own car is only covered by third-party cover. Therefore, any damage that you cause to the vehicle will not be covered.
Can my car insurance provider cancel my car insurance policy?
Yes, it is possible for your car insurance company to cancel your car insurance policy. While it may not happen often, there are certain circumstances that can lead to the cancellation of your policy. For example, if you fail to pay your premiums on time, your insurance provider may choose to cancel your policy.
Additionally, if you provide false or misleading information on your application, your insurer may have grounds to cancel your coverage. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand what actions could potentially result in cancellation.
What is breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover is a type of optional insurance that provides assistance when your vehicle breaks down. It is designed to give you peace of mind and protect you from unexpected expenses that can arise from being stranded on the side of the road.
When you have breakdown cover, you can call a helpline and a trained professional will be dispatched to your location to help get your vehicle back on the road. This can include anything from jump-starting a dead battery to towing your car to a nearby garage for repairs. Breakdown cover is essential for anyone who relies on their vehicle and wants to avoid the stress and inconvenience of being stranded.