How third party insurance works in an accident?

Asked by: Prof. Charles Klein  |  Last update: August 5, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (44 votes)

A third-party claim is a claim filed by someone other than the policyholder or insurance company. If you're in a car accident that someone else causes, you can file a third-party claim with the other driver's insurance for your covered accident-related expenses.

How do third party insurance companies work?

Third-party insurance protects the insured in claims. The first party (you) purchases insurance through the second party (the insurance company), which covers expenses when the third party files a claim against you. Third-party insurance covers damages you cause to others, whether physical harm or property damage.

What are the disadvantages of third party insurance?

A third-party car insurance plan doesn't provide coverage for the cost of damage caused to any automobile or any belongings in the automobile if there is any accident. Along with that, it won't provide coverage to your car or if you belongings are damaged or stolen.

What is a 3rd party claim in insurance?

When you file an insurance claim with another driver's insurance company, it's called a third-party claim. You're referred to as the third party because you're filing the claim with an insurer you may not have a policy with (but the at-fault driver does).

What is the first step in filing a claim with a third party?

In order to file a third-party claim, you have to know the at-fault driver's name, auto insurance policy number, phone number, and details about the accident. Then, you can work with your own insurance company to file the third-party claim — or you can do it yourself through the other driver's insurance company.

Car insurance explained - Third party, fire and theft Insurance

37 related questions found

Can I make a claim on third party insurance?

If you have third party insurance

You should make a claim against the other driver and allow the insurer to decide who is responsible for the accident. If they say you are responsible you'll have to pay for repairs to your own vehicle.

Can a third party claim directly from the insurer?

If you're injured or your vehicle is damaged in a road accident and it's not your fault you may be approached directly by the other person's insurer to try and settle the claim with them directly. This is called third party capture or third party assistance. Insurers are legally allowed to do this.

How do I claim a third party accident?

The long procedure of claiming third party insurance starts with registering an FIR in a nearby police station followed by collecting a charge sheet. After that Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, a special court, registers a case, as Civil courts can't make a judgement on road accidents or decide a compensation claim.

What is an example of a third party claim?

A third-party insurance claim is claim filed with someone else's insurance company. For example, if a drunk driver runs a red light and collides with your vehicle, you would likely file a claim with the drunk driver's insurance company. This would be a third-party claim.

Should I file a third party claim?

If you were at fault for the accident, you should file a first party insurance claim with your own auto insurance company. If someone else, or a company, was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, you should file a third party insurance claim with their insurance company.

What happens when you only have third party insurance?

With a third-party only policy, you are literally only covered for damage done to other people's property or vehicles. This means that damage done to your car isn't covered - even if you're not at fault. Therefore, if your car is stolen or catches fire, you will not be covered.

Can I drive any car with third party insurance?

The car you want to drive must be covered by an existing insurance policy and you must have permission to drive it. Driving other cars cover is usually only available on a comprehensive car insurance policy, so if you have third party (or third party, fire & theft) cover, you won't be covered to drive any other cars.

Which policy is better comprehensive or third party?

A comprehensive car insurance policy offers the highest level of protection. With this all-inclusive policy, coverage is available for damage to third parties and your own vehicle due to accidents. It also covers your vehicle for losses due to total damage, theft, natural calamities, riots, miscreant damage etc.

What are the benefits of third party insurance?

A third-party insurance cover is a specific policy that protects you against legal or accidental liability, financial loss or damage to property. The cover also protects you in case of a third-party injury or even death of the person because of your vehicle. When driving, there is a real risk of an accident.

How do 3rd party insurance companies make money?

The primary way an insurance broker makes money is from commissions and fees earned on sold policies. These commissions are typically a percentage of the policy's total annual premium.

Can someone claim on my car insurance without me knowing?

It Is Extremely Unlikely Someone Will Claim On Your Auto Insurance Without Your Knowledge. The first thing to remember is that in most cases you need to provide your insurance details after a collision. That means you already know that someone has your insurance information and intends to use it.

Who is the third party in a car accident?

The term 'third party' refers to a person involved with a car insurance claim who is not you – (the holder of the policy or the driver). So this is usually the other driver involved in an accident.

What is third party damage?

Third-party insurance is the basic insurance cover that takes care only of third-party damages. The recipient of the claim is not the policyholder but another person or vehicle affected by the first party's insured car.

When any property of a third party is damaged due to an accident?

The case for claiming compensation under third party will be filed against you and your insurer. While there is no limit on the liability covered for injury or death, the cover for third-party property (usually the third party's car) damage is capped at Rs 7.5 lakh.

Is FIR necessary for third party insurance?

You or the third-party will first need to lodge a FIR at the local police station and obtain a charge sheet. You will then have to share a copy of your motor insurance policy so that it can be used to make the claim.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.

How does car insurance work when you are not at fault?

If you are involved in an accident and found not to be at fault, the insurance of the responsible party will cover your costs. When you buy a motor insurance policy from an insurance company, you will get an insurance disc and a certificate of insurance.

Who recovers car after an accident?

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

How long after an accident can I claim on insurance?

Car accident claim time limit: Car accidents and road traffic accidents in general have a three-year limit from the date of the accident. If you were left incapacitated and unable to claim for some time after your accident, you would have a three-year limit from the date of recovery.

How long does a car accident claim take to settle?

If you and the insurance company are able to agree on a fair settlement, the process to receive your check typically takes around four to six weeks. The insurance company will have you sign a release form.