What is third party, fire and theft insurance cover?
Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) car insurance covers damage you cause to other people, plus protection for your own car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire — but not if you crash it.
It’s the middle tier of car insurance in the UK. More protection than the legal minimum, less than fully comprehensive. And for some drivers, it strikes just the right balance between cost and cover.
TPFT is ideal for people who don’t want to overpay for a fully comprehensive policy — but still want some peace of mind. It covers the basics: if you cause an accident and someone else’s vehicle or property is damaged, you’re protected. And if your car is stolen or set on fire, you won’t be left footing the bill. What it doesn’t cover is accidental damage to your own vehicle in a crash that’s your fault.
That’s the trade-off. It costs less, but you’re exposed to more risk.
In this guide, we’ll explain what TPFT does and doesn’t cover, how it compares to other types of insurance, who it’s best suited for, and when it might actually cost more than going fully comp.
What does third party, fire and theft insurance actually cover?
TPFT insurance covers three specific things: damage you cause to others, loss or damage from fire, and theft of your car — but not accidental damage to your own vehicle in a crash.
Let’s unpack that.
The ‘Third Party’ element is the legal minimum you need to drive in the UK. It covers damage you cause to someone else’s property, vehicle, or person in an accident where you’re at fault. If you crash into another driver or knock over someone’s wall, this is the part of your policy that pays out.
The ‘Fire’ part covers damage to your car if it’s set alight deliberately or accidentally. That includes arson, electrical faults, engine fires — even lightning strikes, provided the insurer accepts the cause as legitimate.
The ‘Theft’ portion covers you if your car is stolen or damaged during an attempted theft. If thieves break in and cause damage without actually getting away with the car, that’s still covered under TPFT.
What TPFT doesn’t cover:
- Accidental damage to your own vehicle (even if it’s your fault)
- Vandalism or malicious damage (unless tied to attempted theft or fire)
- Personal injury to yourself (some TPFT policies include this as an add-on, but not all)
- Damage caused by animals, flooding, or poor road surfaces
- Windscreen repairs (unless added as an extra)
Here’s a quick visual summary:
What’s Covered vs What’s Not (TPFT)
| Event | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Damage to other vehicles/property | ✔ Yes |
| Fire damage to your car | ✔ Yes |
| Theft or attempted theft | ✔ Yes |
| Accidental damage to your car | ✘ No |
| Vandalism | ✘ No |
| Personal belongings stolen | ✘ No |
| Your own injuries | ✘ Not as standard |
| Windscreen damage | ✘ Not unless added |
TPFT is clear and predictable — it does three things well, and leaves the rest to you. If you’re comfortable with that, it can be a smart middle-ground.
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Get QuotesHow does TPFT compare to other car insurance types?
TPFT sits between Third Party Only and Fully Comprehensive cover — offering more protection than the legal minimum, but less than the top tier.
It’s not always easy to know what level of cover you really need. Some drivers assume Third Party Only is cheapest, or that Comprehensive is excessive for older vehicles. The reality is more nuanced — and sometimes, the mid-range option makes the most sense.
Let’s compare them side by side:
Car Insurance Cover Comparison
| Feature | Third Party Only | Third Party, Fire and Theft | Fully Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to other people or vehicles | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Fire damage to your car | ✘ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Theft of your car | ✘ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Accidental damage to your car | ✘ | ✘ | ✔️ |
| Windscreen cover | ✘ | ✘ (unless added) | ✔️ (usually included) |
| Personal injury cover | ✘ | ✘ | ✔️ (varies) |
So, when does TPFT make sense?
- If your car isn’t worth much, but you’d still want to recover something if it was stolen
- If you’re happy to absorb the risk of an at-fault accident but want protection against crime or fire
- If fully comp feels like overkill, and third party feels too exposed
It’s important to note that TPFT is not a halfway point in cost. Sometimes, TPFT quotes can be higher than comprehensive quotes — particularly if insurers view TPFT drivers as higher risk due to age, postcode, or claim history. That’s why it’s always worth comparing all three, regardless of your car’s value.
