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Third Party Car Insurance

 

What is Third-Party Car Insurance?

Accidents can involve more than just your car – like someone else’s vehicle or property. A third-party car insurance, which is the most basic form of motor insurance, provides coverage for damages or injuries caused to another person, their vehicle, or property. It handles the financial liability so you are not paying from your own pocket. In fact, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, you need a valid third-party coverage to legally drive in India.

Moreover, If you are caught driving without a valid insurance policy, you may face fines or even imprisonment, as per applicable laws. On top of that, any financial or legal liabilities arising from an accident will have to be borne entirely by you.

What is Third-Party Car Insurance?

Importance of Third-Party Car Insurance

It keeps you legally covered

Driving without third-party insurance is illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. You’ll have to either pay a monetary fine of ₹2000 or face imprisonment of up to 3 months when you are caught for the first time.

It helps with third-party liabilities

In cases involving serious injury or property damage to someone else, the third-party car insurance policy helps manage legal liabilities and court-ordered compensation, so you are not navigating that alone.

It is the most affordable cover

Third-party car insurance offers essential protection at a relatively low cost. Think of it as the most sensible thing you will spend money on before a road trip.

Why Is Third Party Car Insurance Mandatory in India?

In India, third-party motor insurance is not optional. It is a legal requirement that all vehicle owners must comply with under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Driving without a valid third party car insurance is a punishable offence (even if you have a spotless record).

Roads in the country, no matter how supervised, can still see accidents. These come with real financial and even legal consequences for those involved. The law recognises that when an accident occurs, the person on the other side should not be left bearing the cost of someone else's error. Third-party car insurance in India is specifically designed to address the financial and legal harm that can come to another person or their property in an accident involving your vehicle. It is as much about protecting others as it is about shielding yourself from the legal fallout.

What is Not Covered by ICICI Lombard Third Party Car Insurance Policy?

ICICI Lombard's third-party car insurance policy covers the liabilities that arise when your vehicle causes harm to others. Here is a clear look at what is and is not included.

  • What’s Covered
  • What’s Not Covered
  • Damage to a third party

    If your vehicle is involved in damage to another person’s property, the policy provides for compensation, within the applicable limits.

  • Third-party injury or death

    If you’re implicated in an accident that causes physical injury or death to a third party, the policy covers the resulting compensation. Coverage for third-party injury is determined by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.

Features of Third-Party Insurance Offered by ICICI Lombard

The features of third-party insurance offered by ICICI Lombard are designed to keep things simple, affordable, and legally compliant.

  • Affordable premium: You can secure your car with a third-party car insurance policy, whose premiums start from ₹2,094.

  • Easy online purchase: The policy can be bought and renewed (on an annual basis) entirely online, with no paperwork required

  • Third-party injury cover: Compensation for injury or death caused to a third party is unlimited, with the amount determined by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal

  • Third-party property damage cover: Covers damage to a third party's property caused by your vehicle in an accident

  • Legal defence support: ICICI Lombard provides court representation in legal proceedings arising from third-party claims

Read More

Third-Party Insurance Premium Rates (2026)

Third-party policies are slightly different from the other policies you may know. Unlike a comprehensive car insurance policy, the premium for third-party car insurance is not set by individual insurers. It is standardised and regulated by the IRDAI, based solely on the cubic capacity of your vehicle's engine. This means every insurer charges the same rate. IRDAI reviews and may revise these rates periodically, so verifying the latest applicable rates before purchase is advisable.

The following are the premium rates for petrol and diesel cars:

Engine Capacity Annual Premium
Not exceeding 1,000 cc ₹2,182
Exceeding 1,000 cc but not exceeding 1,500 cc ₹3,383
Exceeding 1,500 cc ₹7,890

The following are the premium rates for electric cars:

Battery Capacity Annual Premium
Less than 30 kW ₹1,855
Between 30 kW and 65 kW ₹2,876
More than 65 kW ₹6,707

Note that there are long-term rates also available for three and five-year single premiums.

How does third-party car insurance work?

How Does Third-Party Car Insurance Work?

When your vehicle is unfortunately involved in an accident that causes harm to a third party, whether it is property damage or physical injury, you are legally liable to compensate them. Depending on the extent of the damage, this compensation can be a significant amount to manage on your own. A third-party car insurance policy covers these costs on your behalf, per the terms of your coverage. This means that ICICI Lombard handles the financial settlement for all admissible liabilities, so you are not left managing the fallout (and headaches) out of pocket.

