Sponsored
Car insurance made easy: comprehensive vs third party car insurance
Choosing the best car insurance cover is about much more than just cheapest premium; it’s about getting the best value for your specific needs. Third party insurance covers you for damage caused to someone else’s vehicle while comprehensive cover offers all-round protection with a range of built-in benefits. If you drive an older, unfinanced car, you may not need all the extras and you may want to opt for a custom-fit option. Ultimately, the right cover is the one that fits your car, your lifestyle, and your budget perfectly.
Comprehensive car insurance for all-round protection
Comprehensive car insurance provides broad protection against everyday risks, covering loss or damage caused by theft or hijacking or damage to your vehicle as result of a road accident, act of nature (such as a hail storm or flood) or fire.
It typically includes:
Damage to your own car: repairs or replacement up to your vehicle’s retail or market value. If your car is written off, you’ll receive a cash settlement.
Damage to someone else’s vehicle (third party cover/liability cover): cover if you’re legally responsible for damage to someone else’s vehicle, often up to R5 million or more depending on the insurer.
Theft or hijack: A full payout based on your vehicle’s retail or market value.
Windscreen cover: repairs or replacement for chips and cracks.
Add-ons: comprehensive cover typically comes standard with included benefits like roadside assistance. Optional extras such as car hire may also be added at an additional premium.
OUTsurance offers comprehensive car insurance designed to help you get the most out of your cover – get a quick quote below.
What third party insurance covers and what it doesn’t
Third party insurance protects you from an unexpected out-of-pocket expense in having to pay for the damage you caused to someone else’s vehicle.
South African third party insurance premiums are typically lower compared to full-protection cover. But, it’s important to note that damage to your own vehicle will not be covered by your insurer.
OUTsurance Essential: cover for older vehicles
For cars older than five years, unfinanced, and valued under R150,000, OUTsurance Essential offers a more affordable to alternative:
Third party liability: up R1 million
Theft and hijack cover: A cash payout (retail value of your vehicle)
Accidental damage: Up to 40% of retail value, paid in cash.
Car insurance comparison
See below car insurance comparison table based on the car insurance products available at OUTsurance. It clearly illustrates the difference between comprehensive and third party insurance as well as highlighting their OUTsurance Essential cover proposition.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Essential Car Insurance | Third-Party Only |
| Own vehicle damage | ✅ Covered | Limited cover. Up to 40% of retail value |
❌ Not Covered |
| Theft and hijacking | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not Covered |
| Third party Liability | ✅ Covered | Limited R1 million | R5 million |
| Fire, flood and hail | ✅ Covered | Limited cover (up to 40% of retail value) | ❌ Not Covered |
| Optional extras | ✅ Available | ❌ Not Available | ❌ Not Available |
How to choose the right cover
Whether third party insurance is sufficient depends on your specific needs and budget. While comprehensive cover costs more, it reduces the financial impact of damage to your own vehicle. Third party cover, however, is still far better than having no insurance at all.
So, is comprehensive cover worth it? For most people, yes especially if you’re looking for better protection rather than simply the cheapest premium. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the price tag when you compare quotes.
Look at included benefits, rewards like no-claim bonuses, claims reputation and service levels. The best insurance decision prioritises protection and value not just cost.
Get an OUTsurance car insurance quote and see how they compare.
OUTsurance is a licensed insurer and FSP. Ts and Cs online. Limits apply
