If you’re weighing up your insurance options and want to get into the nitty-gritty of what Third Party, Fire and Theft motorcycle insurance actually covers, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll be breaking down exactly what this level of cover includes, what it doesn’t, and who it’s best suited for, so you can decide if it’s the right balance between protection and price for you.

Third-party, Fire & Theft insurance is the level of cover that protects you if you cause damage or injury to others (third party), while also covering your own vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged by fire. It doesn’t cover repairs to your vehicle if you’re in an accident, making it a middle-ground option between basic third-party and fully comprehensive cover.

TPFT motorcycle insurance does cover:

• Injury to other people
• Damage to other people's vehicles or property 
• Theft or attempted theft of your motorbike
• Fire damage

TPFT Insurance does NOT cover:

• Damage to your own bike in an accident.
• Injury to you (the rider), unless personal accident cover is included.
• Vandalism (unless specifically included in your policy)

Legal requirements to ride on UK roads include:

• A licence or valid CBT certificate 
• Vehicle registration & tax 
• Insurance 
• MOT certificate (if applicable)
• A helmet 
• Displaying number plates & L plates (if applicable)

Third-party fire and theft (TPFT) motorbike insurance offers a middle ground between basic third-party and fully comprehensive policies. Protecting you if you cause damage to someone else’s vehicle or property, while also covering your own motorbike in cases of fire damage, theft or attempted theft. 

• Damage to another person's vehicle or property if you are at fault in an accident 
• Injury caused to a third party during an incident involving your motorbike 
• Theft of your own motorbike (providing policy required security measures were in place) 
• Damage to motorbikes caused by fire, including accidental or malicious fires
• Costs arising from third-party legal claims against you 

• Damage to your own motorbike 
• Repairs to your bike after a collision, unless fire or theft is involved 
• General wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns 
• Theft claims where negligence is proven and/or where policy-required security measures were not taken (e.g. keys left in ignition) 

Choosing the right level of motorbike insurance depends on how much protection you want. Other than TPFT, there are two main alternatives:

Third-party only (TPO) insurance is the most basic level of cover and is the legal minimum to ride on UK roads. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles or property, but nothing for your own bike. 

Comprehensive insurance provides the highest level of protection for motorcyclists. It includes everything covered by third-party policies, but also protects your own motorbike against accidents, vandalism, fire and theft.

The main difference between third-party only and third-party, fire and theft insurance lies in the level of protection for your own motorbike. TPO insurance means your bike is not covered at all, whereas TPFT insurance includes all TPO cover but adds protection in t he event of theft or attempted theft, or if it's damaged by fire.

You can find out more about other cover types in our ‘What motorbike insurance should i get?’ article 

While third-party, Fire & Theft insurance offers essential protection, it doesn’t cover everything. These optional extras can help fill in the gaps and give you added peace of mind on the road. 

Breakdown cover is one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be glad you have it if you do. If your motorbike lets you down, it’s got you covered with 24/7 roadside assistance, emergency repairs, and vehicle recovery. 

Helmet & leather insurance is another add-on, maybe worth having if you take pride in your motorcycle gear; it covers the cost of repairing or replacing your helmet, leathers, gloves and boots if damaged during an accident. 

Excess insurance reimburses you for compulsory and voluntary excess fees paid when making a claim. This can be useful as it allows you to opt for a higher voluntary excess, meaning your premiums are lower. (This is subject to level of cover)

Personal injury cover provides financial support if you’re seriously injured or killed in an accident, helping you or your family manage costs and maintain financial stability during difficult times. (This is subject to level of cover)

The cost of Third Party Fire & Theft Insurance can vary depending on different factors.

• Rider age & experience 
• Location 
• Bike value and engine size 
• Security measures 
• NCB (No claims bonus)
• Annual mileage 

You can get cheaper motorbike insurance by choosing a smaller bike, storing it in a garage, limiting mileage and building a no-claims bonus.

Finding the right insurance for you is important; however, this all depends on what kind of cover best suits your needs. Fortunately, we’ve written an article to help you decide which level of insurance you may need. 

TPFT insurance only covers damage to other people’s property, injuries to others and your own vehicle if it's stolen or damaged by attempted theft. So, if you’re looking for cover on your own vehicle in the event of an accident, then you will need to go for fully comprehensive cover. 

Third-party fire and theft insurance is a cost-effective choice for new riders with lower-value bikes. It offers protection without the high cost of a fully comprehensive. 

There are a few reasons why you should maybe avoid third-party fire and theft insurance...

Here are some considerations:

If your bike is more expensive, you may not be able to afford to replace it or fix it, and if you are, it’s likely to end up costing an arm and a leg. 

Another one you should consider; is if you rely on your bike for commuting, you’ll be stuck with no way to get around, especially if you use it to get to work.  

If you use your bike for work purposes, standard third-party fire and theft policies may not provide the level of cover you need. 

For delivery work, the risks are higher and often require specialist insurance. Basic cover is unlikely to fully protect you in the event of an accident or damage. 

To wrap things up, we thought we’d answer some common misconceptions about Third Party Fire & Theft Insurance:

This isn’t always the case. In some cases, comprehensive cover can actually be similarly priced, or even cheaper, depending on factors like your age, bike and riding history. 

TPFT does not cover damage to your own bike if you are in an accident. It only protects it from fire damage and theft, not collision-related repairs. 

Theft cover usually applies to the bike itself, not personal belongings or accessories, unless specifically included in your policy. 

While TPFT adds fire and theft protection, it still doesn’t cover damage to your own bike in an accident, so the difference in protection isn’t as broad as some assume.  

Not necessarily. While it may seem like a balanced option, comprehensive insurance can sometimes offer better overall protection and value for new riders. 

Choosing the right insurer makes all the difference. Whether you’re a new or experienced rider, we have flexible cover options. You can get a motorcycle insurance quote online today!