What is third party only insurance cover?
Third Party Only (TPO) insurance is the minimum level of cover legally required to drive a vehicle on UK roads — it only protects other people, not you or your car.
If you cause an accident, your insurer will pay for the damage to someone else’s vehicle, property, or injuries. But your own repairs, medical costs, or losses? You’re on your own.
That’s the trade-off. You’re legal but exposed.
For many drivers — especially those with older vehicles or trying to reduce costs — TPO seems like a budget-friendly option. But going cheap can come at a price. There’s no protection if your car is stolen. No payout if it’s set on fire. And if you reverse into a wall or get sideswiped without proof of fault, you’re covering the repair bill yourself.
This guide explains what TPO includes, what it leaves out, and when it might (or might not) make sense. We’ll compare it to other types of cover, walk through some real-world scenarios, and help you decide if it’s a safe choice — or a false economy.
What does third party only insurance actually cover?
Third Party Only insurance covers damage you cause to other people, their vehicles, or property — but offers no protection for your own car or injuries.
It’s designed to compensate others if you’re responsible for an accident, not to protect your own losses.
Here’s what’s typically included under a TPO policy:
- Third-party vehicle damage: If you collide with another car, their repair costs are covered.
- Injury to other road users: Whether it’s a pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger in your car or another, your insurer will cover compensation and medical expenses.
- Property damage: If you crash into someone’s wall, fence, garage, or garden, the damage is covered.
- Legal liability: Most TPO policies also include legal expenses if a third party brings a claim against you after a collision.
But that’s it. You’re not covered for:
- Repairing your own vehicle
- Medical bills for injuries you sustain
- Fire damage or theft of your car
- Windscreen repairs or courtesy vehicles
Outcome: Their repairs are paid for. Yours come out of your pocket.
TPO exists to ensure you’re not financially ruining other people. But if your car ends up in a ditch or gets stolen off your driveway, there’s no financial help unless you’ve got a higher level of cover.
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Get QuotesIs third party only insurance enough to drive legally in the UK?
Yes — Third Party Only insurance is the minimum level of cover legally required to drive on public roads in the UK.
It satisfies the legal obligation under the Road Traffic Act to cover liability for injury or damage to others.
That means if you’ve got a valid TPO policy in place, you’re legally allowed to drive. But being legally compliant isn’t the same as being fully protected.
This is where drivers often get caught out. They believe having any insurance makes them safe — when in reality, TPO leaves a lot of risk in your hands.
Legal vs Financial Risk
Legally, TPO ticks the box. But from a financial standpoint, it can be brutal. If you write off your car, nobody’s paying you for it. If it’s stolen or destroyed by fire, you’re not getting a penny. And if you’re injured and need time off work, you’ll be covering those costs yourself.
There’s also the issue of perception. Insurers often see TPO applicants as higher risk — particularly younger or high-premium drivers looking to cut corners. That means premiums don’t always work out cheaper.
Bottom line: TPO keeps you legal. But legality alone isn’t always the smartest decision — especially if you rely on your car or couldn’t afford to replace it outright.
What isn’t covered by third party only insurance?
Third Party Only insurance does not cover your own vehicle, your injuries, theft, fire, or most extras.
It protects others — not you. That’s the key point.
Here’s what’s excluded from a standard TPO policy:
- Your vehicle’s repair costs: Whether it’s your fault or not, if your car is damaged and no other driver is held liable, you’ll pay out of pocket.
- Theft or fire: If your car is stolen or set on fire, you’re not covered — even if it was securely parked or the fire was accidental.
- Accidental damage: Reverse into a post or hit a pothole? Your insurer won’t help.
- Personal injury: If you’re injured in an accident that you caused, you’ll need to cover medical bills or loss of income yourself (unless you’ve added personal accident cover separately).
- Windscreen repairs: Unlike comprehensive policies, TPO won’t cover cracked glass or chipped windscreens.
- Courtesy car cover: If your vehicle’s off the road, you’ll be without a replacement unless you’ve paid for an add-on.
It’s essential to understand these limits up front — not after a claim has been rejected.
Why do some drivers choose third party only insurance?
Some drivers choose Third Party Only insurance to reduce costs, particularly if they drive an older car or can afford to take the hit in a worst-case scenario.
It’s not about getting the best cover — it’s about covering the legal minimum at the lowest possible price.
Typical reasons for choosing TPO:
- Low-value vehicles: If your car is only worth a few hundred pounds, paying extra to protect it might not feel worthwhile — especially if you’d never bother repairing it after a bump.
- Driving very little: Some people only drive occasionally — a couple of times a month, or short distances. For them, it’s a matter of risk management.
- Previous convictions or high-risk profile: Drivers with points, young drivers, or those in high-premium postcodes sometimes find that TPO is the only type of cover they can afford or get accepted for.
