Insurance, explained

• Breakdown cover levels: roadside, recovery, home start, onward travel

  Roadside fixes you or tows you locally, national recovery takes you anywhere in the UK, home start covers your drive and onward travel keeps you moving.

• What is commercial combined insurance and which businesses use it?

  Commercial combined insurance bundles property, liability and business interruption cover into one policy. See what it covers and which firms use it.

• How much public liability cover do tradespeople need? £2m to £10m

  Public liability isn't a legal must for most trades, so the client or contract sets the level. Council contracts we checked ask for £2m, £5m or £10m.

• How many vehicles do you need for fleet insurance? The UK rules

  No UK law sets a minimum number of vehicles for fleet insurance. Each insurer sets its own threshold, but every vehicle used on the road must be insured.

• Taxi insurance for your council licence: what proof do you need?

  Councils need proof of hire and reward insurance that matches your licence: public hire for hackney carriages, private hire for pre-booked work only.

• Road risks only vs combined motor trade insurance: which fits you?

  Road risks only covers driving vehicles for your motor trade. Combined adds premises, tools, stock and liability cover. Here is how to tell which fits.

• Hire and reward insurance explained: is parcel delivery covered?

  Standard van insurance doesn't cover being paid to carry other people's parcels. Here's what hire and reward means and how courier cover differs.

• Social, domestic and pleasure vs carriage of own goods: van insurance

  Social, domestic and pleasure van cover excludes work use. Carriage of own goods covers carrying your own tools and materials for work. See which fits.

• Black cab insurance

  What black cab insurance is, who needs it, the details you'll be asked for and the three levels of cover for licensed London taxi drivers.

• Breakdown and recovery insurance

  Breakdown and recovery insurance for motor traders who recover or repair vehicles: who needs it, what it can cover and road risks versus combined cover.

• Breakers and salvage insurance

  Breakers and salvage insurance for vehicle dismantlers, scrap dealers and salvage yards: the risks involved, what it can cover and the policy types.

• Car body shop insurance

  Car body shop insurance for crash repairers, restorers and body repair specialists: what it covers, who needs it and road risks versus combined cover.

• Car insurance

  A plain guide to car insurance in the UK: what it is, the details insurers ask for, the three levels of cover and what affects the price.

• Combined insurance

  Combined motor trade insurance explained: what you can combine on one policy, who it suits and when a road risks only policy may be enough.

• Convicted car insurance

  Car insurance with driving convictions explained: common conviction codes, why you must declare them and the levels of cover available.

• Convicted van insurance

  Van insurance with driving convictions explained: common conviction codes, why you must declare them and the levels of cover available.

• Courier insurance UK: what you need and how to compare quotes

  A guide to courier insurance in the UK: why standard cover is not enough, the main types of cover, what affects the cost and tips on your premium.

• Fleet insurance explained: how to get quotes for your business

  How fleet insurance works for UK businesses, the main policy types, what it can cover, what affects the cost and ways to manage your premium.

• GAP insurance

  What GAP insurance is, how it can cover the shortfall after a write-off, the main types of GAP cover and the common exclusions to check before buying.

• Hackney carriage insurance

  Hackney carriage insurance covers licensed public hire taxis that can be hailed or use ranks. What you need for a quote and the levels of cover.

• HGV insurance

  A plain guide to HGV insurance: who needs it, what insurers ask, the three levels of cover and when you need a goods vehicle operator's licence.

• How to get the right taxi insurance in the UK (2026 guide)

  A 2026 guide to taxi insurance in the UK: why it differs from car insurance, levels of cover, what affects the price and public v private hire.

• Impounded vehicle insurance

  What happens when the police seize a car or van for having no insurance, and what you'll generally need to get it back from the pound.

• Landlord insurance

  What landlord insurance is, the difference between buildings, contents and combined cover, and the extras landlords often add to a policy.

• Mechanics insurance

  Mechanics insurance explained: who needs it, road risks versus combined cover, and what you can insure as a garage, home-based or mobile mechanic.

• Mini cabs insurance

  Minicab insurance explained: why it differs from car insurance, the details you'll need for a quote and the three levels of cover for private hire.

• Minibus insurance

  A plain guide to minibus insurance: private and business use, what a minibus is, the details insurers ask for and the levels of cover.

