Your guide to third party, fire and theft car insurance

Third, party fire and theft car insurance covers damage or injury you cause to other people, as well as loss or damage to your own car caused by fire, theft or attempted theft. However, it will not usually pay for accidental damage to your car when you are at fault.

This guide explains what is and isn't covered by third party, fire and theft insurance, how it compares with comprehensive insurance, and how to decide which car insurance cover is best for you.

What's covered:

• What is third party, fire and theft insurance?

• What does third party, fire and theft insurance cover?

• TPFT vs. Comprehensive: which is the right cover for you?

• Is third party, fire and theft insurance less expensive than comprehensive cover?

• 5 tips to help you reduce third party, fire and theft car insurance costs

• Optional extras to add to your policy

• FAQs

What is third party, fire and theft insurance?

Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) insurance is a level of cover that sits between third party only and comprehensive insurance. Here's what each level covers:

Fire and theft claims are generally settled at market value. This means the cost, immediately before the loss, of replacing your car with one of a similar make, model, age, condition and mileage, rather than the price you originally paid for it.

What does third party, fire and theft insurance cover?

Third party, fire and theft car insurance typically covers:

• Injury to other people, including passengers, if you cause an accident.

• Damage to another person’s vehicle or property when you are responsible.

• Theft of your car if it is stolen and not recovered.

• Damage caused by attempted theft, such as damage to locks or bodywork.

• Fire damage to your car, subject to the policy’s terms.

Specific benefits, claim limits and conditions vary between insurers. Be sure to check your policy carefully to understand exactly what your third party fire and theft insurance includes.

What’s does third party, fire and theft insurance not cover?

Third party, fire and theft insurance does not usually cover:

• Accidental damage to your own vehicle when you cause an accident.

• Single-vehicle damage, such as hitting a wall or kerbing a wheel.

• Vandalism, unless your policy specifically includes it

• Storm or flood damage to your vehicle.

• Your own injuries, unless personal accident cover is added separately.

• Windscreen repairs or breakdown assistance, unless included or added separately.

For example: if you reverse into a garden wall, the policy may cover damage to the wall, but not repairs to your car.

Does third party, fire and theft cover accidents?

In the event of an accident, TPFT only covers liability to third parties; it does not cover damage to your own car when an accident is your fault. Comprehensive insurance can provide this protection, so it's worth considering upgrading if you want your own vehicle covered.

TPFT vs. Comprehensive: which is the right cover for you?

Choosing between third party, fire and theft and fully comprehensive cover primarily depends on the level of cover you're comfortable with.

TPFT insurance may suit you if:

• You use an older or lower market value car.

• You want fire and theft protection.

• You don't drive regularly

• You could afford to repair or replace the car after an at-fault accident.

Comprehensive car insurance may suit you if:

• Your car is newer, financed or expensive to replace.

• You drive regularly

• You would find it difficult to afford paying for accident repairs yourself.

• You want the maximum level of protection

Is third party, fire and theft insurance less expensive than comprehensive cover?

Not always. While third party, fire and theft insurance is generally quoted cheaper given that it offers less protection, comprehensive cover can sometimes work out similarly priced or even cheaper depending on your driving history, risk profile, and vehicle.

This is particularly relevant for young drivers, as insurers price the overall risk, not simply the amount of cover provided. Because basic policies often attract younger or less experienced drivers looking to save money, claims patterns can make TPFT more expensive compared to comprehensive car insurance.

The best approach is to compare quotes for both options using identical details, then compare the final car insurance premium, excesses and included benefits. More protection does not automatically mean a higher price.

5 tips to help you reduce third party, fire and theft car insurance costs

1. Build your no claims discount. Claim-free driving can increase your discount, while protection may help preserve it after certain claims.

2. Pay annually: Monthly instalments usually include interest, increasing the overall cost. Paying annually is almost always cheaper overall.

3. Improve vehicle security: Secure overnight parking, and security measures such as alarms, immobilisers, and trackers will reduce the risk of theft, which in turn may reduce your premium.

4. Declare mileage accurately. Reducing your annual mileage can help bring down your premium. Just make sure you're accurate, as deliberately underestimating it could invalidate cover.

5. Use a broker. At Howden, we can help you compare cover options and find the right policy for you, at the right price.

Also read: How can I get cheaper car insurance in 2026? 11 top tips

Optional extras to add to your policy

Depending on your budget and needs, you may want to consider adding some of these optional cover types to your insurance policy:

Note: Cover varies by insurer, so some of these benefits may already be included as standard. TPFT usually has fewer standard extras compared to comprehensive policies, so be sure to check your policy documents to see what's covered first.

This is a marketing article from Howden Insurance. The information in this guide is accurate at time of publication. This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice.