Insurance basics
What is third party fire and theft car insurance?
Third party fire and theft covers your liability to others plus your car if it is stolen or damaged by fire. Learn what it does and doesn't cover.
Third party fire and theft (TPFT) covers your liability for injury or damage to other people, plus loss of or damage to your own car caused by fire or theft. It doesn't cover accident damage to your own car.
Where TPFT sits
There are three main levels of car insurance:
- Third party only: the legal minimum, covering injury or damage you cause to others
- Third party, fire and theft: adds cover for your own car against fire and theft
- Comprehensive: also covers damage to your own car, subject to the policy terms
Third party fire and theft sits in the middle. It includes your legal liability to other people and adds protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
What it covers and what it doesn't
What TPFT typically does and doesn't cover:
- Covers injury or damage you cause to others
- Covers your car if it is stolen or damaged by fire
- Does not cover accident damage to your own car
- Does not usually cover vandalism or weather damage
Policies differ, so check the wording for details such as whether attempted theft, windscreen damage or personal belongings are included.
Is it the lowest-priced option?
Don't assume so. Comprehensive cover is often similarly priced or lower, because insurers price on risk. It is worth getting quotes for all three cover levels before deciding.
About Kompare
Kompare doesn't currently offer quotes for standard car insurance. This guide is kept as general information. The same cover levels apply to vans; see our van insurance page if you drive a van for work.