Comprehensive vs Third Party: Think You’re Saving with Third Party? Think Again.

Why Choose Comprehensive Motor Insurance Over Third Party Options?

When selecting car insurance, you’re likely faced with three main choices: Third Party Only (TPO), Third Party Fire & Theft (TPFT), and Comprehensive. While it may be tempting to pick the cheapest option, it's important to weigh cost against protection—because the cheapest upfront may not be the best long-term.

Here’s why Comprehensive Motor Insurance is still often the smartest choice, even if it costs a little more.

What’s the Difference?

Third Party Only (TPO):

• Covers damage or injury to others

• Doesn’t cover your own car—at all

Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT):

• Covers third-party damage/injury

• Also covers your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire

• Still doesn’t cover accidental damage to your own vehicle

Comprehensive:

• Covers everything in TPFT

• Also covers your own vehicle for accidental damage—even if you're at fault

• Often includes extra benefits like windscreen cover, vandalism, personal belongings, and more

Why Pay More for Comprehensive Cover?

1. It Covers Your Car Too

This is the biggest difference. If you crash into a pole, reverse into a wall, or get sideswiped in a car park—only Comprehensive will pay for your repairs. TPFT and TPO leave you footing the bill.

2. More Complete Protection

Comprehensive policies often include extras like:

• Windscreen replacement

• Personal belongings cover

• Vandalism or malicious damage

• Medical expenses for you or passengers

• Use of a courtesy car

These features provide real value when something goes wrong.

3. Better Long-Term Value

While Comprehensive insurance may have a higher annual premium, consider this: One non-fault or at-fault accident can cost thousands. Comprehensive insurance could save you far more than you’d pay extra in premiums.

4. No Gaps in Cover

Fire and theft might seem unlikely risks—but accidental damage is far more common. TPFT simply doesn't cover the day-to-day mishaps that make up the majority of claims.

When Might TPFT or TPO Make Sense?

• You're driving a very old or low-value car

• You can afford to self-insure damage to your own vehicle

• Your car isn’t used often or only for very short distances

Even then, it's worth getting a Comprehensive quote just to compare. You might find the extra cost is smaller than expected—especially given the added peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Comprehensive cover costs more—but for good reason. It offers the highest level of protection, and often includes features that save you time, money, and stress if something goes wrong.

As a tied insurance intermediary, we’re here to help you navigate your options and choose the policy that makes the most sense for your needs—not just the one with the lowest price.

Need advice or a quote for Comprehensive cover? Contact us today—we’re happy to help.

Premier Services Ltd. (C13513) is enrolled under the Insurance Distribution Act, Cap. 487 of the Laws of Malta, as a Tied Insurance Intermediary for MAPFRE Middlesea p.l.c. (MMS) through Laferla Insurance Agency (LIA), and for MAPFRE MSV Life p.l.c. (MMSV). LIA (C-14529) is enrolled under the Insurance Distribution Act, for MMS. MAPFRE Middlesea p.l.c. (C-5553) is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) to carry on both long-term and general business under the Insurance Business Act, Cap. 403 of the Laws of Malta. MAPFRE MSV Life p.l.c. (C-15722) is authorised by the MFSA to carry on long-term business under the Insurance Business Act. All entities are regulated by the MFSA.

This Product is manufactured by MAPFRE Middlesea p.l.c., which provides cover under this Policy, and is distributed by Premier Services Ltd.