When you are learning to drive, choosing the right insurance and level of cover is an important decision. Understanding the different levels of cover available to you as a learner driver is crucial to making sure you are legally protected, financially secure, and confident on the road. Learner driver insurance cover, sometimes referred to as provisional insurance cover, comes in a range of options, from third party only, to fully comprehensive learner driver cover. Each offers different protections, benefits and costs, so knowing the differences will help you make the right choice for your needs.
Whether you are practising in your own car or a family member’s vehicle, getting the right learner driver insurance cover ensures you can drive with peace of mind. In this guide, we will explain the different car insurance cover levels available for learner drivers, why they exist, and what to consider before making your decision.
Not all learner drivers have the same requirements, cars, or budgets, which is why insurers offer different levels of cover for learners. The right type of learner driver insurance cover can depend on the value of your car, how often you drive, your budget for premiums, and how much protection you want in the event of an accident or incident. For example, some learner drivers may prefer third party only as they try to keep costs down, a learner in a new car may opt for comprehensive provisional cover for maximum protection.
Before you select a policy, it is worth weighing up a few crucial factors that can influence which learner insurance cover is best for you:
By considering these points, you can match your learner driver cover to your needs and avoid overpaying or being under-protected.
Each level of learner driver insurance cover comes with pros and cons. Here’s a quick comparison to help:
| Level of Cover | What’s Included | Key Benefits |
| Third Party Only | Covers damage/injury to others | Often the cheapest legal option, meets UK law |
| Third Party, Fire & Theft | As above, plus theft and fire damage to your car | More protection than Third Party Only, still affordable |
| Comprehensive | Covers others + your car for most incidents | Maximum protection, extras often included |
The first time you set up a car insurance policy, it will most likely be for a learner driver insurance policy. When navigating the quote process, you may see jargon that you are not sure of. Especially if it is your first time setting up insurance! One thing that may cause some confusion is the levels of cover you can have on your vehicle.
Before setting up your insurance policy, it is good to know exactly what each of the levels of cover means, what they include, and which could be best for you! In this article we will be discussing the different levels of cover that you have available to you when setting up learner driver insurance. We’re here to help you prepare before going through with your purchase, to make the best choice for you!
Third party only cover is the most basic and minimum legal requirement for car insurance in most countries. It covers damage caused by the insured driver to other vehicles, property or injury to other people. Third party only does not cover the insured vehicle or the driver. This is typically the cheapest type of car insurance.
If an accident occurs where the insured driver is at fault, third party only cover will pay out for the damage caused to the other person’s vehicle or property and any injuries sustained by the other person(s) involved. However, the insured driver will not be covered for any damage to the insured vehicle or injuries sustained with third party only cover.
Cost-effective: Third party only cover is typically the cheapest type of car insurance policy available, making it an affordable option for drivers on a budget.
Legal requirement: Having at least this level of cover is essential if you want to drive legally on public roads.
Protect others: Third party only cover provides protection for damage caused by the insured driver to other people’s vehicles, property, or injuries.
Limited protection: This policy only covers damage caused to other people and their property. It won’t cover damage to your own car, or any injuries sustained by you.
No protection against theft or fire: This policy does not provide any protection against theft or fire damage to your vehicle.
No add-ons: There are no additional benefits or add-ons included with this type of policy. So, you won’t have any extras such as breakdown cover or personal accident cover.
Higher costs in long-term: It can result in being more expensive long-term. This is because if you’re involved in an accident you will be liable for any damage to your own car.
Overall, third party only cover can be a good option for drivers who are looking for the minimum legal requirement, or want to keep costs low. However, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and circumstances before deciding as to whether this level of cover is suitable for you.
Third party, fire and theft cover is a type of car insurance that provides more coverage than third party only. It covers damage caused by the insured driver to other people’s vehicles or property, and any injuries sustained by them. Along with cover for the insured vehicle against fire damage or theft.
If the insured vehicle is stolen or damaged due to fire, this type of policy can provide financial compensation for the repairs or the value of the vehicle. However, it will not cover damage caused by the insured driver in an accident.
Third party, fire and theft cover is often considered a mid-level insurance option, offering a balance between affordability and coverage. It can be a good option for drivers with a car that is worth protecting against theft or fire damage. 
Additional protection: This policy offers more coverage than third party only cover. As you are protected against fire and theft. This can provide peace of mind for drivers who want to protect their car.
Affordable: Third party, fire and theft cover is generally more affordable than comprehensive cover. This makes it a good option for drivers who want more coverage than third party only cover, but without the higher premiums of comprehensive cover.
Lower costs: If the insured vehicle is stolen or damaged due to fire, this type of policy can save drivers from paying for expensive repairs or replacement costs. This can be more cost-effective in the long-term.
Limited protection: This policy only covers damage caused by the insured driver to other persons vehicles, property, or injuries, as well as fire damage or theft to the insured vehicle. It does not cover any other types of damage, such as accidental damage or damage caused by severe weather.
No add-ons: There are no additional benefits or add-ons included with this type of policy. So, drivers won’t have extras like breakdown cover or personal accident cover.
