Do I Need Fully Comp on a 10-Year-Old Car?
Your car's clocking double digits. It's seen more MOTs than motorway miles lately, but it still gets the job done. So now you're asking yourself: do I really need fully comp on a car that's a decade old?
It's a fair question; and one with no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how much your car's worth, how much you rely on it, and what kind of driver you are. But don't worry, you won't need a crystal ball to figure it out. Just a bit of logic, and maybe a little honesty with yourself.
What Does Fully Comp Actually Cover?
Fully comprehensive insurance gives you the most complete level of protection. It usually includes:
- Damage to your car - even if it's your fault
- Damage to other people's cars and property
- Fire, theft, and vandalism
- Accidental damage (say, if you reverse into a gatepost)
- Windscreen repairs, legal cover, and sometimes even a courtesy car
In other words, it protects *you*, not just other people. That's the big difference between this and lower-level cover like third party or third party, fire and theft.
But What If Your Car's Not Worth Much?
This is where things get a bit more personal. A 10-year-old car might only be worth a few grand, or even less. If it were written off tomorrow, would the payout from a fully comp policy be worth the extra premium you're paying for that cover?
Just imagine: you're paying a few hundred extra each year for fully comp. But your car's only worth slightly more than that. If you crash it, yes - you'll get a payout. But it might barely cover the value of what's already a well-worn motor. In some cases, drivers end up paying more in premiums over time than they'd ever get back from a claim.
When Fully Comp Still Makes Sense
Despite the age of the car, fully comp might still be a smart move if:
- You drive in busy areas or commute regularly
- You can't afford to replace the car yourself after an accident
- Your no-claims bonus is protected and valuable
- You want cover for non-crash-related damage (vandalism, weather, or theft)
- You just like the peace of mind
One driver with a 12-year-old Honda Civic kept fully comp simply because they lived in a city where parking knocks were weekly events. When their door got caved in by a neighbour's runaway bin, they were glad they hadn't switched to third party only. That claim alone made the premium feel worth it.
When You Might Want to Reconsider
On the other hand, third party or third party, fire and theft might be more fitting if:
- Your car's low-value and easy to replace
- You're a very low-mileage driver
- You keep the car off-road and away from risks
- You've got enough tucked away to replace it outright if needed
For example, someone with an old estate used only for weekend gardening trips might decide fully comp just isn't necessary. If it gets bumped or binned, they'd rather save on premiums and deal with repairs themselves.
Remember: Fully Comp Isn't Always More Expensive
Here's the twist. Sometimes, fully comp actually works out cheaper than third party cover. Sounds backwards, but insurers often view third party-only drivers as higher risk. So always compare - don't assume the most basic policy is the most affordable.
Still Unsure What to Pick?
Ask yourself this: if the car disappeared tomorrow, could you replace it comfortably out of your own pocket? If the answer's yes, you might lean towards lower cover. If the answer's "not without a serious headache," then fully comp could still be your safest bet, age of the car or not.
Click here to compare quotes for fully comp and third party car insurance - see the real differences in cost and find cover that actually suits your car, your budget, and your peace of mind.