• Mortgages

  A plain guide to mortgages: fixed, variable and standard variable rates, the fees involved, moving home and how lenders decide what you can borrow.

• Motorhome insurance

  A plain guide to motorhome insurance: why it differs from car insurance, the levels of cover, contents and taking your motorhome abroad.

• Motor trade insurance: a complete guide for UK traders

  What UK motor traders need to know about motor trade insurance: who needs it, road risks and combined cover, part-time trading and what affects the cost.

• Motor trade insurance for other trades

  Motor trade insurance for roles outside the usual categories, such as accessory fitters, vehicle assessors and repossession agents, plus who is eligible.

• Personal insurance

  The personal insurance Kompare can help with, including life, home, landlord and holiday home cover, plus where to go for help with money topics.

• Pet insurance

  A plain guide to pet insurance for cats and dogs: why owners take it out, how lifetime cover works and why premiums tend to rise with age.

• Private hire insurance explained: what PHV drivers need to know

  What PHV drivers need to know about private hire insurance in the UK: what it is, what it covers, app-based work, what affects the cost and tips.

• Private hire insurance

  Private hire insurance for drivers who carry pre-booked passengers, including app-based drivers: the details you'll need and the three levels of cover.

• Public hire insurance

  Public hire insurance for taxi drivers who work from ranks or pick up passengers in the street: the details you'll need and the three levels of cover.

• Road risks insurance

  Road risks insurance for motor traders explained: who needs it, what it covers, road risks versus combined cover and the three levels of cover.

• Taxi fleet insurance

  Taxi fleet insurance puts two or more taxis under one policy. What it can cover, the details you'll need and how the levels of cover compare.

• Tradesman insurance: why public liability cover matters

  What tradesman public liability insurance covers, when employers' liability is a legal requirement and the other covers UK tradespeople often consider.

• Travel insurance

  How travel insurance works, the difference between single trip and annual multi-trip cover, medical conditions and how to make a claim.

• Valeter insurance

  Valeter insurance for professional valeters, detailers and mobile car cleaners: what it covers, who needs it and road risks versus combined cover.

• Van insurance UK: how to cut costs without cutting corners

  Why van insurance costs what it does, the levels and classes of cover, what affects your premium and practical ways to keep the cost down.

• Vehicle delivery insurance

  Vehicle delivery insurance for businesses that collect and deliver vehicles, including car jockeys and repossession agents: who needs it and what it covers.

• Vehicle sales insurance

  What vehicle sales insurance is, who needs it and the two main types of cover for motor traders selling cars, vans and bikes from home or a premises.

• Windscreen repair insurance

  Windscreen repair insurance for motor traders and windscreen fitters: what it is, whether a trade policy covers glass, and road risks versus combined cover.

• Impounded car insurance in the UK: a comprehensive guide

  A guide to impounded car insurance in the UK: why cars are seized, what this short-term cover usually includes and what you need to get your car released.

• Impounded van insurance in the UK: a comprehensive overview

  An overview of impounded van insurance in the UK: why vans are seized, what this short-term cover usually includes and what you need to get a van released.

• The benefits of motor trade insurance in the UK

  The key benefits of motor trade insurance for UK traders: cover for vehicles, road risks, public and employers' liability, tools and stock, and lost income.

• The importance of motor trade insurance in the UK

  Why motor trade insurance matters for UK dealers, mechanics and garages: vehicle cover, road risks, liability, tools and stock, and business interruption.

• The importance of van insurance in the UK

  Why van insurance matters in the UK: the legal minimum, financial protection, third party liability, theft cover and the extras van owners often add.

• The top benefits of van insurance in the UK

  The main benefits of van insurance in the UK, from meeting the law and covering third party claims to protection against theft, damage and extra cover options.

• Understanding impounded vehicle insurance in the UK

  What impounded vehicle insurance is, why vehicles are seized in the UK, what this kind of short-term cover usually includes and how to get one released.

• Compare car insurance UK online

  General points to weigh up when comparing car insurance online in the UK, from price and cover to excess, customer service and discounts.

• Compare motor trade insurance UK online

  The key points to weigh up when comparing motor trade insurance online in the UK: cover for your trade, price, customer service, ease of use and reviews.

• Compare taxi insurance UK online

  What to look at when comparing taxi insurance online in the UK: the cover included, the price, the excess, the provider and any extras on the policy.

