Third-party, fire and theft

Third-party fire and theft cover, along with comprehensive and third party only cover make up the three levels of cover available for car insurance in the UK. In terms of coverage, TPFT (third-party, fire and theft) sits somewhere in the middle of its colleagues. It provides more cover than simple TPO (third party only), but not quite as much as fully comprehensive cover.

What’s included with third-party, fire and theft cover?

With TPFT, you can expect your insurance to cover any damages made to a third-party or their vehicle. Although this is the same as TPO, you are also covered if your vehicle is stolen, or in the event of a fire. This means that if you are involved in a fault accident, your insurance will not cover damages to you or your car, unlike comprehensive cover.

Can I earn a no claims bonus with TPFT cover?

Yes, the cover level does not affect you earning a no claims bonus. However, you will need to make sure that you are driving safely and avoiding making any claims. This will ensure that you can build up your no claims discount and hopefully get cheaper insurance at renewal.

What’s the difference between third-party only cover, third-party, fire and theft and comprehensive cover?

The main difference between these two cover levels is the fire and theft part. Other than that, they are the same. As we mentioned above, the addition of fire and theft to the policy protects your vehicle if it were subject to theft, and if it was on fire.
Third-party only cover is also the minimum level of cover required in the UK to drive on the roads.
In terms of comprehensive cover, this will cover damages to your car and yourself in the event of an accident, even it turned out to be your fault.

Is third-party, fire and theft always cheaper than fully comprehensive?

No, not always. There is a common misconception that the lower the cover level, the lower the cost of the insurance will be. However, this is not always the case. Although it is likely you will see a price drop between these cover levels, drivers with TPFT cover are often a greater risk behind the wheel than those who opt to go with comprehensive cover. The price entirely depends on the insurance company and will depend on who you are currently with.

If you have any more questions about different cover levels, speak to one of our experts on 0333 222 4005. Or, you can visit our website to find out more.