There's no single number, because the honest answer depends on your vehicle and the level of cover you choose. Here's what actually moves the price up or down.
What drives the cost
- Vehicle age and mileage Older, higher-mileage vehicles are statistically more likely to need repairs, so cover for them tends to cost more than for a newer car.
- Length of cover A 1-year plan and a 3-year plan aren't priced the same per month — longer terms usually work out better value overall, even though the monthly figure is higher.
- Claim limit and excess A policy with a higher claims limit and lower (or no) excess will typically cost more than a stripped-back one — but it's also worth more when you actually need to claim.
- What's included beyond parts and labour Extras like courtesy cars, recovery, and overnight accommodation while your car's being repaired all affect the price, because they're all real costs the provider is taking on.
- How you pay Monthly Direct Debit spreads the cost over the year; paying in full upfront is usually the cheaper route overall since it avoids the cost of spreading payments.
Why the cheapest quote isn't always the best deal
Two policies priced miles apart can look identical on the surface. The difference is usually in the small print — a lower price often means a lower claims limit, a higher excess, or a shorter list of what's actually covered. When you're comparing quotes, compare what you get for the price, not just the price itself.
What to actually look at
Before comparing cost, check the labour rate covered per hour, the claim limit per repair, and the excess you'd pay on a claim. Those three numbers tell you far more about real value than the monthly price alone.