• Compare van insurance UK online

  The main things to look at when you compare van insurance online in the UK: cover, price, service, policy extras and the excess you would have to pay.

• Book a garage for an MOT or service

  General information on MOTs, servicing and repairs: when an MOT is due, how to check MOT history and what to think about when choosing a garage.

• Business vs social van insurance: what is the difference?

  Business vs social van insurance explained: which class of use covers work or personal driving, and why getting it right keeps your van cover valid.

• Can I drive for Uber on private hire insurance?

  Uber work is private hire, so you need a private hire taxi policy with hire and reward cover. Here is what Uber drivers need before going online.

• Can I get car insurance with previous claims?

  Previous claims don't stop you getting car insurance, but they can affect the price. Learn how insurers look at past claims and what to declare.

• Can I get motor trade insurance working from home?

  Home-based dealers, mobile mechanics and valeters can get motor trade insurance. Here is what insurers want to know when you trade from home.

• Can I get part-time motor trade insurance?

  Part-time motor trade insurance is available for people who trade alongside another job. Here is what insurers look for and how cover works.

• Can I get taxi insurance as a new taxi driver?

  Yes, newly licensed taxi drivers can get cover. Learn what affects the premium for new drivers and how it can change as you build experience.

• Can I insure multiple bikes on one policy?

  Yes. A multi-bike policy covers two or more motorbikes under one agreement with a single renewal date. Here is how it works and what to check.

• Can I use my van for personal use on a business policy?

  Business van insurance usually includes social and commuting use too, so personal trips are normally covered. Here is how it works and what to check.

• Careers at Kompare

  Interested in working for Kompare? Find out about the business, who we look for, and how to send us your CV for future opportunities.

• Carriage of own goods vs hire and reward: what is the difference?

  Carriage of own goods covers your own tools and stock; hire and reward covers being paid to move other people's goods. Learn which fits your van work.

• Motor trade insurance for all professions

  Motor trade insurance for dealers, mechanics, valeters and other traders: the main policy types and how Kompare puts you in touch with a specialist.

• Convicted car insurance explained

  What convicted driver car insurance is, what it usually covers, why it can cost more and why you must tell insurers about your motoring convictions.

• Convicted van insurance explained

  What convicted van insurance is, what it usually covers, why premiums can be higher and why honest disclosure of your convictions matters.

• Courier insurance explained

  What courier insurance is, who needs it and the main types of cover it can include, from road risks and goods in transit to liability and personal accident.

• Check your credit score

  Why your credit report matters when you apply for finance, how to check it for free and what to do if you find a mistake on your credit file.

• Do Amazon Flex drivers need special insurance?

  Amazon Flex drivers carry parcels for payment, so a standard car or van policy is not enough. Here is what hire and reward courier cover involves.

• Do food delivery drivers (Deliveroo, Just Eat) need hire and reward insurance?

  Food delivery drivers carry orders for payment, so a moped, motorbike or car used for the work needs hire and reward cover. Here is what to know.

• Do I need employers' liability insurance?

  If you employ staff, employers' liability insurance is generally a legal requirement in the UK, with at least £5 million of cover. Here is who it applies to.

• Do I need public liability insurance as a taxi driver?

  Public liability is not always a legal must for taxi drivers, but many councils and operators expect it. Learn what it covers and when you may need it.

• Do I need special insurance for a car-derived van?

  A car-derived van is a commercial vehicle, so it needs van insurance with the right class of use, not a car policy. Here is why and how to check yours.

• Do I need to declare modifications on my motorbike?

  Yes. Motorbike modifications should be declared to your insurer or a claim could be refused. Here is which mods matter and how they affect cover.

• Do I need to tell my insurer about modifications?

  Yes, you need to declare car modifications to your insurer. Learn what counts as a modification and why undeclared mods can put your cover at risk.

• Does courier insurance cover multi-drop work?

  Most courier insurance can cover multi-drop delivery, but you need to declare it. Here is how multi-drop work affects your cover and what to check.

• Does motor trade insurance let me drive any vehicle?

  Motor trade insurance covers you to drive vehicles in your custody for trade, within your policy's limits. Here is what that means in practice.

• Does motorbike insurance cover helmet and leathers?

