Each company seems to provide slightly different types of cover but reading through thousands of policy documents is a daunting task. Thankfully there are a growing number of sites that help you compare policies and the prices of the policies without trawling through all the sites yourself. This article aims to guide you through the various types of vehicle insurance that are available on the market.
Breakdown Cover
Breakdown Insurance provides cover for when a vehicle breaks down and requires roadside assistance. It typically covers the costs of having a breakdown mechanic attempt to diagnose and fix the problem by the road at the place where the vehicle broke down. Policies can be supplemented with cover that includes the recovery of passengers and the recovery of the vehicle to any UK address.
Extensive policies can include having the vehicle fixed if there is a problem at home. Some policies cover the cost of onward travel such as train tickets, car hire or accommodation. Breakdown cover typically comes as either for the driver of the vehicle or for the vehicle. Often the individual is covered regardless of whether a breakdown happens in the policy holders vehicle.
Car Insurance
Car Insurance aims to provide financial assurance in the event of a motor accident. The three main types of car insurance are Third Party only (TPO), Third Party Fire and Theft (TPF&T) and Comprehensive (Fully Comp). Third Party Only covers the policy holder against damage they cause to a persons car or a person that they have an accident with. It does not cover the costs of damage to your own vehicle or personal medical expenses. It is the least expensive form of car insurance.
If your vehicle is stolen or catches fire Third Party Only will not cover you. Third party Fire and Theft costs a little more but will cover you for these eventualities. Fully comp insurance will pay out in the event of third party damages, fire and theft and also damage to your own vehicle (even if the accident was your fault).
Classic Car Insurance
Classic car insurance is a good option for drivers aged over 25 years old and vehicles that are more than 15 years old. The coverage generally benefits those that use vehicles infrequently and do under 7500 miles per year. Some insurance companies provide cover for you if you want to take your classic car out on a track.
Bicycle Insurance
Bicycle Insurance covers theft an accidental damage to your bicycle. The policy will typically cover third party liability (damage that you cause to another person or their belongings as a result of an accident). A policy will also cover legal costs and often a legal helpline. Insurance is available on all types of bicycle and can be arranged to cover for your bicycle in Europe.
Motorcycle Insurance
Multi bike policies mean a rider can be insured on as many as four bikes on one policy providing there is only one named rider on the policy. Many policies allow up to four named riders to be insured on a single policy. Coverage for use in Europe is usually an optional extra as is European breakdown cover.
Van and Commercial Insurance
Policies can be purchased to cover vans and commercial vehicles that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes. If your vehicle is refrigerated, or if you transport toxic or hazardous goods, you will have to find a policy that clearly states your requirements. Policies generally follow the same rules and regulations as car insurance.
