Where do you see this?

In motor vehicle insurance-related articles and brochures.

What does it mean?

Three main types of motor vehicle insurance policies are sold here. Of the three, the comprehensive cover offers the broadest protection.

It covers the policyholder if he causes bodily injury and death to other parties, including his passengers, as well as property damage.

It also covers damage to the insured's vehicle and others that he uses with the permission of the vehicle owners.

You can also extend your motor plan to cover authorised drivers. In addition, most insurers cover medical expenses and pay a death benefit if the insured dies in a car accident.

The other two types of motor policies are third-party only (covering death or bodily injury to third parties as well as damage to their property), and third party, fire and theft. For the latter, cover is extended to protect the insured's own vehicle for damage resulting from fire or theft.

Why is it important?

It is compulsory for a vehicle owner to buy motor insurance here. If you own a new car, you would be advised to buy comprehensive cover. If your vehicle is an old one, the insurer may only offer third party, or third party, fire and theft.

So you want to use the term. Just say...

"The comprehensive motor insurance that I recently bought for my new car includes cover for medical expenses up to $300."

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.