Claiming With Only Third Party Insurance

Having only third party insurance does not stop you claiming for your injury against another driver’s insurer. It only means your own vehicle’s repair is not covered by your own policy. These are two different questions.

Your injury claim is part of the wider road accident claim process. Damage to your own vehicle is a separate matter.

What third party only cover actually means

This policy type meets the legal minimum for every vehicle on the road, which covers death and injury to others.^[1] It does not cover damage to your own vehicle, which is a separate, optional part of a comprehensive policy.

Owners often choose it for an older vehicle, where comprehensive premiums cost more than a repair is worth. Upgrading later does not apply to an accident that has already happened.

If someone else caused the accident

Your injury claim runs as a third-party bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer. The type of policy you hold does not change this.

Your vehicle’s damage is different. You have no own damage claim against your own insurer, so the repair is claimed from the other driver’s insurer.

If you caused the accident

The other party’s injury and vehicle damage are covered under your third party policy. Your own vehicle’s repair is not, so you would pay for it yourself.

What to check first

Policy wording can vary, so check your policy schedule. Some third party policies include small add-ons, such as limited windscreen cover. Your insurer can confirm this if you quote your policy number.

Where a lawyer helps

If another driver was at fault and their insurer is slow or disputes your injury claim, an independent lawyer can take the claim on for you. Send the accident date, where it happened, whether anyone was injured (yes/no), your policy type and the police report status.