Third Party Car Insurance Comparison

What is third party car insurance?

Third party car insurance is the minimum level of cover you can legally drive with in the UK. It pays out for injury or damage you cause to other people, their vehicles and their property — but not for damage to your own car. Driving without at least this cover is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 (GOV.UK).

It is called “third party” because it protects everyone affected by an accident except you (the first party) and your insurer (the second party).

What does third party car insurance cover?

Third party only cover protects other people when an accident is your fault. A typical policy covers:

• Injury to other people, including your passengers and other road users
• Damage to other vehicles and to property, such as a wall, fence or shop front
• Legal costs and compensation claims made against you

What third party only cover does not include:

• Repairs to your own car after an accident you cause
• Theft of, or damage to, your own vehicle
• Fire damage — for that you would need third party, fire and theft cover

Third party, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive?

There are three levels of car insurance in the UK, and third party only is the most basic:

• Third party only — the legal minimum. Covers other people and their property, not your car.
• Third party, fire and theft — adds cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
• Comprehensive — the highest level. Also covers damage to your own car, even when an accident is your fault.

Is third party car insurance cheaper than comprehensive?

No — not usually. Third party only is the minimum legal level of cover, yet it is often more expensive than comprehensive, not cheaper. Comprehensive cover frequently works out cheaper because drivers historically seen as higher risk were more likely to choose third party only, which pushed up the average price of that cover. Third party only is the minimum needed to drive legally under the Road Traffic Act 1988 (GOV.UK), so choosing it does not guarantee a lower premium — compare all three levels of cover before you buy.

Does third party insurance cover you to drive other cars?

Usually not. A “driving other cars” (DOC) clause is normally found only on some comprehensive policies, and even then it is not automatic — always check your certificate of insurance. With third party only cover you are unlikely to be able to drive another car on your policy.

How to compare third party car insurance with Tiger.co.uk

Tiger.co.uk compares third party car insurance quotes from over 110 UK insurance providers, so you can see competitive prices side by side in minutes. You fill in one short form and compare cover levels and prices from a wide panel of insurers — and you could save up to £535*.

A few things that can help lower your premium:

• Consider a black box (telematics) policy so insurers can reward lower-risk driving
• Build and protect your no claims discount
• Pay a higher voluntary excess if you can afford it
• Improve security by parking off-road overnight and fitting an alarm or immobiliser

You might also want to compare breakdown cover or short-term temporary car insurance depending on how you drive.

Is third party car insurance the legal minimum in the UK?

Yes. Third party only is the lowest level of cover that meets the legal requirement to be insured under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Driving without at least third party insurance is a criminal offence.

Does third party car insurance cover my own car?

No. Third party only cover pays for injury or damage you cause to other people and their property, not repairs to your own vehicle. For that you need comprehensive cover.