Do I need third party, fire and theft cover — or is it optional?
Third Party, Fire and Theft is optional — the only legal requirement in the UK is Third Party Only cover. TPFT is an upgrade, offering more protection but not mandated by law.
You’re legally allowed to drive in the UK with Third Party Only (TPO) insurance. That’s the bare minimum — it protects other people, their vehicles, and their property if you cause an accident. It doesn’t protect you or your car.
TPFT goes one step further. It still meets the legal requirement for third party liability, but it also includes cover for:
- Fire damage to your vehicle
- Theft of the car
- Damage from attempted theft
This makes it a voluntary upgrade — not a legal one.
So, who chooses TPFT?
- Drivers of lower-value cars who want theft protection but aren’t worried about cosmetic damage
- People who live in areas with higher theft risk but can’t justify fully comprehensive premiums
- Budget-conscious drivers who don’t want to be left stranded if their car’s stolen or torched
It’s also sometimes used by younger drivers who’ve been priced out of comprehensive policies. But here’s the twist: some comprehensive policies are cheaper than TPFT, depending on how insurers calculate risk. That’s why it’s not enough to assume TPFT is the cheaper option — you have to check.
In short: you don’t need TPFT by law. But you may want it for peace of mind, depending on what you’re willing to risk.
Why do some drivers choose TPFT over comprehensive cover?
Some drivers choose TPFT to save money, limit what they insure, or avoid overpaying for older or lower-value vehicles — especially if they’re not worried about covering minor accident damage.
It’s not always about cutting corners. Sometimes, TPFT is a considered decision — a way of balancing risk with cost. Drivers might ask themselves: “Would I claim if I hit a post and dented the bumper?” If the answer’s no, then TPFT may do everything they need.
Common reasons people go for TPFT:
- Low car value: If your car is only worth £1,000, paying for comprehensive protection on something you wouldn’t claim for doesn’t always make sense. TPFT covers theft or fire — which could leave you with nothing — but skips accident damage that wouldn’t be worth repairing.
- Premium sensitivity: For drivers facing steep premiums (young drivers, city postcodes, past claims), TPFT may bring the quote down just enough to make it affordable — though, again, this isn’t guaranteed.
- Theft or arson concerns: If a car is parked overnight on the street or in an area with high crime stats, theft and fire protection may feel more important than cover for a self-inflicted scrape.
- Driving habits: Drivers who rarely take the car out or don’t do motorway miles may feel less exposed to collision risk — and more focused on external threats like vandalism or theft.
That said, TPFT isn’t always cheaper. Some insurers price TPFT higher because they associate it with higher-risk behaviour (just like they do with Third Party Only). That’s why quote comparison is critical — and why TPFT should be a choice, not just a fallback.
How much does TPFT insurance typically cost?
TPFT insurance is often seen as a cheaper alternative to comprehensive cover — but that’s not always the case. Depending on your age, driving history, and location, TPFT can actually cost more.
There’s a common misconception that the more limited the cover, the lower the premium. And in theory, that should be true. TPFT strips out accident protection for your own vehicle, so it should cost less.
But insurance pricing is built on risk, not just coverage.
Many insurers view TPFT buyers as statistically higher risk — often younger drivers, people with past claims, or owners of older vehicles that are more likely to be parked in less secure locations. That can drive premiums up, even though the policy itself offers less.
Let’s look at some indicative price ranges:
TPFT Insurance: Example Premium Ranges (Annual)
| Driver Profile | TPFT Estimate | Comprehensive Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 20-year-old, 1 year NCD | £1,600–£2,400 | £1,400–£2,000 |
| 30-year-old, clean record | £600–£850 | £650–£900 |
| 45-year-old, low mileage | £400–£600 | £450–£650 |
As you can see, the difference is marginal — and in some cases, reversed. This is why it’s essential not to assume TPFT will be cheaper.
What affects TPFT cost?
