Third Party Fire and Theft Car Insurance

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:

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:

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

• What’s the difference between third party only insurance and third party fire and theft 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.

• Does fully comprehensive car insurance include cover for fire, theft and third party property damage?

  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.

• Will my third party insurance policy cover me when I’m driving other cars?

  No. The insurance is for your vehicle only and will not cover you when you drive other cars.

• Does third party fire and theft insurance cover damage to my car in an accident?

  No. This type of cover only covers damage to someone else’s vehicle or property in an accident for which you’re responsible.

• How can I find the best third party fire and theft insurance?

  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.

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Esther Wolffowitz

Esther Wolffowitz is a publisher at finder.com. She is a specialist in insurance and wants to help UK consumers make better decisions. In her spare time, Esther enjoys discovering new restaurants and food markets in London.