The advent of digitalisation across businesses has made purchasing car insurance policies more convenient than before. All reputed insurance companies sell their plans online through various channels. This has made comparing and choosing a car insurance policy suited to your requirements far easier than before.
Here are different types of car insurance policies and their major differences.
Different parties involved in car insurance policy
The primary entities involved in a car insurance policy are the policyholder, the insurance company, and third parties. First-party car insurance involves the policyholder, who purchases coverage directly from the insurer to protect their own vehicle. This coverage encompasses damages incurred by the insured vehicle due to accidents, theft, or natural disasters.
On the other hand, third-party car insurance involves three key parties: the policyholder (first party), the insurance company (second party), and any other individual or property not associated with the insurance contract (third party). In this scenario, the insurance company provides coverage for damages caused by the policyholder's vehicle to third-party individuals or property. Discussed further in this article are the different types of car insurance in detail.
Types of car insurance
There are primarily three types of vehicle insurance plans in India. Read on to know about them.
1. First-party car insurance
First-party car insurance, as the name suggests, refers to the coverage of the policyholder’s own vehicle against financial loss or damage. Should an insured car be stolen, vandalised, damaged in an accident, or due to any natural calamity, first-party insurance takes care of the losses incurred by the vehicle owner. In short, it covers the losses a policyholder can suffer because of damage caused to their own car.
The importance of first-party car insurance cannot be overstated as it provides peace of mind, knowing that should an unfortunate event take place, one's vehicle is covered. With many car insurance policies available in the market, first-party car insurance is among the most commonly bought types of coverage.
2. Third-party car insurance
A third party can be anyone under a vehicle insurance plan other than the first party. It refers to individuals who can get affected by the first party's actions while driving the insured vehicle.
In case of any accidental damage caused to the third party's property or vehicle, the first party must compensate for the damages. The insurance company will handle the liabilities as an essential part of third-party insurance.
Compared to a comprehensive car insurance plan, a third-party car insurance plan come at a lower price due to the limited coverage and benefits. The Motor Vehicles Act mandates every vehicle owner to have third-party insurance by law. You may pay a hefty fine or face legal consequences for not having third-party insurance.
3. Comprehensive car insurance
A comprehensive car insurance policy combines the advantages of both, first-party and third-party insurance. You can also choose to enhance your car insurance plan with add-on covers.
Knowing the different terms used in the insurance domain can benefit policy buyers when making claims. Also, when purchasing the plan or renewing the car insurance plan.
Difference between first-party and third-party car insurance
Here’s a quick look at the difference between a first-party vs third-party insurance plan:
Differentiating points | First-party insurance | Third-party insurance |
Meaning | First-party car insurance caters to the vehicle of the person who purchases the insurance policy. | A third party in an insurance policy can be anyone. To specify, it can be any individual or property that gets affected by the first party's vehicle. |
Coverage | First-party insurance covers the damages or losses caused to the policyholder or his/her vehicle. Covers the damages sustained The damages can be sustained during riots, strikes, earthquakes, floods, fire, theft etc. | Third-party insurance covers damages or losses caused only to the third party due to an accident. |
Accident cover | The first party gets a comprehensive personal accident cover on the policy. The first party is eligible to receive a substantial personal accident cover with such policies. The first party can raise a claim against it depending on the terms and conditions. | In case of an accident, the concerned third party will get coverage basis the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal’s decision. |
Legal mandate | As per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, purchasing a first-party car insurance policy is not mandatory. | In this case, it is mandatory to purchase a third-party cover as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. |
Policy purchase | It is the first party who purchases the policy. | The first party/vehicle owner purchases the policy to cover the third-party liabilities financially. |
After understanding the distinctions between first-party and third-party insurance, opt for a plan that aligns with your specific needs. To get motor insurance coverage, explore both car and bike insurance policies on the Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall website. Easily purchase any desired policy by following a few straightforward steps. Explore the differences between car insurance first party vs third party to make an informed decision.
Now that you have read the difference between first-party and third-party insurance plans and choose a plan that suits your requirements. To purchase such motor insurance policies seamlessly, visit the Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall website to explore both car and bike insurance policies. Purchase any policy by completing a few simple steps.
First-party (comprehensive) car insurance plans
Here’s a quick glance at first-party car insurance plans available at Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall.
Car insurance company |
Network garages |
Third-party cover |
Personal accident cover |
Claim settlement ratio |
- |
Yes |
15 lakh |
95.45% |
|
6,500+ |
Yes |
15 lakh |
98% |
|
6,600+ |
Yes |
15 lakh |
92% |
|
12,000+ |
Yes |
15 lakh |
93.40% |
|
6800+ |
Yes |
15 lakh |
91.23% |
|
7500+ |
Yes |
15 lakh |
90.49% |