- Your age and driving experience
- Car make, model and value
- Where the car is kept overnight
- How often you drive it
- Past claims or convictions
- Level of voluntary excess
Also, if you add optional extras (like breakdown or legal cover), that will push the premium up.
What optional extras can you add to TPFT policies?
TPFT policies can be customised with optional extras like breakdown cover, windscreen protection, legal expenses, and courtesy car hire — but every add-on increases the premium.
The base TPFT policy includes three core protections: third party liability, fire, and theft. But many insurers allow you to build on that foundation by adding extra features for convenience, peace of mind, or personal protection.
Here are the most common extras:
Windscreen Cover
Not typically included with TPFT as standard. You’ll need to add this separately if you want to be covered for cracks, chips, or full windscreen replacement. Cost varies, but it’s usually a low-cost add-on.
Breakdown Cover
Roadside assistance, recovery, and in some cases, onward travel. Can be basic or comprehensive depending on the tier. You may already have this through another provider (like your bank), so avoid duplication.
Legal Expenses Cover
If you’re involved in a non-fault accident and need to recover uninsured losses — like a hire car, excess charges, or injury compensation — legal cover can help with costs. Often a few pounds a month.
Courtesy Car Cover
Not always offered on TPFT, but some providers include this if your car is stolen or written off. Check the terms — it’s often limited to “subject to availability” and not always a guaranteed replacement.
Personal Accident Cover
Provides a payout if you’re seriously injured or killed in an accident. Again, this isn’t usually included as standard on TPFT, but it’s an option worth considering if you’re the main driver and your car is uninsured for personal injury otherwise.
TPFT Add-Ons at a Glance
| Add-On | Typically Included? | Available on TPFT? |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen Cover | ✘ No | ✔ Yes, as extra |
| Breakdown Cover | ✘ No | ✔ Yes, various levels |
| Legal Expenses | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Courtesy Car | ✘ No | ✔ Sometimes |
| Personal Accident Cover | ✘ No | ✔ Sometimes |
Optional extras allow you to fine-tune your policy — but always weigh the extra cost against the likelihood you’ll need the feature. If it adds £60 a year but you’d pay £150 out-of-pocket if something went wrong, it might be worth it.
Final thoughts
Third Party, Fire and Theft insurance sits in the middle — more protection than the legal minimum, less than the top tier. It’s not for everyone, but for the right driver, it strikes a smart balance between cover and cost.
TPFT won’t protect your car if you reverse into a post, or if someone sideswipes you and drives off. It won’t help with cosmetic repairs, vandalism, or storm damage. But if your biggest worry is theft or fire — and you’re willing to take on the risk of minor damage — it might be the policy that makes the most financial sense.
It’s often a good fit if:
- Your car isn’t worth enough to justify a comprehensive premium
- You park in a secure location but still want cover against major loss
- You’re confident in your driving and more concerned about the unexpected
But don’t assume TPFT is always cheaper. Sometimes fully comp works out more affordable — and comes with more built-in benefits.
The smart move? Run quotes for all three levels of cover. Factor in optional extras. Think about the risks you’re happy to self-insure and those you’re not. Then decide what balance means for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. TPFT doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle from accidents you cause. Only comprehensive insurance would cover that.
Yes, fire damage is a core feature of TPFT. It includes accidental fires, electrical faults, arson, and lightning strikes.
Not usually. Most TPFT policies don’t include ‘Driving Other Cars’ (DOC) cover. It’s more common in comprehensive policies, and even then, restrictions apply.
Vandalism isn’t usually covered under TPFT unless it’s linked to attempted theft or fire. You’d need comprehensive insurance to cover general vandalism.
Yes, if the break-in is part of an attempted theft and causes damage to the vehicle. If personal items are stolen, they’re usually not covered.
No, not as standard. Windscreen repair or replacement is typically an optional extra on TPFT policies and must be added separately.
Usually not. Most finance or lease agreements require fully comprehensive cover to protect the value of the asset.
It depends. TPFT can reduce costs, but some new drivers find fully comp cheaper and more reassuring. Always compare quotes for all three cover types.