Aviva Car Insurance Review UK 2026: Defaqto 5-Star KT Score 74

Last reviewed: June 2026

Aviva Car Insurance: What the Policy Covers

Aviva comprehensive car insurance is rated 5 stars by Defaqto, placing it in the highest tier of independently assessed motor policies in the UK market. The standard comprehensive policy includes a courtesy car while the policyholder's vehicle is being repaired following a claim, windscreen and glass cover, cover for driving other cars (for named driver on some variants), and protection if an uninsured driver causes damage to the policyholder's vehicle.

Optional extras include breakdown cover (through Aviva's own roadside assistance network), motor legal protection, key cover, and enhanced courtesy car upgrades. Third party fire and theft and third party only policies are available for drivers seeking lower-cost alternatives, though neither carries the Defaqto 5-star designation applied to comprehensive.

Claims Performance

Aviva's ABI claims code signatory status requires it to publish claims settlement data. The group settled 97.8% of motor claims in 2022/23, one of the higher rates among major UK insurers. The ABI Motor Claims Data also shows Aviva's average repair cycle time is in line with the market mid-point, with most straightforward repairs completed within 10-14 working days via its approved repairer network.

Total loss claims are settled at the vehicle's market value at the time of loss. Aviva does not offer guaranteed future value policies for standard consumer motor cover. New-for-old replacement is available within the first year of the vehicle's registration on comprehensive policies where the insurer's garage has been used for the repair.

FOS Complaint Data

Financial Ombudsman Service annual data for 2022/23 recorded 2,421 upheld complaints against Aviva across all product lines. The motor insurance uphold rate of 36% was below the sector average of 38%, meaning that of complaints that reached the ombudsman stage, Aviva's position was found to be correct in a slightly higher proportion of cases than the sector norm.

Common complaint themes at ombudsman level across the motor sector include claims valuation disputes (total loss), courtesy car duration, and premium increases at renewal. Aviva's relative performance on uphold rate suggests its claims handling process aligns reasonably well with FOS expectations on contested matters.

Pricing and Availability

Aviva comprehensive car insurance is available through its own direct channels at aviva.co.uk and on all four major comparison sites: MoneySuperMarket, GoCompare, Compare the Market and Confused.com. Pricing varies by vehicle type, driver age, claims history and postcode.

Under FCA pricing rules that came into force in January 2022, Aviva must offer renewal quotes no higher than the equivalent new customer price for the same cover. The group was an early complier with dual pricing rule changes, having commenced remediating its book ahead of the FCA's prescribed timeline.

Aviva vs Competitors

New for Old and Agreed Value Policies

Aviva's standard comprehensive car policy settles total loss claims at market value, not agreed value. An agreed value policy, where the insurer and policyholder agree a fixed sum insured in advance, is not available on standard Aviva consumer car insurance. For high-value or classic vehicles, specialist insurers offering agreed value cover may be more appropriate than standard market comprehensive policies from Aviva or Admiral.

Within the first 12 months of a new vehicle's registration, Aviva offers new-for-old replacement rather than market value settlement on comprehensive policies where the repair is carried out through an Aviva-approved garage. After the first 12 months, settlement reverts to market value assessed against glass guide data at the time of the total loss.

Annual vs Monthly Premium Payments

Aviva car insurance can be paid annually in full or monthly via a credit agreement. Monthly payment attracts a credit charge, which varies but typically equates to an annual percentage rate in the range of 20-30% on the total premium. For policyholders who can pay annually, the full payment option eliminates the credit charge. Aviva's monthly payment arrangement constitutes a regulated credit agreement, and the credit terms are subject to FCA consumer credit rules under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Aviva car insurance include a courtesy car as standard?

Aviva comprehensive car insurance includes a courtesy car as standard while the policyholder's vehicle is being repaired through Aviva's approved repairer network. The courtesy car is a small hatchback category vehicle; upgrades are available as an add-on. Cover does not apply if the repair is carried out by a non-approved garage.

What is the Aviva car insurance Defaqto rating?

Aviva comprehensive car insurance holds a Defaqto 5-star rating. Defaqto is an independent financial research company that assesses insurance products against comparable policies in the market. The 5-star rating is the highest available and indicates Aviva's policy is among the most comprehensive in terms of features.

Can I get an Aviva car insurance quote on comparison sites?

Aviva appears on MoneySuperMarket, GoCompare, Compare the Market and Confused.com. Quotes can also be obtained directly at aviva.co.uk. Prices may differ between channels; it is worth comparing direct and comparison site prices before purchasing.

How does Aviva handle total loss car claims?

Aviva settles total loss claims at the vehicle's market value at the time of the loss, assessed using glass guides and market data. Policyholders may negotiate if they believe the valuation does not reflect the actual market price for an equivalent vehicle. A new-for-old replacement option applies in the first year if the vehicle is repaired by an Aviva-approved garage.

Is Aviva car insurance available for young drivers?

Aviva offers standard comprehensive cover for drivers aged 17 and over, subject to underwriting criteria. Young drivers typically face higher premiums due to statistical claims risk. Aviva's young driver pricing is available through comparison sites, where Admiral and Hastings Direct also compete strongly in this segment.