Claims how-to
Third party, fire and theft cover and claims
By Sipho Dlamini · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Covers others
- Damage you cause to third party property
- Covers your car for
- Fire and theft or hijacking
- Does not cover
- Accident damage to your own car
- Cost
- Cheaper than comprehensive, more than third party only
Third party, fire and theft cover pays for damage you cause to other people's property, plus loss of your own car to fire or theft, but not accident damage to your own car. In South Africa it sits between basic third party only and full comprehensive cover, and is cheaper than comprehensive. When you claim, fire and theft are covered for your car, but a collision is not.
It suits owners who want some protection against theft and fire without paying for full comprehensive cover, but it leaves a real gap for accident damage to your own vehicle.
This guide explains what it covers, the gaps, and how claims work.
What it covers
Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) gives you:
- Liability for damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property (the third party part)
- Cover if your own car is stolen, hijacked or damaged by fire
It is a middle tier of cover, cheaper than comprehensive but broader than third party only.
What it does not cover
The big gap is accident damage to your own car. If you crash and it is your fault, TPFT will not pay to repair your vehicle. It also does not cover things outside the policy such as wear and tear, mechanical failure or, usually, hail and weather damage. Read the wording to see exactly what is included.
How claims differ from comprehensive
For a fire or theft loss, you claim much like a comprehensive theft claim: report to the SAPS, get a case number, notify your insurer, and the car is settled as a total loss if not recovered. But if you have an accident that is your fault, there is nothing to claim for your own car, only your liability to the third party.
Who it suits
TPFT can suit owners of older or lower value cars who want theft and fire protection without the cost of comprehensive, but who accept the risk of paying for their own accident repairs. If your car is financed, the bank usually requires comprehensive cover, so TPFT may not be an option.
Claiming for fire or theft
- Report theft or hijacking to the SAPS for a case number
- Notify your insurer promptly
- Meet any security conditions (tracker, gear lock)
- Provide keys and documents
- The car is settled as a total loss if not recovered, less excess
The security and disclosure rules are the same as for comprehensive theft claims.
Frequently asked questions
What does third party fire and theft cover?
It covers damage you cause to other people's property, plus loss of your own car to fire, theft or hijacking. It does not cover accident damage to your own car.
Is third party fire and theft cheaper than comprehensive?
Yes, it is usually cheaper than comprehensive but more expensive than third party only, because it adds fire and theft protection for your own car on top of third party liability.
Does it cover me if I crash my own car?
No. If you cause an accident, third party fire and theft will not pay to repair your own car. It only covers your liability to the third party, plus fire and theft losses.
How do I claim for theft under this cover?
Report to the SAPS for a case number, notify your insurer promptly, meet any security conditions, and provide keys and documents. If the car is not recovered, it is settled as a total loss less excess.
Who should consider third party fire and theft?
Owners of older or lower value cars who want fire and theft protection but not the cost of comprehensive, and who accept paying for their own accident repairs. Financed cars usually need comprehensive.
Can I get this cover if my car is financed?
Usually not. Banks generally require comprehensive cover on financed vehicles, so third party fire and theft is mainly for cars you own outright.
Does it cover hail or weather damage?
Usually not. Third party fire and theft typically excludes hail and weather damage. If you want that, you generally need comprehensive cover. Check your policy wording.
