My car caught on fire! Does my car insurance cover it?

The freeway carbecue, a car caught on fire while parked at home or damages caused by a wildfire are all scenarios that may leave you wondering how your car insurance can help. While events like these are unplanned and unpredictable, having a better understanding of how your policy might help will make you better prepared - even for the unknown.

We’ll share how with the right coverage, your vehicle may be covered from fire damage. And as a helpful bonus, we’ll pass along some safety tips that can help you stay safe in the event your car does go up in smoke.

Car insurance coverage for fire damage

Although we hope you haven’t had any experience with fire outside of s’mores with friends, we know that an unexpected car flame can spark at any time. For car fires that aren’t the result of an accident, like a mechanical malfunction, Comprehensive coverage is your go-to for covering car losses that are caused by fire. Here are more situations that may fall under this coverage: 

• Electrical issues such as short circuits or damaged wiring 

• Fuel system problems caused by leaking fuel lines or fuel pump failures

• Overheated engine that can ignite surrounding materials or fluids

• Improperly stored or handled flammable materials held within a car

Other situations that may likely fall under this coverage is if you’re the victim of arson, or the extremely rare case of spontaneous combustion, which can lead to a car fire.

If you have Comprehensive coverage, you may already know the ins and outs of how it all works. But in the event you need a refresher, our  team has you covered. For Comprehensive coverage, you can usually consider it as providing protection to your vehicle for damages that fall outside of a car accident with another vehicle.

When you select Comprehensive coverage for your policy, you’ll likely choose a deductible amount. This amount varies and is what you’re personally responsible for paying in the event of a claim. Here’s how that might look if you had $500 deductible: 

Policy coverage: Comprehensive

Deductible: $500 

Car damage: Fire caused by electrical issue

Cost to repair: $4K

Upon filing a claim with your car insurance, you’ll be directed to visit a repair shop. If the quote for repairs is $4K, you’ll be responsible for paying $500 (your deductible) of the bill and your insurance will cover the remaining $3.5K to repair your car from the fire damage.

Now, let’s say you had fire damage caused from a car accident. If that’s ever the circumstance, we recommend reaching out to your car insurance directly to help walk you through the complexities that may come up.

Safety tips if your car catches on fire

We want you to feel prepared and ready for any unexpected moment on the road. Whether that’s helping you choose the right coverages on your insurance policy or giving some helpful tips to stay safe, we want you to feel ready for anything.

Here are some safety tips to consider when it comes to preventing and managing car fires.

1. Be consistent with maintenance

Having regular car maintenance done and safety inspections completed can leave your car running smoothly, help maintain its value and lower the risk of any flames. It may also be worthwhile to consider checking your car’s electrical wiring, fluid levels or leaks every six months.

2. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand

Likely associated with homes or businesses, having a fire extinguisher in your car that’s easily accessible can be a helpful resource to you if your car catches on fire quickly and you need to suppress it to prevent further damage.

3. Make safety a priority

We hope you never have to deal with your car catching on fire, but if it does, remember that your safety and your passengers safety come first. If you notice smoke or flames coming off your car, pull over safely, turn the engine off (if possible) and evacuate everyone immediately. 

When everyone is safe, call emergency services and if it’s safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher. These helpful tips can help prepare you and keep you safe in an emergency situation such as a car fire.

Coverage when you need it most

Let’s cool things down by recapping the importance of having the right coverages on your car insurance policy that can protect you and your car from those “what-if” road situations. Comprehensive coverage can be essential to your policy for damages to your vehicle that aren’t caused by an accident. Collision is all in the name—it can protect your vehicle and may cover damages that were caused in an accident.

With that in mind, we hope this article has lit a fire in you to reach out to your car insurance provider to review your current policy coverages.