Third Party Fire & Theft Insurance | Compare Quotes

What is Third Party, Fire, and Theft Car Insurance?

Third Party Fire and Theft Car Insurance provides cover for damage caused to other parties and their property in the event that you are responsible for an accident. It also covers the cost if your car is stolen or damaged in the event of a hijacking, theft or fire.

A car is often one of our biggest investments, so taking care of it is a big priority. We’ve all heard of comprehensive car insurance, and you probably know what that does—it covers you for the widest range of scenarios when it comes to car cover. But what about third party, fire, and theft car insurance? Where does that fit in?

It’s a basic type of insurance and the unsung hero of budget-friendly car ownership. It’s ready to save the day when life throws a curveball your way (or directly at your beloved ride). Here’s what you need to know.

Third Party, Fire and Theft: Insurance for the Essentials

There are three main categories of car insurance in South Africa: comprehensive car insurance, third party, fire and theft insurance, and third party only cover.

Comprehensive insurance

Protects your vehicle against accident damage, theft, fire, and natural disasters, as well as damage you cause to a third party's property.

Accidents

Theft & hijacking

Fire & explosions

Damage to someone else's property

Natural disasters

Third party, fire & theft cover

Protects against fire, theft and damage to a third party's vehicle, but does not cover accidental damage to your own vehicle.

Accidents

Theft & hijacking

Fire & explosions

Damage to someone else's property

Natural disasters

Third party only

It covers damage you cause to another person's property but offers no protection for your own vehicle.

Accidents

Theft & hijacking

Fire & explosions

Damage to someone else's property

Natural disasters

Third party, fire and theft doesn’t give as much insurance coverage as comprehensive does, but it covers more than third party only insurance.

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Three coverage areas

Let’s get into more detail on third party, fire and theft coverage. Three terms = three things covered.

It’s a practical middle-ground option if you want more than third party only cover, but don’t need the full protection of comprehensive insurance.

Third-party Coverage

It pays out for damages that you accidentally cause to other people or property by your vehicle. For example, if you're involved in an accident and it's deemed your fault, this insurance would cover the costs of repairing the other person's car or property.

Fire Coverage

It gives coverage if your vehicle is damaged or destroyed by fire, whether the fire is accidental or intentional. This could include a short circuit, mechanical failure, leak in your engine, arson, wildfires or a fire in your garage that damages your car.

Theft Coverage

This part of the policy covers the loss of your vehicle if it's stolen. It can also cover carjacking, break-ins, or parts of your car being stolen, like a battery or hubcaps.

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What Does Third Party, Fire and Theft Cost?

Third party, fire, and theft car insurance is the budget-friendly cousin of comprehensive insurance.

Usually cheaper than comprehensive cover

As we’ve mentioned, third party, fire, and theft car insurance is the budget-friendly cousin of comprehensive insurance.

While comprehensive insurance can cost anything from R300 a month to thousands of rands for an expensive vehicle, third party, fire, and theft is usually under R500 a month. This all depends on your car, of course.

Lower cover, lower monthly cost

The reason it costs less is because it offers a lower level of cover. In particular, it doesn’t foot the bill for damage to your own vehicle if you’re in an accident. You’d have to cover your own repairs in that scenario.

So why would you go for this type of insurance at all? Well, it’s great for when you’re on a budget but still want some level of protection.

It can be a useful option when you’re on a budget but still want some level of protection.

Not sure which car insurance option fits?

Vehicle Cover: Expert Tools, Tips & Guides

Welcome to our comprehensive Car Insurance Guide, where we've compiled essential information, tools, and insights to help you navigate the world of car insurance in South Africa.

Car Guide

A guide to South Africa's car brands and typical insurance costs for each.

Vehicle Premiums by Demographic

Learn how gender, income, and lifestyle impact car insurance rates and risk profiles.

Vehicle Use Classification

Understand the difference between personal and business use, and how it affects your policy and premiums.

Car Premiums by Age

See how your age affects car insurance costs and what to expect at different life stages.

Car Premiums by Province

Discover how location influences your premium, with insights from regions across South Africa.

Exploring Car Insurance Options

Understand the different levels of coverage available to suit your needs.

Insurance Claim Process

A straightforward guide to filing a claim with your insurer.

Comprehensive Car Insurance

Offers extensive protection against financial losses from a wide array of incidents involving your vehicle.

Third Party, Fire and Theft

Covers damage to others and protects your car against theft or fire damage.

Third Party Only

Safeguards against the costs of damage to other people and their property, without covering your own vehicle.

Car Insurance Values

Understand how different value types, like market, retail and trade-in, affect your cover and payout.

Car Insurance Premium

Key tips to reduce your premium and what factors determine your monthly cost.

Understanding Third Party, Fire and Theft Car Insurance

What does third-party car insurance cover?

It covers damage or injury you cause to others or their property. It does not cover your own vehicle or medical costs.

What if someone hits me and I have third-party only?

You are not covered for your own vehicle. If the other driver is insured, their insurer pays. If not, you're liable for repairs unless the Road Accident Fund applies for injuries only.

Is third-party fire and theft the same?

No. It includes basic third-party cover plus protection for your own car in case of theft or fire—but not for accidental damage.

What affects my third-party premium?

Your age, claims history, where you live, car type, and driving record all impact how much you’ll pay—even with third-party cover.

Is third-party insurance enough?

It meets legal requirements but doesn’t protect your own car. Consider comprehensive insurance for more peace of mind and coverage.

Compare more than just Car Insurance

With Hippo we make it easy to find great deals across multiple products.

Medical Aid

Gives you access to private healthcare. Compare plans, benefits and costs to find the right fit without paying for cover you don't need.

Medical Gap Cover

Covers the difference (shortfall) between what your Medical Aid pays and what a specialist charges. Gap Cover is not a substitute for Medical Aid.

Medical Insurance

More flexible and affordable than Medical Aid, Medical Insurance covers day-to-day health needs or specific procedures. This product is not a substitute for Medical Aid.

Business Insurance

Protects your business’ property, assets and third-party liability. The right cover depends on the nature, size and risk profile of your operations.

Life Insurance

Provides financial security for your dependants. Ensure your home loan, rental costs, debt and children’s tuition are taken care of when you pass.

Funeral Cover

Covers the immediate costs associated with a funeral. Premiums are influenced by your age, number of policy members and amount of cover.

Personal Loans

Compare rates across multiple lenders to find a fair deal. Rates vary based on your credit profile and chosen loan term, so comparison matters.

Home Contents Insurance

Covers your home's contents against damage, theft and loss. Compare quotes to find the most competitive rate.

Building Insurance

Covers the physical structure of your property against damage. Compare quotes to make sure you're not overpaying.

Motorbike Insurance

Covers your motorcycle against damage, theft and third-party claims. Premiums vary based on your personal profile.

Pet Insurance

Vet bills can add up quickly, especially when unexpected. Compare quotes to find a policy that fits your fur baby’s needs (and your monthly budget).

Travel Insurance

Protects you against unexpected medical and/or flight-related costs when travelling locally or abroad. Premiums vary based on the type of cover you opt for.

Home Fibre

Fibre prices and speeds vary significantly by area and provider. Find the fastest, most affordable package without contacting each provider separately.