Types of car insurance

Car insurance has some basic benefits that are the same for everyone, young, old, men, women, with sports cars or people movers, in the city or country. The way we see it, men and women are different in lots of ways and we try to recognise that.

*INTERESTING FACT: 97% of people convicted for dangerous driving over the last five years were male

Car insurance for ladies aside (although you will appreciate that it is difficult for us to put it to one side, given that car insurance for female drivers is what we're all about) there are generally three types of car insurance: Comprehensive; third party fire and theft; third party only. These rather old fashioned terms are ingrained in the insurance business. What they actually mean is:

Fully comprehensive - you are covered for any accident you have in you car, whether it is your fault or not - and your policy will pay out for you and your car and any other people or vehicles involved in an accident, within the limits set out in the policy.

Third party fire and theft - if you are involved in an accident that is your fault, your policy will only cover the costs related to anyone else involved in the accident - (i.e. the third party.) Your insurance will also cover you if your car is stolen or catches fire.

Third party only - the same as third party fire and theft, except you won't be covered if your car is stolen or catches fire.

The thing to remember is that not all policies are the same. (See: Issues to look out for when getting a quote.) For example Sheila Wheels' car insurance for female drivers is unusual in offering cover for the contents of your handbag should it be stolen or damaged in an accident. This is included in our comprehensive car insurance cover only, but as a car insurance company designed for women we're giving you the choice to protect your valuables. It is important that you read the terms and conditions of the policy you're buying to ensure that the policy suits your requirements.

* Office of National Statistics, 2005