When you take out car insurance you'll be given:

• a cover note
  
• the policy document
  
• a schedule
  
• a certificate

To get the full picture, you'll need to study the documents together.

Your cover note is a temporary proof of insurance to cover you before your certificate arrives. Your policy is a general document that contains information on all three levels of cover available, add-on benefits you can buy, and general conditions.

Your schedule tells you which sections of your policy apply and if there are any excesses and endorsements (restrictions placed on your cover). The certificate is your evidence that you have the cover required by law.

Please note you can only obtain a valid tax disc by producing a valid cover note or certificate of insurance.