Comprehensive insurance covers more than third party insurance, though it will be a bit more expensive. Still, comprehensive insurance is a better choice for most drivers.
When comes to protecting yourself and your car in the event of an incident, it can be difficult to decide between comprehensive car insurance and third party, fire, and theft insurance. The two coverage types are very similar, but each one is appropriate for slightly different circumstances.
By following the instructions laid out here, you will be able to make a more informed decision about your car insurance
. We'll cover why it’s important to know what each type covers, suggest how you can factor in your own situation, and teach you how to compare prices. And if you're looking to get car insurance coverage for yourself, we can help with that, too.
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What third party insurance covers
Covers damage or injury sustained by any third party and/or their property in the event of an accident
Does not cover damage done to your vehicle in the event of an accident
If you choose to get third party, fire, and theft coverage, you'll also be covered for damage done to your vehicle by theft and fire.
What comprehensive coverage covers
Covers damage or injury sustained by any third party and/or their property in the event of an incident
Covers damage done to your vehicle in the event of an incident (including, but not limited to, accidents, theft, and fire)
The difference between third party insurance and comprehensive insurance
These two policies are very similar, but the big difference is in how much coverage is given to your car.
Essentially, a comprehensive policy
will cover everything that a third party, fire, and theft policy would cover, with the added coverage of any damage done to your own car as a result of other incident. A tree fell on your car? Comprehensive covers it. Hail damage? Comprehensive covers it. You accidentally hit Yogi Bear and ruined the front of your car? Yepp, you guessed it–comprehensive covers that, too. Comparatively, third party, fire, and theft only covers your own car in the event of theft
or fire and other property and passengers in accidents. Which is better: Comprehensive or third party insurance?
To decide which policy is better for you, you will need to consider your own specific circumstances. Once you know the difference between these two coverages, it is important to consider how they relate to your particular driving situation.
Factors like your driving record
and habits and the value and age of your car are especially relevant. For example, if you are an experienced driver and/or you drive a newer or more expensive car, comprehensive coverage may be the best choice because of the extra coverage it provides.
On the other hand, if you are a newer driver, have a lower annual mileage
, and/or drive an older car, then third party, fire, and theft coverage may be the best choice for you because replacing your car after an incident may be cheaper than buying the more extensive coverage. Compare the prices of each policy. It may be that your budget will dictate how much coverage you are able to purchase for your car, therefore it is important to familiarize yourself with your pricing options.
Specific rates will vary between insurance companies, but calling several companies and obtaining quotes will give you a good idea of what you can expect (and which company may offer you the best deal).
In general, you will notice that the rate for a comprehensive policy will usually cost more than the rate for a third party, fire, and theft policy. This is because the latter offers less coverage.
In some cases, the value and age of your vehicle and your driving record may cause comprehensive coverage to actually end up being the less expensive option, so be sure to provide accurate information about yourself and your car when collecting your insurance quotes.
Taking into account your coverage needs, your driving habits, your specific car, and your budget, choose the coverage type that will work best for you.
Selecting the right amount of coverage when two policies are as similar as comprehensive and third party, fire, and theft can be a daunting task. That being said, if you consider the crucial difference between the coverages and look carefully at all of the relevant factors, you can make the best possible decision for your circumstances.
MORE: How to choose car alarm systems
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