Every vehicle on the road must be insured. Knowing which policy covers what avoids unpleasant surprises – and explains why certain mistakes cost far more than the fine.
The vehicle policies
Third-party liability (compulsory): covers the damage you cause to others – people, vehicles, property. Without it there is no registration.
Partial comprehensive (optional): covers damage to your own vehicle without a driving fault: theft, fire, hail, glass breakage, collision with an animal.
Fully comprehensive (optional): additionally covers damage to your own vehicle that you caused yourself.
Remember: third-party liability protects others, comprehensive cover protects your vehicle. Only the first is compulsory.
Recourse
The third-party liability insurer first compensates the victim – that is the purpose of compulsory insurance. But where the driver has committed a grave fault, the insurer can then turn to them and demand repayment of all or part of the amount. This is recourse.
Typical grounds:
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
driving without a valid licence or despite a withdrawal,
massive speeding, extreme speeding offences,
failing to stop after an accident,
a vehicle clearly not roadworthy.
Remember: recourse can involve very large sums – an accident with serious injuries quickly exceeds what a private individual can bear. It is the most tangible financial reason not to take certain risks.
The people
Injured occupants are covered by accident insurance. Employed persons are insured through their employer, including non-occupational accidents where the level of employment is sufficient; others must insure themselves through their health insurer.
The driver at fault, however, is not covered by their own third-party liability for their own losses – that policy covers third parties only.
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