What is third-party car insurance?
As you may already know, Third-party car insurance is a car insurance policy. This policy covers damages and losses caused to a third party in the event of an accident involving the insured vehicle. This type of insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacement of the third party’s vehicle or property but does not cover any damages to the insured vehicle. It is typically the minimum level of insurance required by law in most countries.
With third-party car insurance, you are covered if/when you cause an accident or damage to someone else while driving, and they make a claim against you. We have a wide range of third-party policies available for comparison, so look at our handy guide before starting your search.
Legal Requirements
Every driver on the UK’s roads needs third-party car insurance to stay on the right side of the law. The bare legal minimum for drivers is the third-party cover. It protects other drivers, and vehicle passengers, in the event of an accident. If your vehicle was involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could claim the damage against the other driver’s policy. Any injury to your passengers due to that accident would also be covered. However, the third-party policy would not cover any accident caused by you.
Third-party car insurance does NOT include:
- Accident damage to your vehicle.
- Fire or flood damage to your vehicle.
- The theft of your vehicle.
Third-party cover is perfect for cheaper, older vehicles. If a very old or low-value car is damaged in an accident, the damage might not be worth claiming for, and the car may be written off. It can also work out cheaper than a comprehensive cover – perfect for anyone on a tight budget.
What is third-party car insurance?
Being the lowest, most basic level of insurance required to drive a car legally, third party will only cover the damage or injury you incur to someone else. However, it covers anyone else in your vehicle at the time of the claim.
Why might you want third-party car insurance?
Generally, third-party insurance suits drivers who are more likely to claim any damage they cause. Similarly, drivers who don’t mind paying their repair charges if they don’t need to claim on insurance would find value in a third-party policy as you would only have to claim for damage caused to the other driver.
Third-party policies generally exist for those deemed ‘higher-risk drivers’. This is why insurance companies have the leverage to charge a higher-than-average annual or monthly fee than the famous comprehensive or third-party fire and theft policies.
What are the risks with third-party cover?
The risk-based nature of third-party insurance means the costs are woven into your regular payments, so if a claim does follow, the chances are you will pay less than you would if you were under another policy plan.
What is covered by third-party insurance?
If you do happen to have an accident driving a third-party
insured car, here is what you can expect to be covered for:
- Injury to the other driver or passengers.
- Any damage caused to the other driver’s vehicle.
- Damage caused to third-party property.
What is not covered?
Your insurance provider may not cover the following:
- Personal medical and legal costs.
- Any damage to your vehicle inflicted by your actions.
- Theft, damage and fire.
- Any damage to your personal belongings.
- Cosmetic faults, e.g. windscreen damage.
How to compare third-party insurance?
The car insurance comparison checker (provided by SEOPA) makes it easy to compare third-party coverage, but you can also see how they compare to other policies. We can find the right policy for you stress-free with just a few details!
How to Choose the Right Level of Cover for Your Car Insurance Policy
When choosing a car insurance policy, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the coverage level. In the UK, there are three main types of car insurance: third-party, third-party fire and theft, and comprehensive. Here’s what you need to know about every kind of cover and how to choose the right level of cover for your needs.
What is Third-party cover?
Third-party car insurance is the minimum level of cover required by law in the UK. It covers damage to other people’s property or injuries to others in an accident that’s your fault. However, it doesn’t cover damage to your car or injuries to yourself.
According to Sue Longthorn, Admiral’s head of car insurance, “Third-party cover is a good option if you have an older car that’s not worth much. However, if you have a newer car, you may want to consider a higher level of cover.”
What is Third-party fire and theft cover?
With Third-party fire and theft car insurance, the policy provides the same level of coverage as third-party insurance but also covers your car if it’s stolen or damaged in a fire.
According to Greg Wilson, the founder of Quotezone, “Third-party fire and theft cover is a good option if you have a mid-range car that’s worth a bit more than an older car. It’s also a good option if you live in an area with a high risk of car theft.”
What is comprehensive car insurance coverage?
Comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of coverage available in the UK. It covers damage to other people’s property or injuries to others in an accident that’s your fault. Comprehensive also covers damage to your car and injuries to yourself. It also covers theft and damage caused by fire.
According to Matt Oliver, the car insurance expert at GoCompare, “Comprehensive cover is the best option if you have a newer car that’s worth a lot of money. It’s also a good option for a new driver, as it offers the most protection.”
How to choose the right level of car insurance coverage?
When choosing the right level of coverage for your car insurance policy, consider three things—the value of your car, your driving experience, and your budget. Comprehensive cover may be the best option if you have a newer car worth a lot of money. Third-party cover may be sufficient if you have an older car that’s not worth much. If you’re unsure, speak to an insurance expert for options. Alternatively, use a comparison website to compare prices and coverage options.
According to Lee Griffin, the CEO of GoCompare, “It’s important to choose the right level of cover for your needs, but also to make sure that you’re getting the best deal. Use a comparison website to compare prices and coverage options from different insurance companies, and don’t be afraid to haggle to get a better deal.”