Third party fire and theft car insurance is designed to cover you when your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire, or if you’re responsible for an accident that damages someone else’s vehicle or property. This mid-level car insurance option provides cover against the most common risks you face when on or off the road, but is designed to be more affordable than fully comprehensive car insurance.
If you’re looking for third party fire and theft cover for your car, read on to find out how to compare policies and choose the right option for you.
What does third party fire and theft car insurance cover?
This type of policy offers slightly more cover than the legal requirement but is still limited in what it protects you from. It covers you in the same way that third party car insurance does such as injuries or damage to other people and their vehicles. But it also includes cover for your car from fire and theft. This is often a popular choice for those who need a bit more cover without the price tag. See what typical policies cover:
cover for any damage or injury caused to other people and their vehicles when an accident is your fault
cover to replace your car if it’s stolen
cover for damage from an attempted theft such as a smashed window and stolen car radio
cover for an arson attack or fire damage to your car
Is this type of car insurance right for me?
With several different types of car insurance available, it can be tricky to work out which type of policy is the best fit for you. To help make your choice easier, check out the comparison table below:
Cover
Third party property damage insurance
Third party fire and theft insurance
Comprehensive car insurance
Damage to my vehicle in an accident
No
No
Yes
Damage to another person’s vehicle or property
Yes
Yes
Yes
Loss or damage to my car due to fire
No
Yes
Yes
Loss or damage to my car due to theft
No
Yes
Yes
Loss or damage to my car due to storm, hail and flood
No
No
Yes
Injury or death to someone else as the result of a car accident
No
No
No
What isn’t covered by third party fire and theft insurance?
Check the list of general exclusions in a third party fire and theft policy to find out when the policy won’t provide any cover. Your claim will not be paid if:
You were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Your car breaks down
You fail to care for your vehicle or take all reasonable steps to prevent loss or damage
Your car was being used to carry dangerous goods
It arises due to a deliberate or intentional act by you
It is for depreciation, wear and tear, rust or gradual deterioration
It is for pre-existing damage to your vehicle
It is caused by unauthorised modifications to your vehicle
You were using your car for hire or reward
It arises due to an illegal act by you
Your car was being driven by anyone who is excluded from cover
It arises due to the lawful seizure of your vehicle
It is for loss of use of your vehicle
It is for loss of value of your car due to damage
Your car was being used for testing or demonstrations
Your car was participating in motor sports
Your vehicle was being used while overloaded with goods or passengers
It is for damage caused by tyre punctures or blowouts
Your car was being used by an unlicensed driver
Your car was being driven while in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition
If you do not remain at the scene of an accident when required by law to do so
It arises because you use an incorrect type of fuel
What are the benefits of third party fire and theft car insurance?
There are several reasons why you may want to consider this type of cover for your vehicle:
It covers the most common risks. Car accidents, theft and fire damage are three of the biggest risks all drivers face, and third party fire and theft insurance provides protection against all of them.
It’s cheaper than fully comprehensive car insurance. Third party fire and theft insurance is a mid-level policy option that combines a broad range of cover with affordable premiums. Because it doesn’t offer the same level of cover as fully comprehensive car insurance, it’s a whole lot more affordable.
It can be a good choice if your car isn’t overly expensive. If your car is a little older and perhaps not as valuable as it used to be, forking out big money for comprehensive car insurance may be overkill. However, third party fire and theft cover may offer the right combination of essential cover and cheaper premiums.
It provides peace of mind. Like any form of car insurance, third party fire and theft insurance is all about peace of mind. It gives you the confidence and reassurance you need to hit the road.
How much does third party fire and theft car insurance cost?
That depends on a whole lot of things. When you apply for a third party fire and theft policy, you’ll need to answer a wide range of questions about your car and where you live. Your answers to these questions reveal a range of risk factors that can affect the cost of car insurance, such as:
The car you drive. The more expensive or powerful your vehicle is, the more it will cost to insure. Whether or not it has a security system fitted can also affect premiums.
Where you live. If the area where you live has a high rate of theft, expect to pay more for cover. You can also expect to pay more if your car is kept on the street rather than locked in a garage.
The insured drivers. The age, experience, driving record and claims history of all drivers will be assessed by the insurer when determining your premiums. Young drivers pay more than older drivers and cover tends to be more expensive for men than women, while safe drivers with a clean record will be cheaper to insure than those with a chequered history.
Other factors. Is the car used for business or private use? How many miles do you drive each year? Has the car been modified at all? Your answers to all of these questions will have a bearing on how much you pay for cover.
Is third party fire and theft cover worth it?
The answer to this question really depends on two factors:
How much cover you want
How much cover you can afford
Third party fire and theft insurance is a mid-range cover option. It’s more affordable than fully comprehensive car insurance but not as cheap as third party property-only cover, while it also sits between the two other policies in terms of the benefits it offers. If this sounds like the type of cover you’re looking for, start comparing third party fire and theft policies today.
How can I save money on car insurance?
Keep the following tips in mind to help you save money on your car insurance premiums:
Compare policies. It’s quick and easy to compare car insurance quotes online, so get quotes from multiple insurers and see which policy comes out on top.
Choose the right level of cover. The lower your level of cover, the less you will pay for your policy. With this in mind, consider whether third party only cover might be a better fit for you than a policy that also covers fire and theft.
Choose a higher excess. The higher your excess, the cheaper your premium will be.
Take advantage of discounts. Many insurers offer discounts to people who insure multiple cars, hold multiple policies with the same provider or are long-term customers.
Restrict cover. Restricting cover to drivers over the age of 25 or 30 only can help you reduce your premiums.
Secure your vehicle. Vehicles that are kept in a locked garage and that also have their own security and anti-theft devices installed are harder for thieves to steal, which therefore makes them cheaper to insure.
Buy online. Some insurers offer substantial discounts if you purchase cover online.
Frequently asked questions about car insurance
Both policies provide cover for your legal liability when you’re responsible for a car accident that causes injury to someone else and/or damage to their car or property. However, third party fire and theft insurance also provides cover for loss or damage to your vehicle caused by fire or theft.
Yes, all of these benefits are included in a fully comprehensive car insurance policy along with a range of other cover features. Check the policy details carefully before signing up as cover will vary between insurers.
No. The insurance is for your vehicle only and will not cover you when you drive other cars.
No. This type of cover only covers damage to someone else’s vehicle or property in an accident for which you’re responsible.
The only way to find the best third party fire and theft policy for your needs is to shop around. Compare cover features and quotes from a range of insurers to track down the policy that provides the cover you need at the best possible price.
The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products we can track; we don't cover every product on the market...yet. Unless we've indicated otherwise, products are shown in no particular order or ranking. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations), aren't product ratings, although we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it; this is subject to our terms of use. When making a big financial decision, it's wise to consider getting independent financial advice, and always consider your own financial circumstances when comparing products so you get what's right for you.
*51% of consumers could save £200. To get this figure, aggregator Seopa selected quotes from popular providers and others, weighting according to market share, and compared the cheapest with the cheapest on its system. Your savings will depend on your own circumstances.
Esther Wolffowitz is a publisher at finder.com. She is a specialist in insurance and wants to help UK consumers make better decisions. Esther holds an MSc in Media and Communication Governance from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In her spare time, she enjoys discovering new restaurants and food markets in London.
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