What is Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance?
Third party, fire and theft car insurance offers a mid-level of cover, sitting between basic third-party insurance and comprehensive policies. While it provides more protection than third-party cover, it doesn’t cover everything. For instance, it won’t pay for repairs to your car if you’re at fault in an accident.
It’s a legal requirement to have at least third-party car insurance to drive on UK roads, so this type of policy could suit drivers looking for a balance between affordability and a broader level of protection.
*All information included on this page is general information and not specific to Collingwood Insurance
What is Covered by Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance?
Third Party
This includes damage to someone else’s property or vehicle and compensation for injuries to others if you’re at fault in an accident. For example, if you hit another car, the policy will cover the repair costs for the other driver’s vehicle or their medical expenses.
Fire
You’re protected if your car is damaged by fire, whether accidental or intentional. In cases of arson, you’ll need to report the incident to the police and provide a crime number to your insurer.
Theft
This covers the cost of replacing your car if it’s stolen and can’t be recovered, or the cost of repairing your car after an attempted theft (e.g., if the locks or windows are damaged).
Some policies also extend this cover to items like car audio systems or sat-navs that are damaged or stolen during a fire or theft incident.
Third Party
This includes damage to someone else’s property or vehicle and compensation for injuries to others if you’re at fault in an accident. For example, if you hit another car, the policy will cover the repair costs for the other driver’s vehicle or their medical expenses.
Fire
You’re protected if your car is damaged by fire, whether accidental or intentional. In cases of arson, you’ll need to report the incident to the police and provide a crime number to your insurer.
Theft
This covers the cost of replacing your car if it’s stolen and can’t be recovered, or the cost of repairing your car after an attempted theft (e.g., if the locks or windows are damaged).
Some policies also extend this cover to items like car audio systems or sat-navs that are damaged or stolen during a fire or theft incident.
What Does Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance Not Cover?
❌ Repairs to your own vehicle after an accident that was your fault.
❌ Replacement or repair costs for personal belongings, such as your phone, damaged in an incident.
❌ Damage or theft caused if you leave your car unsecured (e.g., unlocked or with windows open).
❌ Medical costs if you’re injured in an accident (unless covered by another part of your policy or the at-fault party’s insurance).
How Does Third Party, Fire and Theft Compare to Other Types of Cover?
Third Party Only
This is the legal minimum required for driving in the UK. It covers damage to other people’s vehicles or property and injury claims from others. However, it doesn’t cover your car, fire damage, or theft.
Comprehensive Cover
Comprehensive car insurance offers the most extensive cover, including all the benefits of third-party, fire and theft, plus protection for your car and yourself, even if the accident was your fault.
Third Party Only
This is the legal minimum required for driving in the UK. It covers damage to other people’s vehicles or property and injury claims from others. However, it doesn’t cover your car, fire damage, or theft.
Comprehensive Cover
Comprehensive car insurance offers the most extensive cover, including all the benefits of third-party, fire and theft, plus protection for your car and yourself, even if the accident was your fault.
Is Third Party, Fire and Theft Right for You?
This type of cover could be suitable if:
- You drive an older or lower-value car that’s cheaper to repair or replace.
- You’re confident in your ability to manage minor repairs yourself.
- Your vehicle is not expensive to maintain, and spare parts are easily available.
- You don’t drive frequently or are less concerned about your car’s resale value.
However, if you rely heavily on your vehicle or would struggle to cover repair costs after an accident, this policy might not be ideal. In that case, consider whether comprehensive insurance better meets your needs.
FAQs
No, this type of policy doesn’t cover accidental damage to your own car. For that level of cover, you’d need a comprehensive insurance policy.
It can be cheaper, but not always. Depending on your circumstances, some insurers may price comprehensive policies competitively, so it’s worth comparing.
No, if your car is stolen or damaged because you left it unsecured, your claim is likely to be rejected. Insurers require you to take reasonable care of your vehicle.
Yes, many insurers allow you to include extras like breakdown cover, windscreen cover, or personal accident cover for an additional cost, depending on the policy type.
Most third-party, fire and theft policies don’t include driving other cars as standard. Check your policy or speak to your insurer for clarification.