Compulsory by law
RTA cover
Road Traffic Act insurance, also called third-party or "Act" insurance. It pays other people when your vehicle injures them or damages their property. You need it to licence your vehicle with ZINARA.
- Required for every vehicle on the road. Driving without it is an offence.
- Protects other people, not you or your vehicle.
- Price is set by regulation and is the same at every insurer.
Have your vehicle registration number ready.
What it covers
Covered
- Injury or death to people outside your vehicle, such as pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, when you are legally liable.
- Damage to other people's property, including their vehicle, wall or gate.
- Medical and funeral costs for third parties, within the legal limits.
- Your legal liability up to the limits set by regulation.
Not covered
- Damage to your own vehicle, whoever was at fault.
- Injury to you, the driver or policyholder.
- Theft of your vehicle, or fire damage to it.
- Any amount above the legal limits. You stay liable for the rest.
Limits and what you pay
The legal limits are set by regulation and reviewed from time to time, so the current figures are shown at checkout.
Want higher limits and cover for your own vehicle? Compare FTP and Comprehensive below.
Ready to buy RTA cover?
Get covered so you can licence your vehicle.
When to make a claim
RTA claims are made by the other party against your policy. Your job is to report quickly, cooperate and never admit fault.
Your vehicle injures or kills someone
The injured person or their family claims against your policy. Tell your insurer straight away.
Your vehicle damages someone's property
This includes another vehicle, a wall, a gate or a roadside structure.
You get a letter of demand or a summons
Send it to your insurer immediately. Do not wait, and do not reply to the other party yourself.
Someone else caused the accident
Claim from the other driver's insurer. Your own RTA cover does not pay for your vehicle or your injuries.
How to make a claim
- Stop and check for injuries
Stop immediately, see if anyone is hurt and give any help you reasonably can. Failing to stop is a criminal offence.
- Call the police
Alert the police at once if another vehicle is involved or anyone is hurt, and do not disturb the scene. Every accident must be reported within 24 hours. Keep the report number.
- Swap details, but do not admit fault
Give your name, address, vehicle registration and insurer. Note the same from the other party and any witnesses. Do not admit liability, pay a deposit or agree to settle.
- Tell your insurer
Do it the same day if you can. Many policies set a 30-day limit for notice, and a late claim can be turned down.
- Send the documents
Claim form, police report, a copy of your driving licence, and any letter of demand or summons the moment you receive it.
- Your insurer handles the claim
Your insurer deals with the third party and may take over the defence. Cooperate, and do not discuss settlement yourself.
Have these ready
- Police report or report number
- Claim form from your insurer
- Copy of your driving licence
- Vehicle registration and policy details
- Third party's name, contact details and vehicle registration, if known
- Any letter of demand or summons
- Photos of the scene
Good to know
- RTA cover does not repair your own vehicle. For that, look at FTP or Comprehensive.
- Every road accident must be reported to the police, even when only your own property is damaged.
- Never admit fault at the scene. Fault is decided by the courts and your insurer.
- Third-party insurance rules and limits are set by law and can change. This page is updated when they do, and your policy schedule is always the final word.
Compare the three
| Feature | RTA cover (this page) | FTP cover | Comprehensive cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injury or death to other people | Yes, up to the legal limit | Yes, higher limit | Yes, higher limit |
| Damage to other people's property | Yes, up to the legal limit | Yes, higher limit | Yes, higher limit |
| Fire damage to your vehicle | No | Yes | Yes |
| Theft of your vehicle | No | Yes | Yes |
| Accident damage to your vehicle | No | No | Yes |
| Price | Set by regulation | Set by regulation | Differs by insurer |
| How you buy | Buy direct | Buy direct | Compare, then buy |
Ready to buy RTA cover?
Get covered so you can licence your vehicle.