Comprehensive car insurance or "fully comp" as it is occasionally referred to, is recommended for cars over £1000 in value and becomes necessary for cars over £5000 in value. "Comprehensive" is generally taken to mean that both your car and any damages and injuries arising from it are comprehensively covered. Specifically:

• Liability for injuries to other people, including passengers
• Liability for damage to other people's property
• Liability of passengers for accidents caused by them
• Liability arising from the use of a caravan or trailer, while attached to the car
• Fire damage and/or theft
• Accidental damage to your own car
• A personal accident benefit - certain amounts are paid in the event of the death or specific permanent disablement of the policyholder (and sometimes his or her spouse or family member)
• Medical expenses necessarily incurred, up to a stated limit
• Loss of or damage to personal effects in the car, up to a stated limit.