Comprehensive car insurance, also known as ‘fully comp,’ 'comprehensive cover' or 'fully comprehensive car insurance', is the top level of private car insurance you can get. If you have comprehensive car insurance and are involved in an accident, you are covered for damage caused to both your own vehicle and other parties, even if you are at fault. It also covers you for theft and fire damage. 

There are lower levels of insurance available too, including third party only. Third party, fire theft are intermediate options, with third party fire and theft covering fire damage and theft in addition to third party liability. However, here at its4women, we provide Comprehensive cover to. 

A key benefit of comprehensive car insurance is the broader protection it offers compared to lower levels of cover. 

What's the difference between fully comprehensive and third-party only? 

Third-party only is generally the lowest allowable level of insurance you can get. This type of third party cover protects against damage or injury to other parties, including their vehicles and property, but does not pay for damage to your own car. 

Comprehensive car insurance, on the other hand, will pay for damage to your car as well as to other parties involved in an accident. 

With its4women, some comprehensive car insurance policies include a ‘Driving Other Cars Extension’ that provides third party only cover in the event of an emergency for the policyholder to drive another private car which they do not own or have not hired or leased. Other terms and conditions may apply. Some policies also include party cover and party fire as part of their coverage options. 

What does its4women comprehensive car insurance cover? 

While a typical comprehensive car insurance policy will cover damage to your vehicle, as well as third-party property, in the event of an accident, some policies can vary a lot in terms of the additional cover they include. Comprehensive car insurance can also include benefits such as medical expenses, personal accident cover, personal belongings cover and legal costs, including representation at a coroner's inquest. 

At its4women we offer two comprehensive car insurance products to suit your needs, Premier and Telematics. The main differences are outlined below. Customers may benefit from features like a no claims discount, no claims discount protection, replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged beyond economical repair, malicious damage, vandalism, theft or attempted theft. Our policies may go the extra mile by offering additional benefits such as audio/in-car entertainment equipment, replacement locks, foreign travel and fire brigade charges. Comprehensive car insurance policies are subject to acceptance criteria, restrictions, and may vary depending on the age of the policyholder. Policies can be purchased directly and may include coverage for travel within the European Union.

Please view our Policy Document for full details of cover.

Limits will apply. Please refer to your policy booklet.

What does a comprehensive policy NOT COVER?

While comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of cover, there are a few things not covered. Exclusions are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, and may depend on the specific subject or circumstances outlined in your insurance agreement. Here’s a round up of what is not included:

1. The death of or bodily injury to any person driving the insured car, or in charge of it for the purpose of driving it.

2. Any accident, injury, loss, damage or liability which happens if any vehicle shown in the insurance certificate is, at the time of the accident, being driven or used other than as allowed under the terms of the insurance certificate.

3. Damage or liability arising from war or terrorism.

4. If the insured person has cover for the liability under another policy.

5. Loss of use, wear and tear, mechanical, electrical or electronic breakdown, damage to tyres by braking, punctures, cuts or bursts.

6. Loss of or damage to the insured car where the driver of your car is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or in breach of licence conditions.

7. Any loss of or damage to the car, which does not arise from an accidental, sudden or unforeseen cause.

8. Any loss or damage resulting from actions that are against the law, such as driving under the influence, are not covered.

Policyholders should be aware of the risks not covered by their policy, as the insurer will not be paying for losses arising from these excluded events.

Is comprehensive insurance more expensive than other policy types?

It may seem logical that a lower level of cover would cost less, however this is often not the case. The amount you end up paying for comprehensive insurance may be less than expected. Policies can be purchased easily online, and comparing the market can help you find the best deal. You can check this out further by getting a car insurance quote.

Customising Your Comprehensive Policy

Comprehensive car insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—there are plenty of ways to tailor your comprehensive cover to suit your lifestyle and driving needs. Many providers offer a range of features and benefits that you can add to your policy for extra protection and peace of mind. Popular options include breakdown assistance, which ensures help is at hand if your car lets you down, and windscreen cover, which takes care of repairs or replacements for chipped or cracked glass. You might also consider courtesy car cover, so you can stay on the road even if your own vehicle is being repaired after an accident. Optional extras such as protected no claims bonus can be added to further enhance your protection.

When customising your comprehensive car insurance cover, it’s important to review the full details of your policy and understand exactly what is covered. Every provider and policy is different, so take the time to discuss your needs and preferences with your insurance provider. By selecting the right features and benefits, you can create a comprehensive car insurance package that gives you the best protection for your car and complete peace of mind every time you drive.

Understanding the Claims Process

If you ever need to make a claim on your comprehensive car insurance, knowing what to expect can make the process much smoother. In the event of an accident, theft, or any other covered event, your first step should be to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Be ready to provide detailed information about what happened, including any relevant documentation or evidence.

Your provider will guide you through the next steps, which may include assessing the damage to your car, arranging repairs, or handling third-party claims. Comprehensive car insurance policies are designed to cover a wide range of incidents, from accidental damage and fire to theft and third-party liability. To avoid any surprises, always refer to your policy booklet for the specific terms and conditions of your comprehensive car insurance cover. Understanding the claims process helps ensure that, if the unexpected happens, your claim is handled quickly and efficiently, getting you back on the road with minimal hassle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Comprehensive Car Insurance

Choosing the right comprehensive car insurance is about more than just picking a policy—it’s about making sure you’re fully protected when you need it most. One common mistake is not reading your policy document carefully, which can lead to confusion about what is and isn’t covered. Always take the time to review your comprehensive car insurance cover so you know exactly what protection you have.

Another pitfall is failing to provide accurate information about your vehicle or your driving history. Inaccurate details can invalidate your policy and may result in a claim being denied. It’s also wise to shop around and compare comprehensive car insurance quotes to ensure you’re getting the best price and coverage for your needs. Lastly, avoid underinsuring your vehicle—if your car is worth more than your policy covers, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can enjoy the full benefits of your comprehensive car insurance and drive with confidence.