Everything you need to know about car insurance quotes

Kicking off your search with a handful of car insurance quotes can make all the difference in safeguarding your vehicle effectively.

Whether you’re venturing into car insurance for the first time or contemplating an update to your current coverage, this guide intends to clarify the process for you. It covers everything from obtaining your first quote to comparing several options and selecting the most suitable policy.

Ready to start? Let’s jump in. 

A car insurance quote gives you a ballpark figure of what you're likely to pay for your policy. These quotes aren't set in stone; rather, they're a solid indicator of your potential insurance premium based on the specifics you provide about yourself and your vehicle. 

The more accurate and comprehensive the information you share, the clearer and more reliable your quote will be.

It's important to remember that a quote is not a commitment from either you or the insurance provider. This is why it's useful to gather several quotes; it allows you to compare what different insurers offer and ensures you find a policy that fits your needs without feeling rushed into a decision. 

Essentially, shopping around is not just smart—it's a strategic move to ensure you get the right cover at the best price.

These days, finding a quote for a car insurance policy can be done completely online. But before you launch headfirst into a quote-frenzy, consider which type of car insurance is best for you.  

1. Choose a type of car insurance

The three main types of car insurance are:

• Compulsory third-party (CTP). Compulsory third-party (CTP) is a minimum legal requirement. It’s the most basic insurance for your car, protecting you from financial liability arising from injuries to yourself, passengers and other drivers. 
• Third-party property (TPP). Third-party property car insurance is your mid-level type of insurance, which covers damage to others’ cars or property, up to an agreed-upon amount.
• Third-party fire and theft (TPFT). Third-party fire and theft is the same as TPP, with added protection for your car from fire and theft only.
• Comprehensive. Comprehensive car insurance is the big-league. It comes with a wide range of protection for your car including protection from accidental damage, hail, fire, vandalism and more.

While you’re usually getting a lot more out of a comprehensive policy, your premium will be higher than the other types of insurance.

2. Choose your optional extras 

Many car insurance providers will offer optional extras which you can add on to your policy to tailor it to your needs.

These will increase the premium you pay, but it may be cheaper than having to front the entire cost if something happens to your vehicle.

Optional extras can include choice of repairer, 24-hour roadside assistance, excess-free windscreen repair, excess-free animal collision cover, hire car cover and personal items cover.

3. Shop around for deals

Before you request quotes from any old insurance provider, we recommend doing a little research to narrow down your focus.

Compare car insurance policies with Mozo to see features and discount offers before clicking to get a personalised online quote for your car.

You’ll be able to quickly see what each policy offers including payment options, excess payment options, add-ons that are automatically included or offered for an additional premium, and any other important features or discounts.

4. Get car insurance quotes from several providers

After you’ve had a look at Mozo’s car insurance comparison table and found some policies that spark your interest, you can simply click through to the provider’s site and get the quote process underway.

The sorts of questions you can be expected to answer when requesting a quote might include the car you drive, who’s driving it, how you use it, where you park it and your driving history.

These questions help car insurance providers to make a risk-assessment and provide you with your ballpark quote. The providers are trying to strike a balance between competitive pricing and value, and the financial risk posed to them by insuring your vehicle.  

5. Choose your policy

Once you’ve received quotes from the car insurance providers you’re comparing, don’t just go for the cheapest one. While price is a big consideration for many, try to work out which one suits your circumstances and needs the best by considering your price, cover level and add-ons included. It’s also worth taking a look at the PDS to see if there are any exclusions that trouble you.

After you’ve considered those factors, then you can make your choice with at least a little more confidence than when you started.

Check some of the latest deals in Mozo’s car insurance database below!

By now, you've got the basics of comparing car insurance quotes down. But, to really fine-tune your choice and ensure you're not just settling for the standard but opting for the best fit, consider these additional pointers:

• Evaluate the cost-benefit ratio. Consider how each policy's features stack up against its cost to determine its true value. A slightly more expensive policy might offer significantly better claim service, coverage limits or add-ons like excess-free windscreen cover.
• Understand exclusions. Know what’s not covered. Policies might exclude certain types of damage or use cases, which could be a deal-breaker depending on your needs.
• Consider policy flexibility and future adjustments. Evaluate how easy it is to modify your policy. Can you easily add another vehicle or coverage option? A policy that can grow and change with you might be more appealing in the long run.
• Leverage external reviews. Current customer experiences can offer valuable insights that affect your decision. seek out recent reviews and ratings for insight on customer satisfaction and claim handling.
• Understand the claims process. A policy is only as good as the ease and efficiency of its claims process. Look into each insurer's claims process; straightforward, quick claim handling is worth its weight in gold.
• Check for hidden fees. Some policies might have additional fees for monthly payments or policy changes. Ensure you're aware of any extra charges that could affect the overall cost of your insurance.

By taking these tips into account, you’ll be well-equipped to select a car insurance policy that offers the best combination of protection, service and value.

Ready to compare?  Get obligation-free quotes from some of these top notch providers: