Own damage

Own damage (OD) is the part of a comprehensive motor insurance policy that pays for repair or loss of your own vehicle, regardless of who caused the accident.

You claim own damage from your own insurer, not from the other driver’s insurer, and it is separate from any claim for your injuries. A comprehensive policy usually covers own damage; third-party-only cover does not.

An own damage claim can affect your no-claim discount, while a claim for your injuries generally does not, because they run through different parts of the insurance system.

If you were hurt as well, an own damage claim explains how the two claims run alongside each other. An independent lawyer can take on the injury claim while you deal with your own insurer on the repairs.