What Does Fire and Theft Cover Include?
Not quite fully comprehensive, but more than third party. Fire and theft cover sits in that comfortable middle ground of car insurance policies. But what exactly does it protect you against; and is it enough for how you use your car?
Let's clear things up. Fire and theft cover (often referred to as "Third Party, Fire and Theft") is popular among drivers who want to avoid paying for top-level protection, but still want some peace of mind if their vehicle goes up in smoke; or goes missing entirely.
What's Actually Covered?
As the name suggests, this type of policy includes:
- Fire Damage:
Whether it's because of an electrical fault, a petrol leak, or even vandalism, if your car is damaged or destroyed by fire, the insurer should cover the repair costs or total loss (minus your excess, of course). - Theft:
If your car is stolen, or damaged during an attempted theft, you're covered. This includes damage from someone breaking into the vehicle, as well as the full value of the car if it's not recovered. - Third Party Liability:
Like basic third-party policies, this includes damage to other people's property or injury caused by your vehicle. So if you accidentally reverse into someone's garden wall, you're covered for the repair - just not your own bumper.
What's Not Covered?
This is where the gaps show. Fire and theft doesn't include:
- Accidental Damage to Your Own Car:
Hit a post? Scratch the door reversing into a tight space? That's on you. - Weather Damage:
Floods, hailstorms, or that freak gust of wind that dropped a tree branch on your roof? Not covered under this type of policy. - Vandalism (if it's not fire-related):
If someone keys your car or lets your tyres down, that's not usually covered unless you've got comprehensive insurance. - Personal Belongings:
That sat nav or handbag you left on the passenger seat? Not protected unless specified as an extra, and even then, usually only under a comprehensive policy.
Let's explore a moment together...
You park your car overnight in your usual spot outside the flat. Wake up, and it's gone. Just an empty space and a faint tyre mark where it used to be. Panic sets in. Then you remember; you've got fire and theft cover. You report it, the claim starts, and you're not left footing the bill for something you didn't cause.
That exact thing happened to one driver in Birmingham. Their 10-year-old Ford Fiesta, nothing fancy, disappeared during a family visit. The policy paid out at full value, less the excess, and they were able to replace it within weeks. Not bad for a policy that didn't cost the earth.
Who Might Fire and Theft Cover Suit?
This level of cover makes sense if:
- You own an older car that's not worth repairing after a crash, but still want protection against loss.
- You live in an area with higher crime and want cover in case the car's stolen.
- You rarely drive but want peace of mind whilst it's parked for long periods.
- You're on a tight budget but want more than just basic third-party insurance.
It's a middle ground, fewer perks than comprehensive cover, but more protection than the bare minimum. For some drivers, that's the sweet spot.
What Else Should You Check?
Fire and theft policies vary between insurers, so always look for:
- The agreed value vs. market value: How much will they pay out if the car is written off?
- The excess: Some policies have higher excess amounts to bring the premium down; but that can sting when making a claim.
- Optional extras: Can you bolt on breakdown cover or legal protection if needed?
And don't assume all policies are equal. Some include courtesy cars, some don't. Some are more generous about attempted theft damage. It pays to read the details, or better yet, compare them properly.
Thinking About Fire and Theft Cover?
If you're weighing up whether fire and theft is enough for your needs, ask yourself how often you drive, where you park, and whether you could afford to replace your car yourself. For some, it's the ideal balance between price and protection.
Click here to compare fire and theft insurance quotes now, find out what your options really look like and make a choice that suits your car, your life, and your peace of mind.