
An 8-year-old car needs insurance, specifically compulsory traffic insurance and third-party liability insurance. Compulsory Traffic Insurance: Compulsory traffic insurance is a mandatory liability insurance where the insurance company compensates for personal injuries or property losses of victims [excluding passengers in the insured vehicle and the insured] caused by road traffic accidents involving the insured motor vehicle, within the liability limits. Third-Party Liability Insurance: In motor vehicle third-party liability insurance, it refers to the economic liability that the insured or their permitted drivers should bear by law when an accident occurs during the use of the insured vehicle, causing personal injury or direct property damage to a third party, for which the insurance company is responsible for compensation.

After driving for so many years, I firmly believe that an eight-year-old car absolutely needs insurance, especially compulsory traffic insurance, which is legally mandated in China. If you don’t have it and get caught, you’ll face fines and have to pay for accident damages out of pocket. Even though the car’s value isn’t high when it’s old, the liability in case of hitting someone or causing a major accident is still significant. Without insurance, you could end up bankrupt from the compensation. I’ve personally seen a neighbor who didn’t renew their insurance for an old car and ended up rear-ending a luxury car, paying a hefty sum and regretting it deeply. My advice is to renew compulsory traffic insurance on time every year and consider commercial insurance like third-party liability based on the car’s condition. Spending money on peace of mind is always better than taking risks.

As an ordinary office worker driving an eight-year-old used car, my biggest concern is not wasting money. Compulsory traffic insurance is a must—it's a legal requirement, not too expensive, and avoids fines. Commercial insurance like vehicle damage insurance can be skipped since repairs for an old car may not be worth it, and the car's value might even be lower than the premium. However, third-party liability insurance is recommended—it covers others' losses and safeguards financial security in case of accidents. On a tight budget, I opted for a basic package and check for insurer discounts annually to save a few hundred bucks. The bottom line: compulsory insurance is non-negotiable, while other coverage should be flexible based on needs—don’t cut everything and leave risks uncovered.

When I was young, I drove an old car and thought that skipping insurance on an eight-year-old clunker would save me money. But a minor fender bender taught me a hard lesson—I had to pay for everything out of pocket. The experience taught me that insurance is a must, no matter how old the car is. Compulsory traffic insurance is legally required, and skipping it can lead to fines and headaches. Commercial insurance, like third-party liability coverage, is also practical—it protects your wallet if you accidentally hit someone. I’ve even heard stories from friends whose old cars broke down on the highway, leaving them struggling to cover towing and repair costs without insurance. Now, I’ve wised up—I renew my policies on time every year. Peace of mind on the road is what truly matters.