  Helmet and leathers cover is usually an optional add-on rather than standard on motorbike insurance. Here is what it covers and what to check.

• Does taxi insurance cover any driver and any passenger?

  Fare-paying passengers are covered by the hire and reward part of a taxi policy, but drivers usually have to be named. Here is how both work.

• Does tradesman insurance cover my tools?

  Tools cover is not automatic on tradesman insurance, but it can usually be added to protect your equipment against theft and accidental damage.

• Does van insurance cover my tools?

  A standard van policy covers the vehicle, not the tools inside it. Learn how tools in transit cover works and what insurers expect for security.

• Equity release

  A plain guide to equity release for homeowners aged 55 and over: how it works, why people use it, the main safeguards and where to get free guidance.

• Fleet insurance explained

  What fleet insurance is, how one policy can cover several vehicles, and the main types of cover it includes, from road risks to liability and goods in transit.

• GAP insurance explained

  What GAP insurance is, how it covers the shortfall between a vehicle's value and what you still owe on finance, and who may find it useful.

• Help centre

  Answers to common questions about Kompare: how it works, how to reach us, finding your policy documents, data requests and protected no claims bonus.

• HGV insurance explained

  What HGV insurance is, the main types of cover for heavy goods vehicles used in business, and the basic legal requirement to insure vehicles on UK roads.

• Hire and reward vs courier insurance: what is the difference?

  Hire and reward is a single motor cover; courier insurance is usually a fuller package. Here is the difference and how to tell which you need.

• Home insurance explained

  What home insurance is, the difference between buildings and contents cover, what liability cover does and what affects the cost of a policy.

• How can I get cheaper motorbike insurance?

  Practical ways that may lower your motorbike insurance premium, from better security and lower mileage to rider training and reviewing your cover.

• How can I bring down the cost of taxi insurance?

  Practical ways taxi drivers may lower their premium, from building a no claims discount to paying annually and shopping around at renewal.

• How can I get cheaper van insurance?

  Practical ways to bring down the cost of van insurance: build no-claims, improve security, pick the right class of use and excess, and pay annually.

• How can I lower my car insurance premium?

  Practical, honest ways UK drivers may lower a car insurance premium, from paying annually and adjusting excess to building a no claims bonus.

• How does fleet insurance work?

  Fleet insurance covers several business vehicles under one policy and one renewal date. Here are the basics, cover levels and what you need for a quote.

• How many vehicles do you need for fleet insurance?

  How many vehicles you need for fleet insurance varies by insurer. Many will consider a fleet from two vehicles, while others set the minimum at three or five.

• How much does tradesman insurance cost?

  There is no fixed price for tradesman insurance. Cost depends on your trade, the covers you choose, your limits and your claims history.

• How much public liability cover do I need?

  How much public liability cover a tradesperson needs usually depends on clients and contracts. Common limits run from £1 million to £10 million.

• Is fleet insurance cheaper than individual policies?

  Fleet insurance can work out cheaper than separate policies, but it depends on your vehicles, drivers and claims record. Here is what affects the cost.

• Is motorbike insurance cheaper than car insurance?

  Motorbike insurance can cost less than car insurance for some riders and more for others. The bike, the rider and how it is used all affect the price.

• Is public liability insurance a legal requirement?

  Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but many clients, contractors and trade schemes expect tradespeople to hold it.

• Landlord insurance explained

  What landlord insurance is, the main types of cover for rental homes, from buildings and contents to liability and loss of rent, and whether it is required.

• Life insurance explained

  What life insurance is, how term and whole of life cover differ, what affects the cost and why people with financial dependants often consider it.

• Live chat and other ways to contact us

  How to get in touch with Kompare by phone, WhatsApp or email, what to have ready, and who to contact about a policy you have already bought.

• Minibus insurance explained

  What minibus insurance is, who uses it, the main types of cover, including passenger liability, and the basic legal requirement to insure vehicles on UK roads.

• What is the minimum driver age for any-driver fleet cover?

  For any-driver fleet cover, insurers usually set a minimum age of 21 or 25. Younger drivers may be covered as named drivers with extra terms.

• Can I mix cars and vans on one fleet policy?

  Yes. Mixed fleets are common in the UK, and one fleet policy can usually cover cars, vans and often other vehicle types under a single renewal date.

