Does Car Insurance Cover a Car Fire?
As surely as drivers get into car accidents, cars can catch fire. Whether it’s a traditional gas-powered car or a cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV), the possibility of a blaze is always there. So, if you’re asking “My car caught on fire, will my insurance cover it?” we’ve got your answer.
My car caught on fire– will my insurance cover it?
In short, yes. Your car insurance policy will likely cover your vehicle in the event of a car fire. That is, if you carry comprehensive car insurance. Moreover, your insurance provider will want to determine the cause of the fire to rule out felonious acts like fraud or arson.
Furthermore, your collision coverage will apply if the fire happens after a crash. However, if the fire occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle, the insurance providers will want to determine fault. Consequently, should your provider find the other driver at fault, their insurance may cover the resultant damage, per Progressive Insurance.
So, your car caught fire, and your insurance provider says it will cover it. Well, what about your possessions in your vehicle? Unfortunately, your articles could be a loss if you don’t have supplemental fire or renters insurance.
Frankly, car fires happen more often than you think. In an internal combustion engine (ICE) application, a vehicle has several components that could start or contribute to a blaze. Beyond the obvious fuel system components, electrical malfunctions could lead to a fully-involved fire in moments.
Beyond old-school ICE applications, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) contain battery architecture with a distinct fire risk. What’s more, an EV fire could trigger a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction wherein adjacent cells rise in temperature. In EVs, it could be a continuous burn even with the intervention of fire crews and mass quantities of water.
Consequently, it’s important to keep a fire extinguisher and emergency kit in your vehicle in addition to insurance that covers your car should it catch fire.
