We recommend higher scoring policies with a mix of state based and nationwide insurers.

The CHOICE Expert Rating is the overall score that determines which products we recommend. It's made up of product features (60%) and price (40%).

The score is made up of

Incident cover (eg emergency accommodation and transport and hire car) - 25%

New car replacement - 15%

Choice of repairer - 12.5%

Additional features (eg windscreen cover, roadside assistance) - 12.5%

Personal property cover - 10%

Default cover (fire, theft etc) and legal liability - 10%

Agreed value 7.5%

Excesses - 7.5%

Whether the car can be insured for an agreed value, or whether it is insured for market value only.

The fewer dollar signs, the cheaper the policy compared to other products available in the state. "N/A" means the insurer doesn't operate here, or doesn't participate in the premium sharing program we use to collect pricing data.

The fewer dollar signs, the cheaper the policy compared to other products available in the state. "N/A" means the insurer doesn't operate here, or doesn't participate in the premium sharing program we use to collect pricing data.

The fewer dollar signs, the cheaper the policy compared to other products available in the state. "N/A" means the insurer doesn't operate here, or doesn't participate in the premium sharing program we use to collect pricing data.

The fewer dollar signs, the cheaper the policy compared to other products available in the state. "N/A" means the insurer doesn't operate here, or doesn't participate in the premium sharing program we use to collect pricing data.

The fewer dollar signs, the cheaper the policy compared to other products available in the state. "N/A" means the insurer doesn't operate here, or doesn't participate in the premium sharing program we use to collect pricing data.

The fewer dollar signs, the cheaper the policy compared to other products available in the state. "N/A" means the insurer doesn't operate here, or doesn't participate in the premium sharing program we use to collect pricing data.

The fewer dollar signs, the cheaper the policy compared to other products available in the state. "N/A" means the insurer doesn't operate here, or doesn't participate in the premium sharing program we use to collect pricing data.

The fewer dollar signs, the cheaper the policy compared to other products available in the state. "N/A" means the insurer doesn't operate here, or doesn't participate in the premium sharing program we use to collect pricing data.

On top of your standard excess, some drivers might have to pay an additional excess when they make a claim. Drivers under 25 typically have to pay an age excess, and these can vary from state to state, and decrease with age.

Cover for your belongings inside the vehicle if it is stolen or damaged. Usually excludes cash or cards.

Cover for child seats, baby capsules, etc.

Cover for replacing and recoding keys. Most insurers only cover this after theft, but some also cover lost keys.

Cover for damaged or stolen trailers. Some insurers include caravans in this benefit. Trailers usually have to be under a size limit, and they're often only covered up to their market value.

If you're on the road and need to make a claim, your insurer might cover the costs of accommodation and transport to get you home or to your destination. The emergency transport benefit listed here is often also available when close to home, usually in the form of a taxi ride.

Cover for towing from the scene of an incident.

Do you have your choice of repairer, or do you have to use the one nominated by the insurer? Most insurers offer a lifetime guarantee on repairs they've authorised – this might be for the lifetime of the vehicle, while some only guarantee their repairs for as long as you own the car. The guarantee might only apply if you use the insurer's nominated repairer.

If your car is written off in the first few years, some insurers will replace it with a similar new model.

Because replacing damaged glass often costs less than your excess, insurers may waive or reduce the excess for windscreen and window claims.

Roadside assistance can help you in the event of a breakdown, which your car insurance doesn't cover you for. Some insurers offer it as an optional extra, while others have it included by default with their policies. Some sell roadside assistance plans to the general public.

If you can't drive your car after you make a claim, your insurer might cover the cost of a rental car. This is usually covered by default after theft, but you might have to pay extra to get cover for other incidents.

Some insurers extend your comprehensive cover to rental cars. Others will cover some or all of the excess the rental company will charge if you damage the car.

The basic insured events most policies cover.

Cover for if you use the correct fuel type for your car but the fuel is contaminated and damages your engine. Using an incorrect fuel type is usually not covered.

Cover for damage you cause to others' property with your car. Some insurers also cover liability for injury and death to other people in cases where your compulsory third party injury insurance does not.