Some of the insurance companies we work with
Whether you venture truly off-road or just battle to navigate the urban jungle, find 4×4 car insurance at mustard.co.uk.
Does a 4x4 cost more to insure?
Most 4×4 vehicles are large, powerful and expensive which means car cover often costs more compared to standard cars.
With their increased weight and power, 4x4s can cause more damage in the event of an accident which means insurers need to cover higher claims costs. Not only that, 4x4s often come with all sorts of gadgets – for instance, terrain selection or electronic air suspension which can be costly to repair.
Desirability also makes 4×4 cars a target for thieves. In fact, DVLA figures show that the Land Rover Discovery and the Range Rover both appear in the top ten most stolen cars in the UK.
What does 4×4 car insurance cover?
4×4 insurance isn’t much different from standard car cover so you’ll be able to choose from one of three levels of cover:
- Third-party only insurance – compensates other people for injury or damage you’ve caused. Don’t forget that third-party only doesn’t cover the cost of damage to your own car so if you’re involved in an accident, it means you’ll need to pay for repairs.
- Third-party, fire and theft insurance – includes third-party only and will also pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged by fire or stolen.
- Comprehensive insurance – includes third-party, fire and theft and will also cover the cost of repairs or fund a replacement if your car is damaged in an accident (even if it was considered your fault).
Does 4×4 cover include off road insurance?
This will depend on the insurer. In most cases, if a particular feature isn’t included within a standard package, you’ll be able to add it on for an additional cost.
Optional extras, include:
- Off-road insurance – covers you to drive on rough terrain.
- Competition use – this often goes hand in hand with off-road insurance, especially if you use your 4×4 to rally race.
- Green lane insurance – covers you to drive on unclassified country roads (UCRs) and byways open to all traffic (also known as BOATs).
- Caravan insurance – if you like to get away with your caravan, you may need separate caravan insurance.
You should also let your insurer know if your 4×4 is special in any way – for example if it’s been modified. Similarly, if you drive anything retro like an old Land Rover Defender, it might be worth taking a look at 4×4 classic car insurance which could give you a better deal.
What’s the cheapest 4×4 to insure?
Premiums really depend on a range of factors and it’s not just about the 4×4 itself. For instance, insurers will take into account your driving record, claims history, your job and your address.
If you’re keen to own a 4×4 car but want one that is likely to cost less to insure, take a look at the insurance group it’s in. As a rule of thumb, the lower the insurance group number (which ranges from 1-50) the cheaper the car is to insure.
Always compare 4×4 insurance
The cost of cover can vary considerably so comparing 4×4 insurance quotes means you can be confident about finding a policy that fits your needs and gives you great value.
To find 4×4 cover, just enter a few details about you and your car and we’ll search from 70 leading providers to bring back quotes that suit you. If you’d prefer to speak to a friendly advisor, you can do that too on 0330 022 8814.
Call us on 0330 022 5970 for a quote over the phone
4×4 insurance FAQs
Why is 4×4 car insurance expensive?
Four-wheel drive cars, also known as SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle), refers to a drivetrain in which both axles can turn all four wheels at the same time. Featuring a heavier and boxier chassis, as well as higher ground clearance, some 4WD allow you to switch between four-wheel and two-wheel drive. These higher build specifications mean they tend to be more expensive to repair.
Most 4x4s are also large, powerful vehicles and this increased weight and power can mean they cause more damage in the event of an accident, which means insurers need to cover higher claims costs.
In addition, 4x4s often have higher grade components and are awash with expensive gadgets like, terrain selection or electronic air suspension which can be costly to repair.
Their desirability also makes 4x4s attractive for thieves. As mentioned above, DVLA figures show that unfortunately the Land Rover Discovery and the Range Rover both appear in the top ten most stolen cars in the UK.
Try getting a quote with mustard.co.uk and see if you could cut the cost of your 4×4 insurance premium, while still getting the comprehensive cover you need.
Can I get low cost insurance for 4×4 cars?
It’s no secret that premiums for 4x4s can be higher than those of standard cars but this generally reflects the increased cost involved when claims are made. That said, there are ways to ensure you get the best possible premium, for example:
- Pay for your policy in one go – although it’s a lot of money, paying for your annual policy upfront can be the cheapest option. Monthly instalments can include admin and interest charges which could end up costing you more.
- Increase your voluntary excess – doing this can reduce your overall premium, but it still needs to be affordable because you’ll need to pay it for a claim to go ahead.
- Keep your car secure – keeping your 4×4 in a locked garage overnight means it’s less likely to be stolen or vandalised which can help lower your premium. If you don’t have a garage, off-street parking or investing in an immobiliser or tracker could also help reduce costs.
- Be accurate with your mileage – the more miles you do (or say you do) the greater the risk of you being involved in an accident and a claim being made. Try to be as accurate as you can as overestimating could mean you pay more than you need.
- Avoid modifications – making changes to your 4×4 can increase premiums as they potentially make repairs more expensive. Adding extra features can also increase your car’s desirability making it an even greater temptation to thieves.
When it comes to comparing 4×4 car insurance, it’s important to look at the overall policy and not just the price.
Cheap 4×4 car insurance might be a bargain on paper, but there might be all sorts of terms, conditions and exclusions that mean you don’t quite get the cover you need. In contrast, pricier policies might have fewer restrictions and prove better value for money in the long run.
To start your search for great value 4×4 car insurance, simply answer a few questions about yourself and your vehicle and let us search our panel of providers to find you a range of policies.
For more top tips on ways to reduce your car insurance premiums, check out our main car insurance page.
mustard.co.uk Car Insurance Reviews
Take a look at our genuine customer reviews