Third-Party, Fire and Theft Car Insurance: 2025 Guide
What Is Third-Party, Fire and Theft Insurance?
Third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT) car insurance offers more protection than third-party only insurance but less than a fully comprehensive policy.
It covers damage or injury you cause to other people and includes cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
TPFT won’t cover repairs to your vehicle after an accident where you’re at fault.
For that level of protection, you’ll need comprehensive insurance.
This guide explains what TPFT includes and excludes, how it compares with other types of cover, how to make a claim, average UK pricing, and when this policy might be right for you.
What Does TPFT Insurance Cover?
Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) car insurance covers:
- Injury to other people, including passengers
- Damage to someone else’s vehicle or property
- Loss or damage to your car caused by fire
- Theft of your vehicle or damage caused by attempted theft
This policy includes all the protections of third-party only cover, with added fire and theft protection for your vehicle.
However, it does not cover your car for accidental damage, even if the incident was not your fault.
TPFT can be a suitable option if your car is moderately valued and at risk of theft or fire but you’re comfortable covering repair costs after an accident.
Would you like a structured comparison block below this to contrast TP, TPFT, and comprehensive side-by-side?
What’s Not Covered by TPFT Insurance?
Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) insurance does not include protection for:
- Accidental damage to your vehicle in a collision you cause
- Vandalism or malicious damage not linked to theft
- Personal injury to you or your passengers, unless the optional cover is included
- Loss or damage to belongings kept in your car
- Driving for undeclared purposes such as courier work or taxi hire
These exclusions highlight that TPFT policies do not cover your vehicle repairs after an accident.
A comprehensive car insurance policy is required for broader protection, including accidental damage and personal injury.
Common TPFT Exclusions:
- At-fault collision repairs for your car
- Damage from non-theft vandalism
- Personal medical expenses
- Theft of in-car electronics or items
- Business or ride-share use without declaration
Third-Party vs TPFT vs Comprehensive?
UK car insurance is offered at three primary levels: third-party only, third-party fire and theft (TPFT), and comprehensive. Each provides a different level of protection:
- Third-party only is the legal minimum. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people and their property. It does not protect your car in any situation.
- TPFT includes third-party cover plus protection if your car is stolen or damaged by fire. It does not cover accident damage to your vehicle.
- Comprehensive covers everything in TPFT and third-party policies, with added protection for your car, regardless of who is at fault. It may include personal injury cover, windscreen repair, and in-car item protection.
Summary of Key Differences:
Policy Type | Covers Others (Damage/Injury) | Theft | Fire | Your Car (Accidents) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Third-Party | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
TPFT | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Fully Comprehensive | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Which Car Insurance Type Should You Choose?
- Choose Third-Party if you drive an older or low-value vehicle and only require the minimum legal cover for driving in the UK.
- Consider TPFT if you want extra peace of mind through theft and fire protection but do not need accident cover for your car.
- Opt for Comprehensive if you prefer complete protection, including cover for your vehicle regardless of fault and optional extras like personal injury cover and windscreen repairs.
While TPFT offers more security than third-party only, it can be more expensive depending on your profile.
In some cases, comprehensive insurance may be cheaper.
Always compare all three cover types to select the best fit for your needs and budget.
Learn more about the different types of Vehicle Insurance.
What are the Advantages of TPFT Insurance?
TPFT insurance offers targeted protection against two specific risks often not covered by third-party-only policies: fire damage and theft.
Key advantages include:
- Theft Protection covers the cost of replacing your vehicle if it’s stolen or repairing it after an attempted theft.
- Fire Damage Cover: This policy ensures your car is protected against damage from accidental or deliberate fire incidents, including arson, with a valid crime reference.
- Legal Liability Cover: Includes third-party protection, covering injury or damage caused to other people or their property in a road traffic accident.
- Lower Premiums Than Comprehensive: This option may be more cost-effective for drivers with older or lower-value cars who still want theft and fire coverage.