If the affected third party makes the choice to file a First Information Report (FIR) or approach the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, your third-party car insurance covers the legal proceedings as well. ICICI Lombard provides legal representation throughout the process. The compensation amount is ultimately determined by the tribunal, and ICICI Lombard disburses the payment accordingly.

Is Third Party Car Insurance Expensive?

Because of how it’s designed, third-party car insurance is one of the most reasonable insurance products available for vehicle owners. The premium is fixed as such because it’s backing you up on one specific thing: it addresses the legal and financial liabilities arising from damage or injury caused to a third party, without including own-damage components.

Think about the risks without a policy like this in place. You’re dealing with third-party compensation, legal costs, and tribunal proceedings. The costs will almost definitely run higher than the typical annual premium. A third-party policy is simultaneously a cost-effective way to protect yourself and comply with road regulations.

Is Third-Party Car Insurance Sufficient?

No, third-party car insurance might not be sufficient. A third-party policy keeps you legally compliant on the road but by design, it leaves out your own vehicle. Since it is designed to only address liabilities towards third parties, your vehicle remains unprotected against accidental damage, theft, fire, natural calamities, and man-made disasters.

If you get into an accident with another vehicle, a third-party insurance policy will take care of the damages to the other party but your vehicle and any injuries you sustain are now entirely your responsibility to manage. That’s a gap that can be costly, in more ways than one. A comprehensive car insurance policy goes the extra mile by covering both third-party liabilities and damage to your own car. It also gives you the flexibility to add extra covers based on your needs.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Third Party Car Insurance

A third-party car insurance policy is a basic necessity, which also means it offers limited coverage. Here’s a look at its advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages Disadvantages
Meets the legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 Does not cover damage to your own vehicle
Lower premium compared to comprehensive car insurance No protection against vehicle theft
Covers third-party injury, death, and property damage No add-on covers or customisation options available
Simple and easy to purchase/renew No roadside assistance or breakdown support included
- No coverage for natural calamities or accidental damage
- No Claim Bonus (NCB) benefit is not applicable

If you’re just looking to drive on the roads legally (and at an affordable price), then a third-party car insurance policy is a great choice. However, if that gap in coverage is setting off alarm bells, it may be worth considering a comprehensive policy that includes cover for your own vehicle plus any add-ons.

Comparing Third-Party Insurance and Comprehensive Insurance

Of course, the core difference between a third-party and a comprehensive car insurance policy comes down to the scope of coverage. Here’s how the two policy types hold up against each other:

Coverage Area Third-Party Car Insurance Comprehensive Car Insurance
Third-party property damage Yes Yes
Third-party injury or death Yes Yes
Accidental damage to one's own car No Yes
Car theft No Yes
Natural calamities No Yes
Fire, riot, or terrorist activity No Yes
No Claim Bonus (up to 50%) No Yes
Customisable features No Yes
Breakdown support (Roadside Assistance) No Yes (as an add-on)
Zero depreciation No Yes (as an add-on)
Engine protection No Yes (as an add-on)
What if I already have third party insurance for my car?

What If I Already Have Third Party Insurance for My Car?

Having a third-party policy does not mean you are locked into that level of coverage. ICICI Lombard offers a standalone own-damage policy (OD policy) specifically for situations like this. You can choose your coverage amount, customise the plan, and add covers of your choice, all without needing to replace or cancel your existing third-party policy.

Here’s another question you’re probably asking:“What if my third-party policy is with another insurer?”

That’s okay! Since third-party and own-damage policies cover entirely different types of risk, they can be held with two separate insurers. Even if your third-party policy is from a different provider, you can purchase a standalone OD policy from ICICI Lombard and rest easy when out on the road.

How to Buy Third Party Car Insurance?

The process to buy third-party car insurance is quick, fully online, and requires no paperwork. Here is how it works:

  • Visit the insurer’s website and navigate to the car insurance section
  • Select third-party insurance
  • Enter your car's details, including: registration number, model, and year of registration
  • Review your quote and the applicable policy terms
  • Complete payment to receive your policy document instantly on email
How to Buy Two-Wheeler Insurance Online

How to Renew Third-Party
Car Insurance Online?

1

ICICI Lombard offers a simple renewal process for third-party car insurance.

2

Visit ICICI Lombard’s website, click on 'Renew Your ICICI Lombard Policy', enter your policy number, and complete the payment. Your updated policy document is sent to your registered email instantly.

3

Online renewal also gives you the flexibility to review your existing coverage. If a different plan or coverage level suits you better, you can make that change at the time of renewal without purchasing a separate new policy.

