Choosing cover
Third party car insurance in South Africa
By Sipho Dlamini · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Third party only car insurance in South Africa covers the cost of damage you cause to other people's vehicles, property and persons, but it never pays a cent towards repairing or replacing your own car. It is the cheapest cover available and exists mainly to protect you from a large claim if you damage an expensive vehicle.
This guide explains third party only and [third party fire and theft](/claims/third-party-fire-and-theft-claim/), who they suit, and where their limits leave you exposed. We are an independent information site, not a broker.
All prices below are indicative, so get your own quotes before deciding.
What third party only actually covers
Third party only pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property and for their injury claims, up to the policy limit. The third party is the other person, not you.
Its main job is to stop a single accident bankrupting you. If you rear end an expensive vehicle, the repair bill could run into hundreds of thousands of rand, and third party cover handles that liability. What it does not do is pay anything towards your own car.
Third party fire and theft compared
[Third party fire and theft](/claims/third-party-fire-and-theft-claim/), or TPFT, is third party cover plus protection for your own car against fire and theft, though still not accident damage to it.
This matters in South Africa, where vehicle theft and hijacking are real risks. TPFT can suit someone who can absorb the cost of repairing their own car after a crash but would struggle to replace it if it were stolen or burnt out. It costs more than third party only but less than comprehensive.
Who third party cover suits
Third party cover tends to suit older, lower value cars where comprehensive premiums are high relative to the car's worth. If your car is worth R30000 and comprehensive would cost a large share of that each year, paying to insure your own car may not make sense.
It can also suit drivers on a tight budget who still want protection against a large liability claim. The trade off is clear, you accept that you fund your own repairs or replacement after an at fault accident.
The limits and risks
The obvious limit is that your own car is not covered for accident damage, and under third party only it is not covered for theft either. If the car is written off and it was your fault, you walk away with nothing for it.
There is usually still an excess on third party claims, and exclusions apply. Cover limits on the third party liability also apply, so confirm the maximum the policy will pay. For a very expensive third party vehicle, check the limit is high enough.
Cost and how to buy wisely
Third party only is the cheapest cover, with indicative premiums often starting around R150 to R400 a month, though your car, area and history drive the real number. TPFT costs more because it adds fire and theft.
Get at least three quotes for the same level, read the excess and exclusions, and confirm the liability limit. Verify the insurer on the FSCA register. If a claim is unfairly rejected, you can escalate free of charge to the National Financial Ombud, which absorbed the former Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What does third party car insurance cover in South Africa?
It covers damage you cause to other people's vehicles, property and persons, up to the policy limit. It does not pay anything towards repairing or replacing your own car.
Is third party insurance the cheapest?
Yes, third party only is the cheapest cover type because it protects only your liability to others and never your own car. Third party fire and theft costs a bit more, and comprehensive is the most expensive.
What is the difference between third party only and TPFT?
Third party only covers damage you cause to others. Third party fire and theft adds cover for your own car against fire and theft, but still not accident damage to your car.
Who should choose third party cover?
It suits drivers of older, lower value cars where comprehensive costs a lot relative to the car's worth, and those on a tight budget who still want protection against a large liability claim.
Does third party cover theft of my car?
Third party only does not. You need third party fire and theft, or comprehensive, to cover your own car against theft. Given theft risk in South Africa, weigh this carefully.
Is there an excess on third party claims?
Usually yes. Confirm the excess amount and whether it is fixed or a percentage on your specific policy, along with any exclusions and the liability limit.
What is the cheapest third party car insurance?
The cheapest depends on your car, area and history. Get at least three quotes for the same cover level from value and direct insurers and compare the excess and liability limit, not just the premium.
What if my third party claim is rejected?
Dispute it internally first, then escalate free of charge to the National Financial Ombud, which now handles complaints formerly dealt with by the Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance.
