EVITAL Compare Centre
Comprehensive vs Third Party
A practical Australian guide to understanding differences between comprehensive cover and third party property damage cover.
Executive summary
What to know before you compare
These are different categories of motor insurance. The events covered, exclusions, limits and optional benefits depend on the individual policy and insurer. This guide provides general factual information and does not recommend one option over another.
At a glance
Side-by-side comparison
| Consideration | Comprehensive | Third Party |
|---|---|---|
| What to review | Current comprehensive cover specifications, pricing and availability | Current third party property damage cover specifications, pricing and availability |
| Up-front considerations | Review current pricing and available variants | Review current pricing and available variants |
| Insurance considerations | Check available cover, excesses, exclusions and repair arrangements | Check available cover, excesses, exclusions and repair arrangements |
| Ownership considerations | Consider servicing, charging and day-to-day ownership needs where relevant | Consider servicing, charging and day-to-day ownership needs where relevant |
Trade-offs
Pros & cons
Potential advantages
- Review the features and ownership characteristics of comprehensive cover.
- Comparing current information can make practical differences easier to understand.
Things to weigh up
- Review the features and ownership characteristics of third party property damage cover.
- Pricing, specifications and availability can change, so confirm current information before making a decision.
Insurance considerations
Review the cover details
- Insurance availability, premiums, excesses, limits and exclusions vary by insurer, policy, vehicle and customer circumstances.
- Read the relevant PDS, target market determination and policy wording before acquiring an insurance product.
- Check how repairs, parts, replacement vehicles, excesses and exclusions apply to the specific policy you are considering.
Ownership considerations
Plan for day-to-day driving
- Consider where and how far you drive, plus parking and charging access where relevant.
- Check current servicing requirements, warranty terms, running costs and resale considerations for the specific vehicle and variant.
Recommended buyer
Choose based on your needs
There is no single option that is right for every driver. Compare current specifications, pricing, ownership requirements and, where relevant, insurance product documentation against your own circumstances.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What should I consider when comparing Comprehensive vs Third Party?
Consider the features and practical differences that matter to your circumstances. For insurance products, availability, eligibility, exclusions, limits, excesses and policy wording can vary by insurer and policy.
Should price be the only consideration?
Price is one factor. For insurance products, also review inclusions, exclusions, excesses, repair arrangements and the relevant product documentation before making a decision.
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