The importance of choosing the right car insurance plan Hard-pressed car owners already reeling from rising fuel prices and changes to vehicle excise duty were dealt another blow with the news that car insurance premiums had risen by more than £20 on average in the three months ending June 2008 according to the AA British Insurance Premium Index. The average quoted premium for comprehensive car insurance now stands at more than £700. With premiums rising, it`s vital to ensure you have the right car insurance plan for your needs both in terms of cover and price. This may mean shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple providers or taking out specialist cover that is designed specifically for your age group or the type of vehicle you drive. What are the different car insurance options? Broadly there are three types of car insurance to choose from - third party, third party fire and theft and comprehensive cover. Third party cover is the minimum legal requirement in the UK and covers claims made by third parties for bodily harm or damage to property. Third party fire and theft adds protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. Finally, comprehensive cover covers all of the above plus a number of additional options which vary depending on what you opt for but can include personal accident cover, a courtesy car, legal assistance and more. There is also a number of specialist policies available including: . New drivers` car insurance In early 2008 several insurance providers including Axa, More Th>n, Swiftcover, Marks & Spencer and Saga withdrew from offering quotes to 17-year-olds due to high accident rates. Nevertheless a number of companies, including 17-24 Car Insurance and Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance specialise in offering quotes to young and new drivers while mainstream providers including Norwich Union, Endsleigh and the AA also have specialist schemes. Advantages of these deals can include Pass Plus discounts, rapid bonus no-claims schemes and cover for provisional drivers. . Women`s car insurance According to the Home Office men are responsible for 97 per cent of dangerous driving offences. Statistically, women drivers have a superior record behind the wheel and as such many insurers, including Sheila`s Wheels, Ladybird and Diamond, specialise in offering quotes to women claiming they can offer cheaper premiums due to the lower number of high-cost claims. Specialist features may include handbag cover, child seat cover and female-friendly repairers. . Over 50s car insurance There is an enormous difference in the claims history and driving patterns of over 50s compared to 18-24 year-olds for example, and as such there are several providers who specialise in offering quotes to experienced motorists. The likes of Saga and RIAS are among the insurers in this area with features including protected no-claims and medical expenses cover. . Specialist vehicles Many insurers, such as Adrian Flux, Lancaster Insurance and Performance Direct, have policies for all sorts of specialist vehicles including modified cars, off road vehicles and classic and vintage cars. Features may include limited mileage discounts and agreed valuations. How to make a car insurance claim You never know how good your insurer is until it`s time to make a claim. To ensure the process runs smoothly, inform your insurer as soon as an accident takes place and ask it what evidence will be required to support your claim. Take pictures of any damage, keep receipts and photocopy any correspondence associated with a claim. If you do want to make a car insurance claim then don`t get the repairs done without consulting your insurer first. If you use your insurer`s approved repair centre you may find that the claims process is quicker and simpler