What is Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT) Car Insurance?
In a Nutshell: Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT) sits between TPO and comprehensive cover. It covers damage you cause to others AND protects your own vehicle against fire and theft. However, it still does not cover accidental damage to your own car. TPFT is a good option for drivers who want more protection than basic TPO but don't want to pay for full comprehensive cover.
What Does TPFT Insurance Cover?
TPFT extends the basic third party cover with two important additions — fire damage to your car and theft of your vehicle.
| What's Covered | What's NOT Covered |
|---|---|
| Injury to other people (including passengers) | Accidental damage to your own car |
| Damage to other people's property | Vandalism (unless from attempted theft) |
| Fire damage to your own vehicle | Personal injury to you (the driver) |
| Theft of your vehicle | Legal expenses (unless added) |
| Theft of your car's contents (limited) | Courtesy car (unless added) |
| Passenger liability | Breakdown cover (unless added) |
The key gap is accidental collision damage. If you skid on a wet road and hit a barrier, TPFT will pay for the barrier but not for the repairs to your car.
How Much Does TPFT Cost in 2026?
TPFT typically costs between TPO and comprehensive, but the gap varies significantly by insurer and driver profile.
| Driver Profile | TPO | TPFT | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young driver (18, first car, £1,500 vehicle) | £1,850 | £1,920 | £2,100 |
| Experienced driver (45, 10+ years NCB) | £420 | £460 | £480 |
| Over 70 driver (low mileage) | £550 | £590 | £620 |
| Urban driver (Manchester, street parking) | £940 | £980 | £1,020 |
On average, TPFT costs £30–£60 more than TPO and £20–£50 less than comprehensive per year.
Who Is TPFT Best Suited For?
TPFT occupies a narrow but useful sweet spot. It is most suitable for:
- Drivers of older cars worth £1,500–£4,000 — Not valuable enough to justify comprehensive, but worth protecting against total loss by fire or theft.
- Cars parked on the street — If your car is parked on a road or in a public car park, theft risk is higher, making TPFT more valuable than basic TPO.
- Drivers with higher voluntary excess — If you are comfortable covering smaller accident repairs yourself, TPFT removes the expensive "comprehensive" premium loading.
- Convicted drivers returning to the road — Some convicted driver specialists offer TPFT at significantly lower prices than comprehensive.
The Problem with Insurer Availability
A trend that has accelerated since 2023: fewer insurers offer TPFT as a standalone option. Many now treat it as a variation of comprehensive or only offer it to certain risk profiles.
| Insurer | TPFT Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Admiral | ✅ Yes | Available for most policies |
| Direct Line | ❌ No | Comprehensive only |
| Aviva | ❌ No | Removed in 2024 |
| LV= | ✅ Yes | Available online |
| Hastings Direct | ✅ Yes | Available on some policies |
| Tesco Bank | ✅ Yes | Available |
| Churchill | ❌ No | Comprehensive only |
| More Than | ❌ No | Comprehensive only |
If you are struggling to find TPFT through a major insurer, try price comparison websites or specialist brokers who may have access to smaller insurers that still offer this cover level.
Fire and Theft Claims — What to Expect
If you need to make a fire or theft claim on a TPFT policy, here is what happens:
Fire Damage
- Your insurer will arrange an inspection (usually within 48–72 hours)
- An engineer assesses whether the fire was accidental or suspicious
- If approved, you receive a payout based on the car's market value at the time of the fire
- You must pay your compulsory and voluntary excess
Theft
- You must report the theft to the police and obtain a crime reference number
- The insurer imposes a 14–21 day waiting period before settling (to allow recovery)
- If the car is recovered damaged, a separate claim is opened
- Payout is based on market value minus your excess
It is worth noting that TPFT policies often exclude fire or theft caused by your own negligence — for example, leaving keys in the ignition or leaving your car running unattended.
Should You Upgrade from TPO to TPFT?
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Where do you park overnight? Street parking = higher theft risk = TPFT likely worth the extra.
- Could you afford to replace your car if stolen? If the answer is no, TPFT provides valuable peace of mind.
- How much more does TPFT cost? If the difference is less than £5 per month, the upgrade is a no-brainer.
Key Takeaways
- TPFT covers third party liability plus fire and theft of your own vehicle.
- It does not cover accidental damage to your car — that is the main gap.
- Average cost in 2026: £460–£1,920 depending on driver profile.
- Fewer insurers offer TPFT — check comparison sites and specialist brokers.
- For cars worth £1,500–£4,000 parked on the street, TPFT is often the sweet spot.
- The upgrade from TPO usually costs £30–£60 extra per year.
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute financial advice. Cover levels, availability, and pricing vary by insurer and individual circumstances. Always compare multiple quotes and read the full policy terms before purchasing.