- Perceived savings: There’s still a belief that TPO is always the cheapest — although that’s not guaranteed anymore.
But it’s worth noting: TPO isn’t always cheaper. Some insurers see TPO buyers as higher risk and actually price their policies higher than TPFT or even basic comprehensive deals. You could end up paying more for far less cover.
That’s why it’s essential to run full comparisons — not just default to TPO because it “sounds cheapest.”
How does third party only compare to other cover levels?
Compared to other policies, Third Party Only offers the least protection — it covers others, not you. TPFT adds cover for fire and theft. Comprehensive protects both you and others, even if an accident is your fault.
Let’s break it down:
Car Insurance Cover Comparison
| Feature | Third Party Only (TPO) | Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT) | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to others’ vehicles | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Injury to other people | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Theft of your own vehicle | ✘ No | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Fire damage to your vehicle | ✘ No | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Accidental damage to your car | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Personal injury cover (self) | ✘ No | ✘ No (unless added) | ✔ Often included |
| Windscreen repair/replacement | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✔ Often included |
| Courtesy car if yours is off-road | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✔ Often included |
Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) is a middle ground — ideal for people who want theft and fire protection but still want to keep premiums lower than fully comp.
Fully Comprehensive goes further. It covers everything TPFT does, plus:
- Repairs to your own car if you’re at fault
- Vandalism and accidental damage
- Sometimes personal belongings, windscreen repair, and more
It’s often assumed that Comprehensive = expensive, but that’s not always the case. In some instances, it’s cheaper than TPO — especially for new or low-risk drivers.
Bottom line: TPO gives you the bare minimum. Anything more offers peace of mind — and possibly better value. If you’re considering other levels of protection, it’s worth comparing all your options including standard UK car insurance policies that cover more than just the legal minimum.
Can you add extras to a third party only policy?
Yes — most insurers allow you to add extras to a Third Party Only policy, but they won’t fill the biggest gaps. You still won’t get cover for your own vehicle, even with add-ons.
Optional extras can boost a barebones policy, but only in specific areas. Here’s what you can usually include:
- Legal expenses cover: Helps pay for legal fees if you’re taken to court after an accident.
- Breakdown cover: Provides roadside assistance and recovery if your vehicle fails.
- Courtesy car: May cover a temporary replacement vehicle if yours is off the road — but not usually if you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t insured.
- Personal accident cover: Offers a fixed payout for serious injuries or death caused by a road traffic incident.
- Windscreen cover: Not always available on TPO, but some providers offer it as an add-on for a small fee.
However, none of these extras change the core limitation of TPO: your own car still isn’t covered for theft, fire, or collision damage.
Think of it like this:
You’re still uninsured for the biggest financial risk — losing your car — but you can buy comfort around the edges.
And that’s the catch. By the time you’ve added enough extras to feel covered, you might be paying nearly as much (or more) than a TPFT or comprehensive policy would’ve cost.
Final thoughts
Third Party Only insurance is legally sufficient — but financially fragile. It exists to protect others from your mistakes, not to protect you from the consequences.
If your car is worth little, your risk tolerance is high, and your budget is tight, TPO might feel like the right move. But ask yourself this: if your car was stolen, written off, or vandalised tomorrow, could you afford to repair or replace it without insurance support?
The irony is that many drivers choose TPO thinking it’s cheaper — only to find it’s not. Depending on your age, car, location, and insurer, a Comprehensive or TPFT policy could cost the same, or even less, while offering far more protection.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you’re going TPO, go in with eyes open. Understand what you’re giving up, and make that decision based on real-world risk — not just price.
A legally insured car isn’t the same as a fully protected one. Sometimes, the cheapest policy costs the most when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
TPO policies attract drivers seen as higher risk — like younger motorists or those with convictions. Some insurers price TPO higher than Comprehensive because the risk isn’t about the cover; it’s about the profile.
No. If you’re at fault in a single-vehicle accident — like hitting a wall or post — TPO won’t cover your repairs. Only a Comprehensive policy includes that type of damage.
Only if your policy specifically includes a Driving Other Cars (DOC) clause — and most don’t. Even when it’s included, it usually provides third-party cover only, not full protection.
Yes. Injuries to passengers in your car are classed as third-party claims. If you’re at fault in an accident, your insurer will cover their medical or compensation costs.
In most cases, yes. You can upgrade to TPFT or Comprehensive mid-term, but your insurer may charge an administration fee or adjust your premium based on the new cover.
Sometimes. Some insurers offer windscreen protection as an optional extra on TPO — but many don’t. It’s not included by default, so you’ll need to request it.
Rarely. Most lease and finance agreements require Fully Comprehensive insurance to protect the lender’s investment. TPO typically won’t meet those contract terms.
Possibly. Some UK TPO policies offer limited third-party cover when driving in EU countries, but it varies by insurer. Always check your policy before travelling.