Compare Third Party Car Insurance

What is third party car insurance?

Third party car insurance is your financial safety net when things on the road don’t go quite as planned. If it’s your fault, this insurance handles costs related to damage to other people’s property or any injuries they suffer.

What third party car insurance does and doesn’t cover

Here are the finer details of what your third party car insurance policy can and can’t do for you.

Covered:

• Damage to others’ vehicles: Say you’re involved in a little fender bender — it’s your fault, and the other person’s car is a bit battered. Your third party car insurance takes care of the repair bill.
• Property damage: Knocked over a neighbour’s fence while reversing? Your third party insurance should cover the repair costs.
• Injury to others: If someone else is injured in an accident you’ve caused, your insurance policy will cover their medical costs.

Some insurers also include towing costs and road clearing costs in their 3rd party insurance policies.

Not Covered:

• Your vehicle: If your own car is damaged in an accident, unfortunately, third party car insurance won’t cover those repairs. You’ll need a comprehensive policy for that.
• Personal injuries: Third-party car insurance won’t cover your medical bills if you get injured in an accident.

Let’s say you had an accident at a stoplight, causing some damage to another car. Your third party car insurance would cover the repairs to the other car, and if the other driver was injured, their medical expenses too.

You would still need to foot the bill for damage to your own car or, if you were hurt, pay for your medical expenses.

Optional extras with third party car insurance

When choosing your third party car insurance, it’s also worth considering the optional extras many insurers offer. While they will increase your premium, depending on your circumstances, they can provide additional peace of mind and financial protection.

Glass cover: Windscreen and window damage is one of the most common vehicle mishaps. Glass cover can take care of the cost of repair or replacement without affecting your no-claims bonus. (A no-claims bonus is essentially a discount on your premium each year you go without making a claim).

Roadside assistance: Car trouble never happens at a good time, does it? With roadside assistance added to your policy, you can receive help anytime, anywhere, when your vehicle breaks down.

Rental car following an accident: If your car needs to be repaired after an accident, this add-on could cover the cost of a rental car in the meantime.

Cover for personal items: If personal belongings inside your vehicle are damaged or stolen during an accident or break-in, this cover could protect you from the costs of replacing them.

Is third party car insurance mandatory in New Zealand?

No. You’re not legally required to have third party car insurance. However, it’s well worth considering. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and without insurance, you could be facing a hefty bill.

Third party car insurance and The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

The ACC, a unique system here in New Zealand, provides no-fault personal injury cover for all Kiwi residents and visitors. It covers personal injuries from accidents, but it doesn’t touch damage to vehicles or property. This is where third party car insurance comes in handy and can give you more peace of mind on the road.

What does third party car insurance cost?

The cost of third party car insurance varies quite a bit, depending on factors such as your age, driving history, the type of car you have, and even where you park it at night.
For example, younger drivers or those with a history of traffic fines often face higher premiums.

Should I get third party or comprehensive insurance?

The choice between third party and comprehensive insurance comes down to your unique circumstances.

Third party insurance is generally cheaper and covers the essentials — damage to other vehicles, property damage, and injury to others. It’s a basic level of cover often suited to older cars or those on a tighter budget.

On the other hand, comprehensive insurance covers all that third party insurance does, plus damage to your own vehicle, theft, and often other events like fire or natural disasters. It also usually offers a range of optional extras. Comprehensive cover is generally best suited to new or high-value cars or those who want maximum peace of mind.

To make the decision, consider the value of your car, your financial situation, and how much risk you’re willing to take. Could you afford to repair or replace your car if it were damaged in an accident or stolen?

How to save money on car insurance

Here are some top tips that can help you save on your car insurance.

Drive Safely and Responsibly: Your driving record is critical in determining your insurance premium. You may qualify for a lower insurance rate if you maintain a clean driving record free from accidents and traffic violations. So, always adhere to the rules of the road — not only for your safety but also for your wallet.

Compare Insurance Providers: Don’t settle for the first quote you get. It’s always a good idea to compare prices from different insurance providers. Each company uses its own formula to calculate premiums, so you might find a significant rate difference. Use this competition to your advantage and shop around for the best price.

Take advantage of sign up offers: Many insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that you might qualify for. These can range from discounts for low mileage, having a car with safety features, or even being a member of certain organisations. Make sure to ask your insurance provider about what discounts they offer — you might be surprised at how much you could save!