Does third party cover damage to my own car?

No. Third party only pays for injury or damage you cause to other people, their vehicles or their property. It does not pay for repairs to your own car.

Is fully comprehensive worth considering for an older car?

It can be, especially if the price is similar. Even on a lower-value car, comprehensive may include windscreen, fire and theft cover, depending on the policy.

Can I drive other cars on comprehensive cover?

Sometimes, but it is not automatic. Check your certificate. Many policies no longer include driving other cars cover, and where it exists it is often third party only.

Insurance basics

Third party vs fully comprehensive car insurance: which is cheaper?

Third party is not always the lower-priced option. Learn what each level of car insurance covers and why comprehensive can cost the same or less.

Many drivers assume third party is the budget option because it covers the least. In practice that is not always true. Comprehensive cover is often priced the same or lower, because of the way insurers price risk.

The three main levels of cover

Third party only: covers injury or damage you cause to other people, their vehicles and their property. This is the minimum the law requires.
Third party, fire and theft: adds cover if your own car is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive: also covers damage to your own car, including in an accident that was your fault, subject to the policy terms.

Why comprehensive can cost less

Insurers set prices based on risk. The group of drivers who choose minimum cover can, as a whole, be seen as higher risk, which can push third party prices up. That can make fully comprehensive cover similarly priced, or even lower, for the same driver.

What comprehensive usually adds

Comprehensive covers damage to your own car, plus extras that vary by policy, such as:

Repairs to your own vehicle after an accident that was your fault
Fire and theft protection
Windscreen cover and personal belongings (policy dependent)

How to tell which is cheaper for you

The only way to know is to get quotes for both cover levels side by side, with the same excess and details, before you buy. Check what each policy includes, not just the headline price.

About Kompare

Kompare doesn't currently offer quotes for car insurance. This guide is kept as general information. If you drive a van for work, see our van insurance page, or browse our blog for more guides.