Higher premiums: This policy can be more expensive than third party only cover. Premiums may vary depending on the value of the insured vehicle, age of the driver, and location.
Overall, third party, fire and theft cover can be a good option for drivers who want more protection than third party only cover but don’t want to pay for comprehensive cover. However, it is important to consider the limitations of the policy and ensure it meets your individual needs and circumstances before deciding.
Comprehensive cover is a type of car insurance policy that offers the highest level of protection. It covers damage caused by the insured driver. This can be to other people’s vehicles, property, or injuries. It will also cover any damage sustained by the insured vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive cover also offers protection against other risks such as theft, fire, vandalism, and damage caused by severe weather conditions like floods, hailstorms, or hurricanes.
This type of policy typically includes additional benefits or add-ons such as personal accident cover, breakdown cover, and windscreen cover.
Comprehensive cover can often be the most expensive type of car insurance policy due to its extensive coverage. However, it offers drivers the most comprehensive protection against any potential risks or damage to their vehicle. 
Extensive protection: Comprehensive cover offers the highest level of protection.
Additional benefits: Comprehensive cover typically includes additional benefits or add-ons such as personal accident cover, breakdown cover, and windscreen cover. They can provide further protection and peace of mind.
Higher pay-outs: If the insured vehicle is written off or stolen, comprehensive cover provides higher pay-outs than third party only or third party, fire and theft cover. This can help with replacement costs.
Flexibility: Comprehensive cover can be tailored to suit the driver’s individual needs and budget. As you can choose different levels of excess, optional extras, and coverage limits.
Higher premiums: Comprehensive cover may be more expensive due to its extensive coverage.
Not for everyone: For drivers with an older or less valuable car, comprehensive cover may not be cost-effective, as the cost may exceed the actual value of the vehicle.
Limited coverage for personal items: Comprehensive cover may not cover personal items stolen from the vehicle. So drivers should check the policy carefully to see what is covered.
Excess costs: If the driver needs to make a claim, they may need to pay an excess fee, which can be expensive.
Overall, Comprehensive cover offers the most extensive protection and peace of mind for drivers, but it can come at a higher cost. It’s important for drivers to carefully consider their needs and circumstances before choosing this type of policy.
Personal accident cover is an optional add-on that can be included in a car insurance policy. It provides financial protection for the policyholder and passengers in the event of an accident that results in injuries, disability or death.
If the policyholder or passengers sustain injuries or are killed in an accident, personal accident cover will provide a payment. This may be a lump sum payment or a weekly payment for a set period. It is given to cover medical expenses, lost income or other expenses.
Breakdown cover is an optional add-on that can be included in a car insurance policy or purchased separately from a provider. It provides assistance and support in the event of vehicle breakdown or failure.
If the insured vehicle breaks down or won’t start, the breakdown cover provider will typically send out a specialist to try to fix the problem at the roadside. If the vehicle cannot be repaired, the provider may arrange for it to be towed to a nearby garage for repairs. Although this can depend on the level of breakdown cover.
Breakdown cover can also include additional benefits, such as roadside assistance, recovery services, and onward travel options. Which can help drivers continue their journey or get home safely.
Excess protection is an optional add-on that can be included in a car insurance policy. It provides financial protection for the policyholder in the event of a claim where the excess amount applies.
When making a claim on a car insurance policy, the policyholder is typically required to pay an excess amount, which is the amount they have agreed to pay towards the cost of any claim. The excess amount can vary depending on the policy and the level of cover chosen.
With excess protection, the policyholder can reclaim the excess amount paid if they are involved in an accident that is not their fault or where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Windscreen cover is an optional add-on that provides financial protection in the event of damage to the insured vehicle’s windscreen or other glass components.
Typically, Windscreen cover will provide coverage for the repair or replacement of the affected part. The amount of coverage will depend on the level of cover chosen and the policy terms and conditions.
Windscreen cover can also include additional benefits. This could include cover for the cost of a replacement vehicle while the repairs are being carried out, or coverage for the cost of towing the vehicle to a repair shop.
Choosing the right learner driver insurance cover is not just about finding the cheapest premium, it is about matching your needs as a learner to the right level of protection. From third party only provisional cover for budget-conscious drivers, through third party, fire, and theft for mid-level peace of mind, to fully comprehensive learner driver cover for maximum protection, each option has its place depending on your car, budget and confidence level. Take the time to compare what’s included, think about add-ons like breakdown or windscreen cover, and always check the terms before committing. By understanding the levels of cover for learners, you can focus on learning to drive knowing you are protected from the unexpected.
Frequently asked questions about levels of cover
Third party only is usually the cheapest learner driver insurance cover option, but it offers the least protection.
Yes, many insurers offer short-term provisional cover options, ideal if you are only practising for a limited period. At Collingwood, our Short-term learner driver insurance starts from 28 days.
Some learner driver policies will , as long as you follow the legal requirements (such as being supervised), others may not. This will depend on individual policies which should be checked before purchase.
Yes, you’ll need learner driver insurance to legally practise in a friend or family member’s car, unless you’re already listed as a named driver on their policy.
Only if the policy is specifically set up for that vehicle. Always check the policy wording before driving.
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