Car insurance in the UK is surrounded by myths that often lead drivers to overpay or misunderstand their cover. With rising premiums in 2025, believing the wrong information can cost you hundreds of pounds a year. Below are five of the most common car insurance myths in the UK, explained clearly so you know what’s true and what isnt.
Myth 1: Fully Comprehensive Insurance Is Always the Most Expensive
Many drivers assume that fully comprehensive insurance is automatically more expensive than third-party policies. In reality, this isn’t always true.
Insurers price policies based on risk. Drivers who choose comprehensive cover are often viewed as lower risk because they are more cautious and invested in protecting their vehicle. Because of this, fully comprehensive policies can sometimes be cheaper than Third Party Only (TPO) or Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT).
The lesson here is not to assume. Always compare all levels of cover rather than choosing a lower level based purely on the name.
Myth 2: The Colour of Your Car Affects Insurance Costs
A long-standing myth is that red cars cost more to insure. This is false.
UK insurers do not consider car colour when calculating premiums. Instead, they focus on factors such as:
- Vehicle make and model
- Engine size and power
- Insurance group
- Repair costs
- Theft risk
Whether your car is red, black, white, or blue makes no difference to your insurance price. This myth likely comes from confusion with sports cars, which often happen to be red but are expensive due to performance, not colour.
Myth 3: You’re Automatically Insured to Drive Other Cars
Many drivers believe their policy automatically allows them to drive other vehicles. This used to be more common, but it is no longer guaranteed.
Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover:
- Is not included on all policies
- Usually only applies to third-party cover
- Often excludes younger or newly qualified drivers
You must always check your policy documents before driving another vehicle. Assuming you are covered when you’re not could result in driving uninsured, which carries serious legal penalties in the UK.
Myth 4: Modifications Don’t Need to Be Declared
Some drivers think minor modifications won’t affect insurance and don’t need to be declared. This is one of the most dangerous myths.
You must declare all modifications, including:
- Alloy wheels
- Window tints
- Body kits
- Exhaust changes
- Performance upgrades
Even cosmetic changes can affect how insurers assess risk. Failing to declare modifications can lead to:
- Policy cancellation
- Claims being refused
- Insurance being invalidated
If you’re unsure whether something counts as a modification, it’s always safer to declare it.mpare all policy types for your profile and see which offers the best balance of coverage and cost. This ensures you’re not paying extra unnecessarily.
Myth 5: Loyalty Always Gets You the Best Price.
Many drivers believe staying with the same insurer year after year guarantees cheaper renewals. In reality, this is rarely the case.
Insurers often raise prices at renewal, relying on customers not to switch. New customers frequently receive better introductory rates, while long-term customers may pay more without realising it.
This is why comparing quotes each year is essential. Using comparison services like Quotezone allows drivers to see offers from multiple insurers in one place, helping identify whether a renewal quote is genuinely competitive.
Why These Myths Matter in 2025
Car insurance pricing in 2025 is more data-driven than ever. Insurers analyse driver behaviour, vehicle risk, and claims history in detail. Believing outdated myths can lead to poor decisions, such as choosing the wrong cover level or failing to compare quotes properly.
Understanding the facts helps you:
- Avoid invalidating your policy
- Choose appropriate cover
- Reduce the risk of overpaying
- Stay legally insured
Final Thoughts
Car insurance myths are common in the UK, but they can be costly if followed blindly. Fully comprehensive cover isn’t always more expensive, car colour doesn’t matter, DOC cover isn’t guaranteed, modifications must be declared, and loyalty rarely equals savings.
The smartest approach in 2025 is to stay informed, read your policy carefully, and compare quotes regularly using trusted platforms like Quotezone. Doing so ensures you’re properly covered while avoiding unnecessary costs.