• Motor finance

  How motor finance works: hire purchase, personal contract purchase, personal loans and guarantor loans explained, plus what APR means for you.

• Motor trade insurance for car valeters and mobile mechanics

  Car valeters and mobile mechanics work on vehicles they don't own. Here is how motor trade cover, road risk and liability fit mobile work.

• Motorbike insurance cover types explained

  The three levels of motorbike insurance explained: third party only, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive, and what each one covers.

• Motorbike insurance explained

  What motorbike insurance is, the three main levels of cover, optional personal accident cover and the legal requirement to insure a bike on UK roads.

• Motorhome insurance explained

  What motorhome insurance is, the main types of cover, from road risks and contents to liability and personal accident, and the legal basics for UK roads.

• Pay-as-you-go vs annual courier insurance: which is better?

  Pay-as-you-go courier cover suits part-timers who pay only for hours worked; annual cover suits regular drivers. Here is how to weigh them up.

• Pet insurance explained

  A plain guide to pet insurance: what it covers, the different levels of policy, and the terms and exclusions worth checking before you buy.

• Personal and commercial insurance quotes

  Every type of personal and business insurance Kompare can help with, from van, taxi and motor trade cover to home, life and breakdown insurance.

• Road risk vs combined motor trade insurance: what is the difference?

  Road risk covers driving vehicles in your custody for trade; combined adds premises, stock, tools and liability. Here is how to tell which fits.

• Supplier list

  What Kompare's supplier panel is, how the brokers on it are regulated, and how to ask us about the firms we work with or how we use your data.

• Taxi insurance explained

  A short guide to taxi insurance for private hire and public hire drivers: what it covers, from road risks to passenger liability, and why you need it.

• Third party vs fully comprehensive car insurance: which is cheaper?

  Third party is not always the lower-priced option. Learn what each level of car insurance covers and why comprehensive can cost the same or less.

• Traders insurance

  What traders insurance is, who needs it, the difference between road risks and combined cover, and the details you need to get a quote.

• Travel insurance explained

  What travel insurance is, the main types of cover it includes, from cancellation to medical costs and baggage, and what to check before you travel.

• Van insurance classes of use explained

  Van insurance classes of use explained: social, commuting, carriage of own goods and hire and reward. Choose the right class so your cover stays valid.

• Van insurance explained

  A short guide to van insurance: what it is, the main types of cover such as road risks and goods in transit, and why it matters in the UK.

• Vehicle insurance

  The vehicle insurance Kompare can help with, the details you need to give, and the three levels of cover from third party only to comprehensive.

• What affects the cost of car insurance?

  Your car, age, postcode, mileage, claims history and chosen excess all shape a car insurance premium. Here is how insurers weigh each one.

• What documents do I need for taxi insurance?

  From your driving licence to your council badge and vehicle details, here are the documents taxi and private hire drivers usually need for a quote.

• What does tradesman insurance cover?

  What tradesman insurance usually covers: public liability, employers' liability, tools cover and optional extras, explained in plain English.

• What happens if I'm caught picking up street fares on private hire insurance?

  Picking up street fares on a private hire licence and policy means working outside both. Learn the risks and what you need for public hire work.

• What insurance do couriers need?

  What insurance couriers need in the UK: hire and reward, goods in transit and public liability explained, and why a standard van policy is not enough.

• What is a no claims bonus and how does it work?

  A no claims bonus is a discount for each claim-free year. Learn how it builds, how a claim affects it, and what protecting it does and doesn't do.

• What is 'any driver' fleet insurance?

  Any driver fleet insurance lets any qualifying driver use any vehicle in your fleet, without naming each person on the policy. Here is how it works.

• What is goods in transit cover for couriers?

  Goods in transit cover protects the parcels couriers carry against loss, theft and damage. Here is what it covers, its limits and common exclusions.

• What is goods in transit cover?

  Goods in transit cover protects the items and stock you carry in your van against loss, theft or damage on the move. Here is how it works and who needs it.

• What is hire and reward insurance for taxis?

  Hire and reward insurance covers you to carry passengers for payment. Learn why every taxi and private hire driver needs it and how it fits a policy.

• What is the difference between voluntary and compulsory excess?

  Compulsory excess is set by your insurer; voluntary excess is an extra amount you choose. Learn how the two combine when you make a claim.

