Motor insurance is mandatory and it is against the law to drive without it. It is always worth shopping around for the best premium - it’s an annual pastime for most drivers in the UK!!

Insurance companies tend to offer tempting deals for one year then to substantially increase their premiums for the 2^nd and 3^rd years making them less competitive. They often rely on the inertia of the motorist to renew their policies with them.

Click here for a list of some UK Motor Insurance Companies and Brokers.

Drivers from overseas.

Many UK direct insurance companies will refuse to consider drivers who do not have a UK driving licence. However, The Relocation Bureau can help you to obtain a free of charge quote from our motor insurance broker. Click here to get a quote.  

The cost of insuring your car is determined by many criteria: -

The size and performance – a 1000cc runabout will cost less than a BMW or Porsche. Cars are classified into groups from 1 to 20 for insurance purposes, the higher the group the higher the premium. 

A typical family saloon will be classified between groups 6 and 12 depending on, for instance, engine performance and desirability (by thieves as well). Different insurance companies will have the same model in a different group so shop around.

Your driving history – taken into consideration are your age and experience, accidents, speeding fines, drink-driving convictions and any other driving convictions.

Where you live and whether your car is garaged overnight.

How many are miles are driven each year.

Extras such as No Claims Discount protection, legal protection and the cost of renting a car in the event of damage or theft.

Insurance Cover

There are 3 levels of cover: -

Third Party only – this is the minimum level that legally you must have and will only pay for damage to a third party’s vehicle, not your own.

Third Party, Fire and Theft – in addition to third party this also covers you for fire damage, theft of your car and, if it is recovered after being stolen, any damage done.

Full Comprehensive – this will cover the full cost of repairs to a third party’s vehicle and to your own up to the market value of your car. You may have to pay the first £100, or any other policy excess agreed with the insurance company, of any claim.

Insurance premiums are high for first time drivers but insurance companies offer ‘No Claims Discounts’ to encourage safe driving.

These discounts range from 30% after one year up to 65% or even 70% after 5 years.

Any claims during this first 5-year period will cause your discount to be reduced to the level of 2 years earlier.

No Claims Discount Protection. Once the full discount has been achieved you can pay a slightly higher premium to protect it in the event of a subsequent claim. Normally 2 claims in a 3 or 5-year period are allowed before your discount is affected.

Accidents must be reported to your insurance company as soon as possible.

If another vehicle is involved your names, addresses and insurance details must be exchanged.

It is an offence not to stop. In the event of personal injury to any party the police will need to be involved.

Most insurance companies insist that you do not admit liability even if an accident was clearly your fault. They will handle the claim with the 3^rd party’s insurance company on your behalf.

Theft and Vandalism. You must report theft or vandalism to the police as soon as possible after you discover it. The police will give you a reference number that the insurance company will need.

Further information on breakdowns and accidents can be found in the Highway Code. Clients can obtain copies of the Highway Code from The Relocation Bureau.

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