Third-party insurance, intermediate, all risks: three formulas coexist in the market, but their actual coverage gap remains unclear for the majority of drivers. This guide compares what each level of coverage actually includes, what it excludes, and the criteria that tilt the cost/protection ratio one way or the other.
Comparison of the three auto insurance formulas: included and excluded coverage
The table below summarizes the coverages typically associated with each formula. The titles vary from one insurer to another, but the tier logic remains the same.
| Coverage | Third-party (Liability) | Extended Third-party | All Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Theft and attempted theft | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fire | No | Yes | Yes |
| Glass breakage | No | Yes | Yes |
| Natural disasters | No | Depends on contract | Yes |
| Damage to the vehicle (at-fault accident) | No | No | Yes |
| Driver’s guarantee (bodily injury) | Option | Option or included | Yes |
| Breakdown assistance 0 km | Option | Option | Depends on contract |
The line that makes the clearest difference is that of damage to the vehicle in an at-fault accident. This is the only coverage reserved for all risks in almost all contracts. Everything else can be added as an option to an intermediate formula.
A detailed overview allows for comparing auto insurance on Auto Tech based on the coverages offered by each insurer and the rates applied.
Repair costs and auto insurance premium: the link that drivers underestimate
Many drivers are surprised to see their premium increase even though they have not reported any claims. The explanation partly lies in the cost of repairs, which rises independently of individual claims history.
New spare parts, bodywork labor, and embedded electronic equipment (sensors, rear radars, cameras) increase the average cost of a material claim. When this average cost rises, insurers pass it on to the entire portfolio, including drivers without claims.
The case of electric vehicles
An electric car can be more expensive to indemnify than a comparable combustion vehicle, mainly due to the battery. A collision that damages the battery pack can lead to a complete replacement, the cost of which sometimes exceeds the residual value of the vehicle. Before subscribing, checking how the contract handles the battery (manufacturer warranty, specific deductible, compensation cap) avoids an unpleasant surprise at the time of the claim.
Reused parts: a lever on the bill
Reused parts (from end-of-life vehicles) can reduce the cost of a repair when they are technically suitable. Some contracts specify the conditions for using these parts. Checking this clause allows for anticipating the remaining amount to be paid after a claim.
Free choice of repairer after a claim: what the contract says
An insurer may recommend a partner garage, but the insured retains the free choice of their repairer. This distinction, based on Article L. 211-5-1 of the Insurance Code, has direct practical consequences.
- By going through the approved network, the insured generally benefits from an advance on costs covered by the insurer and simplified follow-up of the file.
- By choosing an independent body shop, the insured may have to pay the costs upfront and wait for reimbursement, with a variable delay depending on the contracts.
- In both cases, the amount of compensation remains the same: the insurer cannot reduce the reimbursement because the chosen repairer is not part of their network.
This point deserves careful reading of the general conditions. The mention “approved garage” in a contract does not mean obligation, but it may condition certain ancillary services (replacement vehicle, warranty on repairs).
Criteria for choosing auto insurance based on the driver’s profile
The right level of coverage depends less on the displayed price than on the adequacy between the contract and the driver’s actual situation. Three variables weigh more than others.
Residual value of the vehicle
A vehicle over eight years old with a low rating does not justify all risks. The annual premium for damage coverage can represent a significant portion of the vehicle’s value. An extended third-party with theft, fire, and glass breakage covers the most probable risks without increasing the bill.
Annual mileage and usage
A driver who drives little (short urban trips, remote work) is more exposed to theft while parked than to accidents on the road. The extended third-party with theft coverage then becomes more relevant than an all-risk policy focused on road accidents.
Deductibles and compensation caps
Comparing two contracts solely on the monthly premium skews the analysis. The deductible applicable in the event of an at-fault claim can vary from one insurer to another by a factor of three for an all-risk formula. Reading the deductible grid by type of claim (glass breakage, theft, collision damage) gives a more accurate picture of the real cost.
- Fixed deductible: a set amount in euros deducted from each compensation, regardless of the claim amount.
- Proportional deductible: a percentage of the claim amount, sometimes capped.
- Mileage deductible (assistance): the vehicle must be a certain distance from home to trigger assistance, unless opting for 0 km.
The driver’s guarantee remains the most neglected and the most useful. It covers bodily injury to the at-fault driver, a case where neither liability nor social security fully compensates for lost income or heavy medical expenses. Checking its compensation cap and its presence in the chosen contract is a reflex that changes the actual scope of coverage.
