Fully comprehensive insurance is no longer fully comp

Motorists in the UK have always enjoyed a choice of insurance policies to match their needs and their pockets, and those able to afford higher premiums and who want increased protection have often opted for fully comprehensive insurance cover, which provides the highest level of protection and cover. However, according to a recent report fully comprehensive cover has been modified and changed so much over recent years that it is now fully comprehensive in name only, and consumers are often not getting the protection that they may think they are.

Officials have said that many of the features that used to be automatically included in fully comp cover, such as a courtesy car or third party cover on all other vehicles, are either disappearing or being offered as extras that consumers have to pay more for. One official said that some insurance firms have shaved the benefits of cover to bring down the price and rank higher on price comparison sites. He said: ‘The importance of comparison sites has meant it is key for insurers to get near the top of the rankings on price and they can do that by slimming down the cover.’

Another official said: ‘All the advertising is about price. It’s no longer focused on providing the right financial protection for the motorist. Even if an element of cover remains, the sum insured may be reduced. Many insurers have lowered the limits for loss of items from the car, for accidental damage to the windscreen or for personal accident cover. And in some cases, such as an accident involving a younger driver, the compulsory excess charged has increased.’

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