Third party, fire and theft car insurance

What is third party, fire and theft car insurance?

It's just as important to know what third party, fire and theft is, as it is to know what it isn’t. The more rules you know, the more you can make your insurance work for you. 

One great way to reduce costs on your car insurance is to understand the different levels you can have and what they mean to you and your circumstances. Insurance is all about making sure you have the right cover to suit your needs.

Third party, fire and theft car insurance covers you for any damage made to a third party due to an accident, as well as damage to your car caused by a fire or theft. Third party, fire and theft doesn't cover your own vehicle if it's damaged in an accident. So, if for example you hit another vehicle at a junction, and the accident was your fault, the other car would be covered by your insurance, but any repairs to your car will have to be paid out of your own pocket.  

So what’s third party car insurance then?

We don't provide third party only insurance but this level covers you solely for the damage you might cause to someone else or their property. It does not cover damage to or theft of your vehicle. This is the minimum level of car insurance cover required by law.

Comprehensive versus third party, fire and theft

What are the costs of third party, fire and theft insurance?

Just like any other car insurance policy the costs of third party, fire and theft will vary depending on your circumstances. We calculate risk by assessing the make and model of your car, where it’s kept, how you intend to use the car, including your estimated annual mileage. Statistically, the higher your mileage the more you are at risk of having accidents. 

Is third party, fire and theft cheaper?

Third party, fire and theft may work out cheaper than comprehensive cover, but this is not always the case. But you should also consider that third party, fire and theft is one of the basic levels of car insurance. It can be appealing to young drivers or those with limited driving experience, however drivers between the age of 18 - 24 can save money by insuring their car with young driver black box insurance.

Put simply, what’s the difference between all 3 levels of cover?

Third party

This is the minimum legal requirement to be able to drive on the road. It covers damage to another person and their property or vehicle.

Third party, fire and theft

This covers damage to another person and their property or vehicle. It also covers you if your car is stolen or damaged by fire or theft. 

Fully comprehensive

Fully comp is the fullest insurance cover you can have. Not only are you covered for all the above third party, fire and theft benefits, you are also covered for damage to your own car. 

Discover our 5 star Comprehensive cover

Can third party insurance be transferred to a comprehensive policy?

Cover can only be upgraded mid-term if there is an associated change of vehicle at the same time. Cover can be up or downgraded at renewal.

Can I drive someone else's car with third party insurance?

Some policies offer limited cover to drive other cars e.g. in an emergency situation. However if you drive someone else’s car regularly then you should be named on their policy.

Can you get a no claims bonus with third party fire and theft?

For every year you drive your car without making a claim, you get a year’s no claim bonus which helps to lower the cost of your insurance quote because you’re seen as a good driver.

Your no claim bonus is applied to your insurance policy no matter what level of cover you take out.

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