Comprehensive Car Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is the highest level of cover you can get for your vehicle, and for good reason. Unlike third-party only or third-party, fire and theft policies, comprehensive insurance covers your car against virtually every risk on the road, from accidents, theft, hijacking, and fire to hail damage and even windscreen cracks, regardless of who is at fault. It also covers damage you may cause to another person's vehicle or property, so you're covered on all sides. Beyond the basics, comprehensive policies often offer valuable extras such as roadside assistance, car hire while your vehicle is being repaired, and cover for your personal belongings inside the car. If your vehicle is your lifeline, getting you to work, fetching the kids, or running your business, comprehensive insurance gives you the confidence to drive knowing that whatever happens, you won't be left out of pocket. At Auto and General, we make comprehensive cover accessible and affordable, so you never have to compromise on cover.

In an insurance claim, the first party is you (the policyholder) and the second party is your insurer, in this case Auto and General. The third party is anyone else involved in the incident who is not part of your insurance contract. This is typically the other driver or property owner who has suffered damage or loss as a result of an accident you may have caused. For example, if you reverse into another person's car in a parking lot, that other person is the third party and can claim against your policy for the cost of their repairs. Understanding who the third party is helps you know exactly how your cover works and what to expect when a claim is lodged, either by you or against you.

How does a third-party claim work?
A third-party claim is when someone else (the third party) claims against your insurance policy because you were responsible for causing damage to their vehicle or property. When an incident occurs, you would report the claim to Auto and General, and our claims team will assess the details, including who was at fault. If you are found to be liable, your policy will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the third party's vehicle or property, so you don't have to pay out of your own pocket. Similarly, if another driver damages your car and they are at fault, you can lodge a third-party claim against their insurer to recover your costs. At Auto and General, our dedicated claims team guides you through every step of the process, making what can feel like a stressful situation as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Getting car insurance online is quick and easy. Simply visit the Auto and General website, enter a few details about yourself and your vehicle, such as your ID number, car make and model, and where you park overnight and you'll receive a quote in just minutes. If you're happy with the cover and the premium, you can accept the quote and finalise your policy right there and then, without any paperwork. Your policy documents will be sent straight to your inbox, so you're covered from the moment you say yes. It's insurance made simple on your terms, in your time.

Yes, you absolutely can. If you currently have a third-party only or third-party, fire and theft policy and feel you need a higher level of cover, upgrading to comprehensive insurance is a straightforward process. Simply get in touch with Auto and General, and one of our consultants will walk you through your options, adjust your cover, and provide you with an updated premium, all without the need to cancel your existing policy and start from scratch. Your new comprehensive cover can take effect almost immediately, so there's no gap in cover. As your circumstances change, whether you've bought a newer car, moved to a different area, or simply want greater peace of mind, it makes sense to ensure your level of cover keeps up. At Auto and General, we make upgrading easy, so you always have the right cover for where you are in life.

No, comprehensive car insurance does not cover engine failure or mechanical breakdowns. Comprehensive cover is designed to cover your vehicle against sudden, unforeseen events such as accidents, theft, hijacking, fire, and hail damage, not against wear and tear or the gradual deterioration of mechanical components like your engine, gearbox, or clutch. Engine failure typically falls under a motor warranty or mechanical breakdown extension, which is a separate product specifically designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing mechanical and electrical components that fail due to a defect or breakdown. If you want complete peace of mind for both on-road incidents and under-the-bonnet surprises, it's worth pairing your comprehensive insurance with a motor warranty to ensure you're fully covered on all fronts. At Auto and General, we can help you find the right combination of products to keep you covered, no matter what the road or your engine throws at you.