What are the Disadvantages of TPFT Car Insurance?
While TPFT extends protection beyond basic third-party cover, it has notable limitations compared to comprehensive insurance:
- No Accidental Damage Cover: You’ll need to pay for repairs to your car if you’re at fault in an accident.
- Lacks Additional Benefits: This does not include extras like windscreen repair, courtesy car provision, or personal injury cover unless added separately.
- Potential Premium Inefficiency: In some cases, TPFT can be more expensive than fully comprehensive insurance, especially for younger or higher-risk drivers.
- Limited Claim Scope: Damage from uninsured drivers or vandalism may not be included, depending on the provider.
Is Third-Party Fire & Theft Road Insurance Worth It?
Third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT) insurance can offer meaningful value for specific driver profiles.
Whether TPFT is a practical choice depends on the type of vehicle, location risk factors, and personal driving patterns.
When TPFT is likely to be worth it:
- You drive a modest-value vehicle that may not justify the cost of comprehensive insurance but still warrants protection from fire damage or theft.
- Having theft cover becomes more critical if you live or park in areas with elevated car crime risks.
- You want to meet legal insurance requirements with added protection without paying for full accident-related coverage.
When 3rd Party Fire and Theft might not be cost-effective:
- You qualify for low-risk status (e.g. experienced driver, rural location), and fully comprehensive quotes may be cheaper or similarly priced to TPFT.
- Your car’s market value is very low, making it financially unviable to insure against theft or fire. Self-funding minor losses may be more practical.
Evaluating whether TPFT is right for you:
- Always compare premium quotes for TPO, TPFT and comprehensive policies across multiple providers.
- Factor in your car’s current value, storage conditions, and claim history.
- Assess whether the additional fire and theft protection justifies the extra cost of TPFT over third-party only.
For many drivers, TPFT presents a balanced option that extends beyond legal minimum cover without the full cost of a comprehensive policy.
However, it’s important to note that price positioning varies, and TPFT may not always be cheaper than comprehensive.
TPFT Car Insurance Prices
Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) car insurance premiums in the UK exhibit significant variability, influenced by driver demographics, vehicle specifications, and geographic location.
Recent data from leading comparison platforms provides insight into current average premiums:
Average TPFT Premiums
- GoCompare: Reports an average TPFT premium of £446, marginally less than the average comprehensive cover at £447 and notably lower than third-party only cover at £581. gocompare.com
- MoneySuperMarket: Indicates an average TPFT premium of £642.31, positioning it between comprehensive cover at £540.18 and third-party only at £764.42. moneysupermarket.com
- Compare the Market: Notes that 51% of their customers were quoted less than £1,311.36 for TPFT car insurance, with an average comprehensive premium reported at £661. comparethemarket.com
These figures underscore the importance of comparing quotes across different providers, as premiums can vary widely based on individual circumstances.
Factors Influencing TPFT Premiums
Several key elements impact the cost of TPFT car insurance:
- Driver Age and Experience: Younger drivers, particularly those under 25, often face higher premiums due to perceived risk.
- Driving History: A clean driving record can lower premiums, while past accidents or violations may increase costs.
- Vehicle Type and Value: Cars with higher repair costs or those more susceptible to theft can attract higher premiums.
- Location: Living in areas with higher crime rates or accident statistics can influence insurance costs.
- Annual Mileage: Higher mileage can indicate increased risk, potentially raising premiums.
Comparing 3rd PFT with Other Insurance Types
It's essential to note that TPFT insurance isn't always the most cost-effective option. In some cases, comprehensive insurance policies may offer broader coverage at a similar or lower price point.
It's advisable to compare TPFT premiums with third-party-only and comprehensive policies to determine the best value for your specific needs.
What Extras Can I Add to My Third-Party FT Policy?
Third-party Fire and Theft (TPFT) insurance offers mid-tier protection, but you can expand your cover with optional extras.