How to Claim for a Third-Party Car Insurance?

The claim process for a third-party car insurance policy involves certain legal steps (different from those of a comprehensive policy), given the nature of the liabilities involved. Here is how the process typically unfolds.

Convenience

Notify ICICI Lombard

Inform your insurer about the accident as soon as possible after the incident.

24x7 Availability

File the FIR

The third party files an official First Information Report with the local police.

Quick process

Register the case

The matter is registered with the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).

Instant Policy Generation

Tribunal hearing

Both you and the other party present the evidence, documents, and testimonials during the tribunal proceedings.

Instant Policy Generation

Claim disbursement

ICICI Lombard covers the compensation amount as decided by the tribunal.

Documents Required for Filing a Bike Insurance Claim

Documents Required for Third Party Insurance Claim

Before initiating a third-party insurance claim, keep the following documents ready.

  • Copy of your car insurance policy document
  • Copy of driving licence of the driver
  • Copy of vehicle registration certificate (RC)
  • First Information Report (FIR) filed by the third party
  • Photographs from the scene of the accident and the damaged vehicle
  • Medical bills and reports (if the third party has sustained injuries)
  • Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
  • Any additional documents requested by ICICI Lombard or the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal

Reviews and ratings
for third-party car insurance

  • 4.2

  • Our customers have rated us

    Based on 132 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions: Third Party Car Insurance

Is third-party car insurance mandatory?

Yes, third-party car insurance is a mandatory requirement in India under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. You will not be able to legally drive a vehicle on public roads without an active third-party policy.

What happens if I am caught driving without a third-party insurance policy?

If you are caught on the road without third-party insurance, you can face a fine of ₹2,000 or up to three months in jail for a first offence. Repeat offences can lead to a ₹4,000 fine, plus you’ll have to personally pay for any damage caused.

If you claim for a third-party car insurance, will you lose your no claim bonus?

You will not lose your No Claim Bonus for a third-party insurance claim because NCB applies only to comprehensive car insurance policies, not third-party coverage.

Is third-party insurance enough for my car?

No, a third-party insurance policy is not enough for your car. A third-party policy fulfils the legal requirement and covers damage to a third party and/or their property, but leaves your own vehicle without cover against accidental damage, theft, or natural calamities. A comprehensive car insurance policy provides broader protection if that matters to you.

What happens if I meet with an accident in a different city or state?

Fortunately, a third-party car insurance policy is valid across India. The claim process remains the same regardless of which state the accident occurs in.

What is the maximum compensation offered as part of this policy?

The compensation amount for third-party injury or death is unlimited and determined by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. Property damage compensation is subject to the applicable limits specified under the Motor Vehicles Act.

What documents should I submit when raising a claim for a third-party car insurance online?

To file a third-party car insurance claim, you will generally need your policy document, driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, a copy of the FIR, accident photographs, and medical documents. Additional documents may be requested during the tribunal process.

Is there a better policy than a third-party liability policy?

Yes, a comprehensive car insurance policy offers more complete protection than third-party coverage. It covers third-party liabilities plus damage to your own car, theft, fire, and natural disasters, with the option to add extra coverage.

Is it possible to renew a third-party car insurance policy online if I had purchased it offline?

Yes! You can renew your third-party car insurance policy online even if it was originally purchased offline. Visit the ICICI Lombard website, enter your policy details, and complete the renewal payment.

What happens to my third-party car insurance policy if I sell my car?

When you sell your car, the third-party car insurance can be transferred over to the new owner along with ownership. It’s important to inform the insurer during the transfer process.

Does the model of my car matter while buying a third-party policy?

Not exactly. The premium for third-party car insurance is based on your vehicle's engine cubic capacity, regulated by IRDAI, rather than the car model. Different models may have different engine capacities, which can place them in different premium brackets.

Who handles the legal cases filed for third-party car insurance claims?

Third-party car insurance claims involving injury or death are handled by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). The tribunal reviews evidence and testimonials and determines the applicable compensation.

Is there a time limit before which one has to file a claim?

Yes, it’s best to report the accident and file the FIR as soon as possible. Delays can complicate your claim, so always check your policy terms for timelines.

How does third-party car insurance work for private vehicles?

For private vehicles, third-party insurance covers legal liability for property damage or injury/death caused to others in an accident involving your car. Third-party insurance claims are regulated by the IRDAI.

How does third-party car insurance work for commercial vehicles?

Third-party insurance is mandatory for commercial vehicles in India. Third-party covers liability for injury, death, or property damage, but premiums and rules are structured differently based on usage and risk level.

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