Third of drivers don't know what their comprehensive insurance policy covers

A worrying figure has been released that finds one in three drivers falsely believe an accident while driving another car will be covered by a comprehensive insurance policy.

However, the majority of comprehensive policies only provide third party cover when it comes to driving other cars.

This means that a severe number of drivers would be left out of pocket if they were to find themselves involved in an accident while driving another car.

The research, undertook by the Chartered Institute of Insurance (CII), also revealed that 34% of drivers think they wouldn't be covered if they were to have an accident because they'd sneezed, but they would.

Other data showed that many motorists are also not aware they they are covered to drive in Europe by their UK policy under EU legislation, and has led to CII estimating that a quarter of drivers do not know what sort of policy they hold.

David Ross, director of communications at the CII, said: "The legal elements that underpin motor insurance are complex and are understandably challenging for the average consumer.

"Our research has found that British drivers are frequently baffled by insurance, with many having no idea what they are covered for. Should the worst happen, this could mean that consumers are left out of pocket or they end up paying for cover twice because they never knew they had it."

It is a legal requirement that all drivers must be at least third-party insured in order to drive on UK roads. Third-party insurance means that drivers are insured against any claims made by drivers whose vehicles are damaged in an accident that was your fault.