What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Should I bother with fully comprehensive insurance on an old Peugeot of little value?

I own a 1999 Peugeot estate car, which I inherited seven years ago. At the time I obtained a valuation, for probate, from the Peugeot garage that had been servicing the car for several years. They said they would give me £1000 and expect to sell it on for £2000. I hate to think how little it must be worth now, but it still goes without trouble and it would cost me a lot more to buy a replacement, even though I have to pay over £200 a year in road tax against £35 for a modern hatchback. My question is this: because of its low value the car would presumably be written off by any insurance company if it sustained even £1000 worth of damage. Is it therefore a waste of money to take out comprehensive insurance rather than third party, fire and theft?

Asked on 14 September 2013 by CB, via email

Answered by Honest John
It would be if the premium was more, but ironically third party private policies usually costs more because there are proportionately more claims on third party insurances. So check that third party would actually be cheaper before switching.
Similar questions
I have just had my renewal quote from LV. Last year it was £229, now they want £380, a 65% increase! How is this justified? I have not changed my car, increased my mileage, received any points, had any...
I'm thinking of changing my insurance policy by taking my wife off the policy as a named driver as it will be cheaper. If I let her drive the car with my permission, is that legal insurance wise, and if...
My daughter has just been told (by a mainstream and well-known insurer) that her premiums have just gone up because an identical car in the same postcode was stolen, therefore the premiums go up. Of course...