• What is third party fire and theft car insurance?

  Third party fire and theft covers your liability to others plus your car if it is stolen or damaged by fire. Learn what it does and doesn't cover.

• What proof of trade do I need for motor trade insurance?

  The documents insurers commonly ask for as proof of trade for motor trade insurance, and how new or part-time traders can show genuine trading.

• Who needs motor trade insurance?

  Who needs motor trade insurance? Anyone who buys, sells, repairs, valets or moves vehicles they don't own. Here are the trades it usually covers.

• Young driver insurance explained

  What young driver insurance is, why it costs more for drivers aged 17 to 25, what it covers, and the things that may help bring the cost down over time.

• Car insurance explained

  A plain guide to car insurance in the UK: what it covers, the main levels of cover, and the legal requirement to insure a car used on public roads.

• Motor trade insurance in brief

  A quick overview of motor trade insurance for dealers, garages, mechanics and recovery firms, and the main types of cover a policy can include.

• Mortgages: the complete beginner's guide

  A beginner's guide to the insurance people take out alongside a mortgage, including mortgage life insurance and mortgage payment protection.

• Coronavirus travel update (July 2020)

  Our July 2020 round-up of the coronavirus travel rules at the time: quarantine-free destinations, travel insurance, refunds and falling ill abroad.

• Everything you need to know about your home insurance

  A plain guide to home insurance: buildings and contents cover, combined policies, cover for landlords and tenants, and ways that may reduce the cost.

• Taxis and COVID-19: what you need to know

  Our 2020 article for taxi and private hire drivers during the coronavirus outbreak: income support, licence extensions, hygiene and advice for passengers.

• What does the coronavirus pandemic mean for cars and motorists?

  Our March 2020 guide for UK motorists during the first coronavirus lockdown: driving rules, MOTs, servicing, car tax, driving tests and your insurer.

• How you can save money on your motor trade insurance

  Practical points for motor traders looking at the cost of their insurance: the right cover, honest disclosure, specialist brokers and yearly reviews.

• Tips to lower the rate of your car insurance

  Practical, general ways to bring down the cost of car insurance, from paying annually and choosing your excess to security, mileage and your no claims bonus.

• Ways to save money on your insurance as a taxi or private hire driver

  General ways taxi and private hire drivers may lower the cost of their insurance, from a clean record and security to excess, payment and policy choices.

• Travelling during the coronavirus outbreak

  Our March 2020 article on travelling during the early coronavirus outbreak: whether to cancel, travel insurance, symptoms, quarantine and hygiene.

• Will installing a black box lower my insurance premium?

  How black box (telematics) insurance works, what it records about your driving, and how it may help young and new drivers with the cost of cover.

• Everything you need to know about motor trade insurance

  What motor trade insurance is, who needs it, the main types of cover such as road risk and combined, and the things that affect what a trader pays.

• Everything you need to know about your fire safety plan

  A plain guide to fire risk assessments and evacuation plans for car repair shops and garages, including escape routes, alarms, training and disabled staff.

• Reasons to consider life insurance

  Common life events that lead people to look at life insurance, including marriage, starting a family, buying a home, a high-risk job, funeral costs and debts.

• What documents should and shouldn't be kept in your car

  Which documents you may need to show the police, why you don't have to carry them in the car, and which personal papers are best kept out of your vehicle.

• What should you do if you have a car accident?

  A step by step guide to what to do after a car accident in the UK: stopping safely, what details to swap, when to tell the police and contacting your insurer.

• Becoming a Kompare broker in 2020

  An archived 2020 article for insurance brokers about joining the Kompare broker panel and receiving enquiries for specialist insurance products.

• 5 ways you can save money on your life insurance

  General ways to keep the cost of life insurance down, from taking cover out earlier and stopping smoking to shopping around and checking you need it at all.

• The best cars to buy as a new driver

  Popular small cars that new drivers often consider for a first car, and what to think about on insurance, running costs and reliability before you buy.

• Ways you can save money on your motorhome or campervan insurance

  General tips that may help lower the cost of motorhome and campervan insurance, from choosing the right cover and storage to named drivers and security.

• Why is car insurance so expensive for young drivers?

  Why insurers usually charge young and newly qualified drivers more, how risk and the cost of claims affect the price, and what may help bring it down.