If you're new to driving in the UK, you've probably come across the term third-party car insurance. It's the minimum level of cover required by law – but what does third-party insurance actually cover? And is it really the cheapest option?
This guide explains what third-party insurance means, how it compares to other types of car insurance, and whether it's the right choice for you.
What is third party car insurance: key takeaways
- Third party insurance is car cover that pays for damage and injury to other people and their property if you cause an accident.
- It doesn't cover damage to your own car.
- In the UK, it's the minimum legal requirement for driving.
- Although it's the lowest level of cover, it isn't always the cheapest.
What does third party car insurance mean?
Third party car insurance (sometimes written as 3rd party insurance) covers damage and injury you cause to other people in an accident. The "third party" is the other person involved — not you or your insurer.
Third party insurance covers:
- Injury to other people in an accident you cause
- Damage to other people's vehicles
- Damage to other people's property (like walls or fences)
Third party insurance doesn't cover:
- Damage to your own car
- Theft of your vehicle
- Fire damage to your car
- Your own medical expenses
- Personal belongings in your car
This is the key difference that catches many people out. With third party only insurance, if you crash your car, you'll pay to repair it yourself.
How does third party only insurance work?
Let's look at a real example. Say you're driving and accidentally hit another car at a roundabout. Here's what happens with third party insurance:
What's covered:
- The other driver's car repairs (fully paid by your insurer)
- Any injury treatment the other driver needs (fully paid)
- Damage to any property you hit (fully paid)
What you pay for:
- All repairs to your own car
- Any injury treatment you need
- A replacement car if yours can't be driven
This is why third party insurance can actually cost you more in the long run, even though the initial price might seem lower.
Many people who are new to the UK find this surprising. In some countries, car insurance works differently — covering the vehicle rather than the driver. But in the UK, your insurance is tied to you as the driver and the specific car you insure.
What's the difference between third party and fully comprehensive insurance?
The main difference is simple: fully comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own car as well as the other person's.
Third party only insurance covers:
- Damage and injury to others only
Fully comprehensive insurance covers:
- Damage and injury to others
- Damage to your own car from accidents
- Theft or attempted theft of your car
- Fire damage, storm damage, and vandalism
- Often includes extras like windscreen protection
Despite covering much more, fully comprehensive insurance isn't always more expensive than third party only. In fact, comprehensive policies can sometimes be cheaper because insurers see third party only buyers as higher risk.
At Marshmallow, all our policies are fully comprehensive. We believe everyone deserves complete protection, especially if you're navigating the UK insurance system for the first time.
If you're trying to decide what car insurance you need, fully comprehensive can be a great option. Check out our car insurance plans to see what is covered.
What are the types of third party insurance in the UK?
There are actually two types of third party insurance in the UK:
Third-party Only
- Covers injury and damage to others only
- No cover for your own vehicle at all
- The absolute minimum legal requirement
Third-party, Fire and Theft
- Covers injury and damage to others
- Also covers if your car is stolen
- Also covers fire damage to your car
- Still no cover for accident damage to your own car
Is third party insurance cheaper?
This is one of the biggest myths about third party insurance. Many people assume third party only insurance is always cheaper because it covers less. But that's not necessarily true.
Why third party insurance used to be cheaper
Years ago, third party insurance was significantly cheaper than comprehensive cover. It made sense — you were buying less protection, so you paid less.
Why prices have changed
Insurance companies now see third party only buyers as higher risk. Here's why:
- Drivers who choose minimum cover are statistically more likely to make claims
- People who choose third party often drive older, less reliable cars that break down more
- Third party buyers may be less experienced or confident drivers
Because of this higher risk, insurers have increased third party insurance prices. In many cases, comprehensive insurance now costs the same — or even less — than third party only.
The hidden costs
Even if third party insurance has a lower upfront price, you could end up paying more overall. If you damage your own car in an accident, you'll pay for all repairs yourself. Those costs can run into hundreds or thousands of pounds.
With comprehensive insurance, your insurer covers those repairs (minus your excess). That financial protection can be worth having if you depend on your car to get around.
Find out more about what impacts your car insurance quote cost and ways to save money on car insurance in the UK.
Is third party insurance right for me?
The right insurance option for you will depend on your budget, the level of cover you need and the quotes you are offered. Third party only insurance might make sense if:
- You're happy with a minimum level of cover
- You can afford to pay for repairs if you have an accident
- Have checked quotes and it's favourable compared to full comprehensive
To find the right option, try getting quotes for different levels of cover to see what's best for you.
Common mistakes with third party insurance
Many people misunderstand what third party insurance means. Here are the most common mistakes:
Thinking it covers your own car
This is the biggest misconception. Third party insurance only covers the other person — never your own vehicle. If you damage your car, you pay for repairs yourself.
Assuming it's always cheaper
Third party insurance used to be cheaper than fully comprehensive. Now insurance companies now see third party only buyers as higher risk, so prices have gone up. So you might pay the same (or more) for less cover.
Not understanding who the "third party" is
The third party is the other person in an accident — not you or your insurer.
Thinking theft is covered
With third party only insurance, theft isn't covered at all. Only Third-party, Fire and Theft includes theft cover.
How Marshmallow can help with car insurance
At Marshmallow, we only offer fully comprehensive car insurance. Here's why:
We built Marshmallow specifically for people who are new to the UK. We know that moving to a new country means navigating unfamiliar systems, and car insurance can be particularly confusing.
That's why we keep things simple. All our policies are fully comprehensive, so you're covered for:
- Damage to your own car
- Damage and injury to others
- Theft and attempted theft
- Fire, storm, and vandalism damage
- 24/7 claims support through our app
We also count your driving experience from other countries when calculating your price. Many UK insurers only recognise UK driving history, but we believe your years of safe driving should count — wherever you earned them.
Get a quote today in minutes and see what you could save.
FAQs about third party insurance
Is third party insurance cheaper than comprehensive?
Not always. Third party insurance used to be much cheaper, but prices have increased as insurers see it as higher risk. Fully comprehensive insurance is often the same price or even cheaper, while offering much better protection.
Can I switch from third party to comprehensive insurance?
Yes, you can switch at any time. Contact your insurer to upgrade your cover. Keep in mind you may need to pay an admin fee, and your price will change. If you want better cover, it's worth getting a new quote to compare prices.
Does third party insurance cover theft?
Third party only insurance doesn't cover theft. Only Third-party, Fire and Theft includes theft cover. Fully comprehensive insurance also covers theft.
What happens if I damage my own car with third party insurance?
You'll pay for all repairs yourself. Third party insurance only covers damage to other people's property and vehicles. If you crash your car or damage it yourself, you get nothing back from your insurer.
Do I need third party insurance if I'm new to the UK?
You need car insurance if you drive in the UK. Third-party only is the minimum level of cover, but you can also get Third-Party, Fire & Theft or Fully Comprehensive insurance.
Can I drive someone else's car with third party insurance?
Not unless you're specifically added to their policy as a named driver. Your own third party policy only covers the specific car listed on your documents. Learn more about who can drive your car.
