What does a comprehensive motor insurance policy cover?

In the most basic terms, comprehensive cover is when you are able to claim should any damage occur to your motor vehicle whatsoever, in addition to the cover offered by third party, fire and theft cover. However, that doesn't mean you are covered for absolutely anything. If you take a magnifying glass to the small print section of your comprehensive policy, you'll find some significant exclusions.

We'll talk more about the exclusions to your policy later, but it's worth looking at why the policy operates under the term "comprehensive". You'd be surprised at some of the claims you are able to make.

You are covered if something falls off the back of a lorry onto your car and causes damage. Should you drive up or over a high kerb, causing damage to your tyres, you can get cover for that too. If the local thugs go around pouring paint stripper over cars, you can get cover for that. Essentially, any fortuitous event that results in damage to your motor vehicle can be covered.

Comprehensive cover also includes cover for your windscreen, which is not usually a feature of third party fire and theft cover without extra premiums. In general, your insurer will have a deal with a specialist glass firm, whom they will direct you towards if something happens to any of the windows in your car. You will then only have to pay the excess, which should be quite small, but apart from that you are covered, and it won't affect your no claims protection.

The words 'comprehensive' and 'all risks' can perhaps be misleading, as you are not actually covered for everything. Almost every policy features exclusions relating to electrical and mechanical breakdowns, loss of use and excess, amongst other things.

Your insurance policy doesn't protect you from maintenance costs for your vehicle. So, you aren't covered for electrical or mechanical faults, the servicing for your motor vehicle or general wear and tear. Your insurer will not cover you for any parts that are replaced during the repair of your car that would normally be replaced during a car's life and were not directly affected by the accident or insurable event.

The 'loss of use' clause clarifies whether you are entitled to a hire car or a courtesy car should you lose the use of your motor vehicle. This can be a very useful benefit on your policy so it is worth finding out.

Your excess needs to be paid whenever you claim, regardless of the where's and why fores of the claim. Should you not actually have been at fault, you can eventually claim it back from the insurance company of the person at fault.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Motor Insurance

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> Motor Insurance Advice.....
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> What are the principles behind motor insurance?
> What types of motor insurance policy are available?
> What is third party only insurance?
> What is third party fire and theft motor insurance?
> What does a comprehensive motor insurance policy cover?
> What is excluded from comprehensive insurance policies?
> How do I claim?
> What to do if you have an accident?
> How do I claim if an accident causes damage to my car?
> How do I claim if the accident involves a third party?
> What do I need to do if using my motor vehicle abroad?
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> Who should I contact should I wish to report a problem with an insurance company?
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> Are motor insurance laws different in Ireland?
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> Are motor insurance laws different in Northern Ireland?
> Are motor insurance laws different in Wales?