There are over 60 providers of car insurance in the UK and, with such a big-ticket item as a car, it is important to get the right deal for you.

Here are some important questions to ask when you’re getting quotes from car insurance companies :

How much is the policy excess?

If you make a claim you will have to pay an amount agreed between you and your provider – this is called the policy excess. It is important to know what your excess is, as it is an extra cost to consider in your budget when you buy your new car, and the greater your excess the lower your overall insurance premium will be. The policy excess will usually vary between £100 and £250, and if you’ve not been driving for long you will have to pay a compulsory excess.

How much is the no-claim discount?

If you don’t make a claim, you may be rewarded with a reduction in the cost of your car insurance – this is known as a no-claim bonus or discount. It is a good idea to ask how much you could earn and over what time period – you might earn as much as a 65% reduction in your premium, usually over a period of four or five years. It will also stay with you if you change insurers.

If you make a claim you may lose your discount. Do ask if there is a way that you can protect your premium from this – many insurers will let you keep your discount for a small reduction or for an extra fee. But also note that even if your discount is protected, accidents on your claims history can still increase your premium.

What other additions are available on my comprehensive cover?

Comprehensive coverage is one the most popular forms of car insurance policies because it will cover you in the case of several different kinds of emergency or accident. At this level, many providers will offer some handy additions. For example, some insurers offer 24-hour accident recovery as standard on all comprehensive policies. Other additions to look for are insurance against the cost of car repairs in the event of a breakdown; a courtesy car while it is repaired; or legal expenses insurance to cover any uninsured losses such as your excess.

What exclusions are there?

Exclusions are items not covered by your insurance. These will vary from company to company. For example, you might want to ask if equipment stolen from your car is still covered if it is not permanently fitted.

Lastly, don’t forget to always read through your paperwork and ask if there is anything that you don’t understand. With the number of different providers of car insurance in the UK , it pays to shop around.