What is third party fire and theft car insurance?

Third party fire and theft (TPFT) car insurance combines third party only with additional protection against fire and theft. It is one step up from the minimum level of insurance needed to drive a car on UK roads.

Third party fire and theft insurance covers you if you’re involved in an accident where someone else's car or property is damaged, and/or they’re hurt. If they make a claim against you for repairs or replacement, or for their medical costs, your insurance policy will cover it.

It also protects your own car against damage caused by fire, and losses caused by theft. However, it won’t cover your car and property, or your medical costs, if you cause an accident.

Advantages of choosing third party fire and theft car insurance

Third party fire and theft insurance means that:

• You’ll be covered against compensation claims made against you for damage, losses or injuries experienced by third parties.
  
  
• You’ll have more than the minimum required level of insurance to legally drive in the UK.
  
  
• You'll be covered for the cost of repairing or replacing your car if it's damaged by fire or by theft.

What does third party fire and theft car insurance cover?

You’ll need to check the details of your policy with your individual insurance provider, but the following is usually included as standard:

Third party compensation

If you are involved in a crash, the other party involved may claim compensation from you for damages, losses and medical costs. In this case, your insurer will compensate the third party on your behalf.

Damage from fire

You’re covered in the event of a fire that damages your vehicle. This includes both a deliberate fire through arson and any accidental fire damage.

Loss or damage from theft

Your policy will also cover the loss or damage to your car from theft, with most insurers replacing your car on your behalf. This may also cover any parts of your car stolen during the theft.

Most insurers will also cover you for vandalism or damage from an attempted theft.

What doesn’t third party fire and theft car insurance cover?

Third party fire and theft car insurance typically doesn’t cover:

• Damage to your vehicle following an accident that was your fault
  
  
• Damage to your personal possessions following a crash
  
  
• Your medical costs if you’re injured in an accident
  
  
• Repair or replacement costs if you leave your car unlocked or the window open for example

Third party fire and theft car insurance – optional extras

In most cases you can usually add optional extras to your policy, including:

• Personal accident cover: Providing compensation for serious injuries or death following a car accident.
  
  
• Windscreen cover: Ensuring your windscreen is protected from accidental damage.
  
  
• Misfuelling cover: Covering you for the cost of repairs after putting the wrong fuel in your car.
  
  
• Driving other cars (DOC) cover: Ensuring you have insurance in place to drive other people’s cars.
  
  
• Breakdown cover: Assistance if you break down on the side of the road, whether your car is fixed by the roadside or towed to a garage.
  
  
• Courtesy car cover: Organising a courtesy car if yours can’t be driven after a crash or an accident.
  
  
• Driving abroad cover: Cover for driving outside the UK.
  
  
• Cover for legal costs: Helping you to recover legal costs if you go to court following an accident.

Cost of third party fire and theft car insurance

The cost of a third party fire and theft insurance will depend on your personal circumstances and individual risk factors. Factors taken into account include your age, driving history, the make and model of the car you drive, where you live, and your job.

The average cost of TPFT car insurance through the Asda Money comparison service is:

*Based on premiums sold through the car insurance comparison service with Asda Money provided by Vast Visibility Limited for the period 1 January 2025 to 28 February 2025, 51% of customers paid £1354.81 or less for third party fire and theft car insurance.

What’s the difference between third party insurance and third party, fire and theft insurance?

Can you drive someone else's car on third party, fire and theft?

Typically, no you can’t drive someone else’s car with third party fire and theft car insurance^[1]. 

Some fully comprehensive car insurance policies have a clause allowing you to drive a car that isn’t your own. But this isn’t included as standard.  

Do you still get no claims with third party fire and theft?

Yes, most insurers will allow you to build up a no claims bonus year-on-year. No claims bonuses or discounts are percentages of your insurance price that are taken off by insurers if you don’t make any claims over the course of the year.

Find third party fire and theft car insurance through Asda Money

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• Step 1: Enter your basic details (name, address, registration plate, and driving history).
  
  
• Step 2: Get instant quotes from over 60 UK insurance providers.
  
  
• Step 3: Choose the right third party fire and theft policy for you.

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The car insurance comparison service is provided by Vast Visibility Limited.