Does Your Car Insurance Policy Cover Fire Damage?

Yes, many fire-related incidents are covered under comprehensive car insurance, but there are also situations where insurers may reject a claim or reduce the payout, subject to policy terms. In this guide, we'll explain when fire damage is covered under car insurance, how the claim process works, and what you should know before filing a fire damage claim.Read more

What Types of Car Insurance Policies Cover Fire Damage?

Here's how the coverage for fire-related damage varies across different car insurance policies:

What Types of Fire Incidents Are Covered Under Car Insurance?

Here are different types of fire-related damages covered under car insurance:

My Car Caught Fire, What Will My Car Insurance Cover?

The extent of compensation for a car fire insurance claim depends on how severe the damage is and whether the required repairs can be covered under the policy. Have a look:

When Can a Fire Damage Claim Be Rejected?

While fire damage is a covered peril, car insurance companies may decline claims under the following circumstances:

• Intentional damage
• Unauthorised accessories installed
• Fraudulent claims
• No actual ignition
• Policy lapse
• Violation of policy terms
• Mechanical negligence

One more example to understand this is when vehicles are set on fire because of riots. Even such cases are covered in right car insurance with comprehensive coverage. If the engine catches fire and the vehicle is burnt completely, then the insurer pays the value of the car minus deductibles.

How to File a Car Fire Insurance Claim?

Follow this procedure correctly to file a fire car insurance claim to help prevent delays during settlement:

• Step 1: Notify the Insurer: Inform your insurer immediately after the fire incident and register a claim.
• Step 2: Record Evidence: Take clear photos & videos of the damage, and do not attempt to move the car before it.
• Step 3: File an FIR (if required): Your insurer may also require you to file an FIR at the nearest police station if there is severe damage or suspected foul play.
• Step 4: Damage Inspection: The insurer appoints a surveyor to investigate the cause of the fire and evaluate damages to the car.
• Step 5: Document Submission: Submit the necessary documents to your insurer for the verification of car ownership, insurance details, and the damages incurred.
• Step 6: Claim Approval & Settlement: After the damage assessment is complete, the insurer approves the claim and pays the compensation as per policy terms.

Documents Required for Fire Car Insurance Claim

You have to provide the following documents to your insurer for a car fire insurance claim:

• Duly filled and signed claim form
• FIR and Final Report of Investigation
• Insurance policy's copy
• Report of the fire brigade, if it is called
• Assessment or survey report for substantiating the losses because of damage to the insured vehicle.
• Cutting of a newspaper if any riot incidences are reported.
• Original bills of replacement or repairs.

How to Prevent Car Fire Incidents?

By taking these simple precautions, you can minimise the risk of car fires:

• Regularly inspect electrical wiring and battery connections.
• Address unusual burning smells or smoke immediately.
• During routine servicing, check fuel lines for leaks.
• Do not install low-quality aftermarket electrical accessories.
• Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
• Do not store flammable materials inside your car.
• Get overheating engine issues inspected without delay.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your car, if possible.