Fully Comprehensive vs Third Party: Which Is Cheaper?
Updated 16 October 2026 · 5 min read
Third party sounds cheapest, but fully comprehensive is often less. Compare the three levels of UK car insurance cover.
Quick answer: Fully Comprehensive vs Third Party: Which Is Cheaper?
Fully comprehensive cover is often cheaper than third party only in the UK, even though it covers more. Insurers find riskier drivers tend to pick third party, so its prices are pushed up. Always get quotes for all three levels of cover before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Third party only is the legal minimum in the UK.
- Fully comprehensive is frequently cheaper than third party — always compare.
- Comprehensive covers damage to your own car too.
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The three levels of cover
UK policies come in three main types:
- Third party only — covers injury and damage to others.
- Third party, fire and theft — adds cover if your car is stolen or catches fire.
- Fully comprehensive — also covers damage to your own car, even if you're at fault.
Why comprehensive can be cheaper
Insurers have found that drivers choosing third party cover tend to make more claims on average, so third party can carry higher prices. Always quote for all levels.
Which should you choose?
If your car is worth little and you could afford to replace it, lower cover might make sense — but only if it's actually cheaper. For most drivers, comprehensive offers better value.
This guide is general information, not financial advice.