In the UK there are three main types of insurance cover - comprehensive, third party fire and theft and third party only.

Third party only (TPO) car insurance is the bare minimum level of car insurance required in the UK. This coverage basically protects third parties (drivers or pedestrians) if you cause injure to them, or cause damage to their property (normally a vehicle).

As the name suggests there is no protection for fire or theft with this cover and therefore it is normally purchased by drivers on a tight budget or with a low value car.

A Third party only (TPO) policy covers you for:

• Liability for injuring other people (including passengers)
• Liability for damage to property (third party thus not your own)
• Liability arising from using a caravan / trailer, while attached to your car
• Liability of passengers for accidents caused by them

Third party fire and theft (TPFT) coverage is the same as TPO but with the some extra coverages. This protection offers the fire and theft cover in addition to the legal requirement of third party insurance.

The fire and theft cover will include an excess (commonly £100) which is payable in the event of making a claim. Should your car be stolen or damaged due to theft or attempted theft you are able to make a claim. However, you will need to report the theft to the police.

Fire claims often occur directly as a result of theft but sometimes from vandalism or mechanical breakdown.

The extra coverages that come with TPFT normally include:

• Coverage for fire, lightning, explosion, theft, attempted theft, taking without consent
• Coverage for accessories
• Towing

Comprehensive coverage (fully comp) includes the same level of protection as Third party fire and theft (TPFT) but in addition includes protection for things such as accidental damage your car sustains.

For example, if you were to have an accident that was your fault on Third Party insurance your car would not be covered by the car insurance and would not be repaired. With Fully Comprehensive insurance your car is covered in case of accidental damage on your part.

Accidental damage is that done to the insured's vehicle including malicious damage, and windscreen damage. Some insurance providers’ comprehensive policies also include extra coverage things such as personal accident cover, European driving cover and courtesy cars.

The ability to drive other cars is an extension that can be found on some policies as well.

Many comprehensive car insurance policies also come with added extras such as windscreen cover and the ability to drive other cars, although you should never assume that you have these additions, always check with your auto insurance broker / agent.

So the exact coverage a Fully Comprehensive (also known as fully comp or comp) policy has attached to it can differ depending upon what specific coverages an insurance company will offer. In general Comprehensive coverage will include the coverages that TPFT have plus extra coverages and benefits of:

• Coverage for storm, flood, vandalism, malicious damage, accidental damage
• Variable excesses dependent on choice and/or age of the driver
• Medical expenses cover*
• Person effects cover*
• Death or injury cover*

*insurers’ terms and conditions typically apply

It is important that you understand clearly the restrictions that apply to this or any type of motor vehicle coverage that you purchase. You should refer to your policy documents for these or speak to an agent if you have questions if the policy you have or intend to buy will include coverage of your personal effects or items and a rental / courtesy car while your car gets repaired.

To get a UK car insurance quote for TPO, TPFT or Comprehensive- click here.