Third-party liability insurance is the minimum the law asks for, and usually the cheapest way to keep a car on the road. It is a good fit for some cars and a false saving for others.
01What third-party cover pays for
A third-party policy pays for the losses you cause to others: repairs to their vehicles and property, and claims for injury. It does not pay to repair your own car, and it does not cover your car against fire or theft.
| Situation | Third-party |
|---|---|
| You damage another car | Covered |
| You damage a wall, gate or other property | Covered |
| Someone else is injured | Covered |
| Your own car is damaged | Not covered |
| Your car is stolen or catches fire | Not covered |
02When third-party makes sense
- Older cars with a low market value, where comprehensive premiums would be high compared with the car’s worth.
- Drivers who could pay for their own repairs if needed.
- Second cars that are driven rarely.
For a newer or financed car, comprehensive cover is usually the safer choice: one accident could cost more than years of premium difference.
03Extras worth asking about
Some third-party policies can be topped up with useful extras, for example roadside assistance, personal accident cover for the driver and passengers, or cover for driving in Oman. Ask what is included before comparing prices, as the cheapest policy may leave these out.