Third Party, Fire and Theft

What does third party, fire and theft mean?

Third party, fire and theft is a level of motor insurance for cars and vans. It is often shortened to TPFT.

You must have suitable motor insurance to drive on UK roads, unless an exemption applies. Third party, fire and theft includes the protection provided by third-party-only insurance and may also cover specified losses involving fire, theft or attempted theft.

Subject to the policy terms, this normally includes:

• Legal liability for valid claims if you injure another person
• Legal liability for valid claims if you damage another person’s vehicle or property
• Theft or attempted theft of the insured vehicle
• Damage to the insured vehicle caused by fire

The exact cover, limits and exclusions will depend on the insurer and policy wording.

What does it not cover?

Third party, fire and theft does not cover accidental damage to the insured vehicle under that policy, regardless of who caused the accident.

For example, it may cover the policyholder’s legal liability for repairs to another driver’s car after an accident they caused, but it would not normally cover repairs to the insured vehicle. If another person caused the accident, it may be possible to seek recovery from that person or their insurer.

This is one of the main differences between TPFT and comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive motor insurance usually includes accidental damage to the insured vehicle, subject to the policy terms.

Some other losses may also be excluded. These could include:

• Theft when required security devices were not used.
• Loss caused by leaving keys in or near the vehicle.
• Personal belongings stolen from the vehicle.
• Mechanical or electrical faults.
• Damage caused while the vehicle was being used outside the agreed use.

Vehicle modifications may affect the cover, terms or price. Take reasonable care to answer the insurer’s questions about modifications accurately and follow any policy requirement to report changes made during the policy term.

Always check the policy documents before buying cover.

Is it cheaper than comprehensive insurance?

Third party, fire and theft may sound cheaper because it offers less cover. However, this is not always the case.

Insurers use many details when working out a quote. These can include your age, address, vehicle, driving history, claims, convictions and intended use. The insurer’s past claims data can also affect the price.

MoneyHelper notes that third party, fire and theft is not necessarily cheaper than comprehensive insurance. It is worth comparing the price, excesses and benefits of each option rather than choosing based on the cover name alone.

What should you check?

Read the policy summary and full wording carefully. Important points can include:

• The amount you must pay towards a claim, known as the excess.
• How the insurer values the vehicle after a total loss.
• Whether attempted theft and malicious damage are covered.
• Security conditions for keys, alarms and immobilisers.
• Whether a courtesy vehicle is included.
• Cover for personal belongings or fitted equipment.
• Limits on vehicle use and who may drive it.

Take reasonable care to answer the insurer’s questions accurately when requesting cover. The Financial Ombudsman Service explains how misrepresentation and non-disclosure may affect insurance policies and claims.

Check the policy terms and contact the insurer or broker before making a change that may affect the cover, including a change to the vehicle’s use, drivers or modifications. Tell the insurer about any change the policy requires you to report.

Can it cover cars and vans?

Third party, fire and theft may be available for both private cars and vans. However, the use of the vehicle must match the policy.

A standard policy may not cover every type of business activity. For example, carrying your own tools may need different cover from transporting other people’s goods or making deliveries.

Our van insurance page provides more information about arranging cover for different types of van use.

How can convictions affect this cover?

A motoring conviction may affect the insurers available, the cover offered, the excess and the price. The outcome will depend on the conviction, when it happened and the rest of your details.

It is important to answer all conviction questions accurately. We arrange convicted driver insurance for people who may find it harder to obtain suitable cover through standard providers.

How Got You Covered may be able to help

We arrange car insurance and van insurance for a wide range of drivers. This includes people with previous claims, motoring convictions or a low no-claims bonus.

We can help you compare the available cover options based on the details you provide. The cover, price and acceptance will depend on the insurer’s checks, policy terms and your full circumstances.

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