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Having 4×4 (four wheel drive) insurance ensures your 4×4 car is covered for repairs in the event it’s involved in an accident, a fire or is stolen. Getting 4×4 insurance can be a little different to standard car insurance. It can also be more expensive, so it’s a good idea to compare plenty of 4×4 car insurance quotes to find the cheapest insurance for your vehicle.
4×4 insurance is a type of cover designed for four-wheel drive cars, such as Range Rovers, Jeeps and some brands of SUVs. A four-wheel drive means torque from the engine is received by all wheels, not just the front or rear two (which are called front-wheel and rear-wheel drives, respectively). Whether you’re powering your 4×4 up mountains or spinning around town, there’s a type of 4×4 car insurance for you, although it may vary depending on how you use your car, its size and its age.
4×4 cars have surged in popularity in the UK in recent years. The top three hotspots for 4×4 vehicles are all in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, according to research by 4×4 insurance provider Admiral, where rugged landscapes make 4×4 driving a big advantage. But drivers also buy them across the country, in towns and cities, for their luxurious and spacious cabins.
Farmers are the most likely to own a 4×4, the research found, but company directors and merchant bankers are also in the top five categories of 4×4 owners.
Getting 4×4 insurance can be less straightforward than standard car insurance due to the size, power and uses of the vehicles. 4×4 car insurance is also often more expensive than standard car insurance. Insurers price cover based on risk, and 4×4 cars are viewed as posing higher risk for a number of reasons. These include: