Car fires can be incredibly terrifying and cause severe damage to your vehicle and any objects near the car while it is burning. For any type of fire damage to your vehicle to be covered, you will need to have a comprehensive auto insurance policy in place. Comprehensive policies are more expensive, but they cover all types of damage, including the damage caused by different types of fire. While fire may not be a common occurrence, it does occur and should be accounted for if you want to protect your investment fully.
Car Fires Caused by Arson
Arson is a crime and is considered to be a form of vandalism. It doesn’t happen often but may occur if a thief tries to cover up a crime. In such a situation, you will have to call the police and file a police report if you plan to have the damages covered by your comprehensive insurance policy. There will need to be some type of proof for the fire to be labeled as arson by the police. Without a police report, you may not be able to file a claim for arson.
Garage Related Fires
Your homeowners’ insurance policy will not cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is lost in a garage fire. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe that their homeowners’ policy will extend coverage to their vehicles if they are in the garage. In order to be compensated for the loss of your vehicle, it needs to be covered by a comprehensive insurance policy that covers all types of damage.
Engine Related Fires
Engine fires can be a frightening experience, especially if they occur while you are driving down the road. A comprehensive insurance policy will cover damages that are the result of an engine fire. In cases where the damage cannot be repaired, and the vehicle is a total loss, you will be able to file a claim for the actual cash value (market value) of your vehicle. You will still be responsible for your deductible, however.
Fires Caused by Car Accidents
Fires caused by car accidents may fall under either a collision or comprehensive coverage. In order for a fire to be started by an accident, the crash would have to be severe enough to cause gas to leak out onto the hot metal or be ignited by a spark. If this type of fire is reported, you will have to talk to your insurance adjuster about how to proceed with your claim.
Claiming a Total Loss
When a fire damages your vehicle, it will more than likely be declared a total loss. Filing a claim against your comprehensive coverage policy is the best way to take control of the situation. Even though the insurance policy may not cover the entire cost, it will bear the brunt of the loss for you.
When you experience a car fire, you will want to talk to an agent who understands many of the complexities of this type of claim. At Schwab Agency, our agents have the experience you can rely on to get you through a difficult situation. Call and talk to our experts right away if a car fire occurs and get the claim process started right away. For more information, contact us today!