These add-ons are available for an additional cost and differ by insurer.
They provide tailored enhancements to match specific driving needs and risk profiles.
Optional Extras That Can Be Added to TPFT Motor Insurance:
- Breakdown Cover
Assistance if your car breaks down, including roadside repairs, vehicle recovery, and onward travel where applicable. - Courtesy Car
A temporary replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired due to a covered incident. - Personal Accident Cover
Compensation in the event of serious injury or death resulting from a car accident involving you or a named driver. - Legal Expenses Cover
Helps with legal costs following a non-fault accident, such as pursuing claims against another driver. - Protected No-Claims Discount (NCD)
Maintains your NCD after a claim, depending on the years accrued and your provider’s rules. - Windscreen Cover
Covers the repair or replacement of damaged windows and windscreen glass. - Key Cover
Pays for lost or stolen car keys and locksmith services.
These extras can improve convenience and financial protection but may raise your premium.
If your car has a lower market value, consider whether upgrading to comprehensive cover might offer better value with more inclusive features.
How to Get a Cheap TPFT Quote
Tailoring your choices to align with insurer risk criteria can lower the cost of a third-party fire and theft (tpft) insurance policy.
Below are ten proven strategies to help you secure a competitive quote:
1. Compare Multiple Quotes
Use trusted comparison tools to assess a wide range of TPFT policies. Prices can vary significantly between insurers.
2. Select a Low-Risk Vehicle
Cars in lower insurance groups, typically with smaller engines and lower repair costs, attract cheaper premiums.
3. Increase Your Voluntary Excess
Choosing a higher voluntary excess reduces your insurer’s liability, which can lead to a lower premium. Just ensure it's affordable in case of a claim.
4. Pay Annually
Paying for your policy upfront rather than monthly instalments often lowers overall cost by avoiding interest charges.
5. Add a Named Driver
Adding a more experienced driver to your policy can sometimes reduce risk from the insurer’s perspective, helping reduce premiums.
6. Improve Vehicle Security
Installing approved alarms, immobilisers, or tracking systems may reduce the likelihood of theft and your quote.
7. Use Telematics (Black Box) Insurance
Insurers monitor your driving behaviour and reward safe drivers with lower renewal premiums. This is especially useful for new or younger drivers.
8. Reduce Annual Mileage
Lower mileage suggests less time on the road and a lower chance of claims. Be honest but realistic with your annual driving estimate.
9. Adjust Your Job Title
Specific job titles carry different risk levels. Use the most accurate yet risk-neutral variation of your occupation when obtaining quotes.
10. Avoid Automatic Renewals
Insurers often don’t offer the best rate at renewal. Re-check your quote each year to ensure you're not overpaying.
Each of these measures can contribute to meaningful savings on your TPFT premium. Combining multiple strategies will often yield the best result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, comprehensive car insurance includes fire and theft as part of its broader cover. Unlike third-party or TPFT policies, comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle against fire damage, theft, vandalism, and at-fault accidents. It is the most complete form of private vehicle cover in the UK.
Check our guide to Comprehensive Car Insurance.
Most car finance and lease providers require fully comprehensive cover, not TPFT. Comprehensive insurance protects the financed vehicle's full value, reducing the lender’s risk. Third-party fire and theft insurance usually lacks sufficient coverage to meet finance agreements.
Learn how to Check for Car Finance.
Typically, TPFT insurance does not include coverage for driving other vehicles. Some insurers may offer a 'Driving Other Cars' clause, but it’s rare in TPFT policies and often restricted to third parties only. Always check your certificate of motor insurance before driving another vehicle.
To check if your vehicle is covered under a TPFT policy:
Review your policy documents for confirmation of cover.
Use the Motor Insurance Database (MID) at askMID.
Alternatively, use the free CarVeto askMID.com car check service, which queries MID to confirm your insurance status.
Staying informed helps avoid penalties for driving uninsured.