Third-partyCar Insurance

What is third-party only car insurance?

Third party is the most basic level of car insurance you're required to have to drive on UK roads legally. Your insurer will pay for damage or injury you cause to someone else. That includes repairs to another person's car, damage to their property, or compensation if they're hurt. In this sense, it focuses purely on liability to others.

Third-party car insurance doesn't extend to your own vehicle, so if your car is damaged in an accident that's your fault, you'll need to cover the repair costs yourself.

What is the difference between third-party and comprehensive cover?

Third-party car insurance is the minimum required by law, whereas comprehensive policies offer much broader protection.

Third-party insurance focuses on damage or injury you cause to other people. It won’t cover damage to your own car if you're at fault in an accident.

On the other hand, comprehensive insurance is the highest level of cover available. A fully comprehensive policy includes third-party protection but also covers damage to your own car, even if the accident was your fault. Comprehensive cover extends to other situations, too, such as theft, fire, or attempted theft.

How much is third-party insurance?

The average cost of annual third-party insurance is £556. Because it offers limited protection, many people assume it's always the cheapest option. In reality, that isn't always the case.

While third-party cover doesn’t protect or cover your car if you’re at fault, insurers sometimes price it higher than other policies. Industry data shows that drivers with this level of cover are more likely to make claims, which can push prices up. That’s why you should always compare quotes for the right price based on your own circumstances.

Is it the right option for you?

Third-party only insurance can be a good option for some drivers, but it doesn’t mean it will always be the product that best suits your needs. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons and think about what level of protection you’re comfortable with.

In some cases, keeping cover simple might feel like the right choice. In other situations, third-party, fire and theft car insurance, or even comprehensive cover, can make insurance cheaper overall. Besides, both offer more protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.

Who is third-party only suitable for?

Third-party only is suitable for drivers who want the most basic car insurance you can get and only need third-party cover to drive legally. It can work for people with low-value cars or infrequent drivers. You’ll encounter people who left a review of their insurer online and claimed this level of cover was sufficient for their situation.

What details do I need to provide to get a car insurance quote?

To get the right insurance cover, you’ll need to share a few key details so that your quote is accurate and matches what will appear in your policy documents.
Here’s what you’ll usually be asked for:

• Age
• Occupation
• Home address and where the car is parked overnight
• Car usage (social, commuting, or business)
• Estimated annual mileage
• Driving licence number
• Car registration number
• Purchase date of the car
• Vehicle modifications
• Your No Claims Discount
• Accident or claims history (last 5 years)
• Convictions or penalties (last 5 years)
• Additional drivers

FAQ

Should I get comprehensive or 3rd party?

It’s not necessarily the case that third-party policies are the cheapest option just because they offer less cover. In some situations, comprehensive car insurance can cost the same or even less but offer wider protection. The right choice depends on your car, how often you drive, and how much financial risk you’re comfortable taking on.

Does third-party only cover damage to my own car?

No. Damage to your own car won’t be covered. Third-party only insurance is the most basic level of cover and is designed to protect other people, not your vehicle.

What happens if I am involved in an accident and I am at fault?

If you’re involved in a car accident that’s your fault, you must inform your insurer. Your policy will cover damage to the other person’s vehicle or property, and any injury claims if you’ve injured someone else. However, repairs to your own car and treatment if you’re injured will not be covered.

Is third-party only usually cheaper than other types of insurance?

Not always. Third-party only may seem like the cheapest car insurance policy, but it can sometimes cost more than other types of car insurance, including comprehensive cover. That’s why you should compare all your options before choosing a policy.

Is third-party only usually cheaper than other types of insurance?

Not always. Third-party only may seem like the cheapest car insurance policy, but it can sometimes cost more than other types of car insurance, including comprehensive cover. That’s why you should compare all your options before choosing a policy.

Does third-party only include cover for passengers in my car?

Yes. As the minimum level of cover required by law, third-party only insurance covers injuries to passengers in your car. It does not cover injuries to you as the driver.

Can I add extras to a third-party only policy?

Yes. Many insurers allow you to add optional extras, such as breakdown cover, legal expenses, or a hire car. You can add these extras for more protection without altering your core level of cover.

Will my no-claims discount still apply with third-party only insurance?

Yes. You can still build up a no-claims discount with third-party only insurance, as long as you don’t make a claim. Some insurers may also let you protect your discount for an additional cost.

Can I switch from third-party only to a higher level of cover later?

Yes. You can upgrade to a different type of policy, such as comprehensive cover, either during the policy term or when it's time to renew. You might have to pay an admin fee or any difference in price, depending on your insurer.