What to Do When Your Car Catches Fire?

If your car catches fire, your priority should be to get everyone to safety and contact emergency services immediately. This guide explains how to recognise the warning signs of a car fire, immediate safety measures, and how car insurance coverage applies to fire damage.Read more

Common Reasons Why Cars Catch Fire

Here is what all can cause a fire in your car:

• Damage due to collision
• Fault in car's electrical wiring
• Malfunction in car's fuel system
• Breakage of fuel pipes
• Leaving burning cigarettes in the car

Warning Signs That Your Car May Catch Fire

Watch out for the following warning signs to identify a potential car fire early and prevent the situation from worsening:

• Your car's fuse will blow repeatedly
• If you find loose or broken hoses
• If there is spilt oil under the hood of your car from the last oil change
• If the cap of the car's oil filler is missing
• If oil or other fluids are leaking under the car
• Your car's engine temperature, oil or fuel levels are changing rapidly
• If you find loose or cracked wiring
• If you hear extremely loud sounds from the exhaust system of your car
• If your car is wired with an exposed metal

In case you encounter any of these signals in your car, immediately step out of the vehicle and move to a safe distance. Contact your car's service centre/ mechanic and inform them about the situation.

However, if you get your car serviced regularly, these situations can be tackled at an early stage and a car fire can be avoided. In fact, regular maintenance of the car can help to reduce fuel costs, extend the life of your car and keep the overall cost of owning a car low.

Read Also: Does Your Car Insurance Policy Cover Fire Damage?

7 Things to Do When Your Car Catches Fire

If your car catches fire, stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Stop the Car and Turn Off the Engine

   As soon as you see smoke or flames coming out of your car, immediately signal to other cars, park the car on the left, turn off the car's engine and take the keys out. By turning off the car, you will cut off the fuel supply to the engine and drive mechanism of the vehicle, lowering the risk of fire spread.

2. Evacuate the Car

   Immediately after turning off the car, vacate the vehicle and move away to a safe distance. In case there was anyone else accompanying you in the car, ask them to leave the vehicle as well and help children and the elderly get out of the car. Make sure to pop the hood of the car before leaving the vehicle.

3. Move to a Safe Distance

   When you vacate the car, make sure that you and other passengers are at least 100 feet away from the vehicle. By staying at this distance, you will be not be harmed by the flames or toxic smoke coming out of the vehicle. It will also prevent you from getting injured if the vehicle explodes. Also, ensure that no bystanders get too close to the car and get themselves hurt.

4. Call the Traffic Police and the Fire Brigade

   Next, you must call up traffic police as well as the fire brigade and inform them about the fire. Make sure to give the exact location of the incident so that they can reach the spot at the earliest. Once you inform the traffic police, they will mostly inform the fire brigade about the fire. However, it is better to inform the fire service yourself to ensure that there is no delay.

5. Use a Fire Extinguisher Only if it is Safe

   You may attempt to use a suitable fire extinguisher if the fire is small, but not if it is rapidly spreading. Do not open the bonnet completely if flames are coming from the engine compartment, as fresh oxygen can intensify the fire.

   You may attempt to use a suitable fire extinguisher if the fire is small, but not if it is rapidly spreading. Do not open the bonnet completely if flames are coming from the engine compartment, as fresh oxygen can intensify the fire.

6. Keep Others Away From the Car

   If it is safe to do, warn nearby motorists and pedestrians to stay away from the burning car. Do not allow anyone to approach the car until the fire brigade declares the area safe.

7. Inform Your Insurer After the Emergency is Handled

   Only after the fire is under control, inform your motor insurance company to initiate the claim process. Take photographs or videos of the damaged car (only if safe) and avoid moving it until your insurer or the authorities advise you to do so.

Read Also: Zero Depreciation Car Insurance

Are Fire Damages Covered Under Car Insurance?

Yes, a comprehensive car insurance policy or an own damage plan will cover fire damage caused to your car, subject to the policy's terms and conditions. This may include damages due to accidental fire, an electrical short circuit, an explosion, lightning, or riots. However, any damage due to intentional fire is not covered.

How to Claim Car Insurance After Fire Damage?

Here's how you can raise a fire damage claim under your car insurance:

• Inform your motor insurance company about the incident as soon as possible.
• Take photos of the damaged/burnt car as evidence after the fire has been put out.
• Your insurer might send a surveyor to assess the damages sustained by the car. Therefore, make sure to not move your car from the site unless the damage inspection.
• Cooperate with the surveyor and provide any information they ask for. Your insurer will approve your claim based on the survey report.
• Once the survey has been done, get the car towed to a network or non-network garage if it is repairable. Network garages provide cashless repairs where the insurer settles the bill directly with the garage.
• If the car is at a non-network garage, you need to clear the bill from your pocket and file a reimbursement claim with your insurer.
• You may need to submit a few documents, including the bill payment receipts, to the insurer.
• Your insurance company will then pay you back the claim amount after verifying the documents.

What Happens if Your Car is Declared a Total Loss After Fire Damage?

If your car is completely destroyed in the fire, it is declared a total loss in car insurance. In such a case, your claim will be settled based on your car's Insured Declared Value (IDV) at the time of the incident as per the applicable policy terms.

How Can You Prevent Car Fires?

While regular vehicle maintenance is the best way, you can further reduce the risk of a car fire by:

• Following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule
• Repairing fuel, oil, or coolant leaks promptly
• Avoiding poor-quality electrical modifications
• Inspecting the battery and wiring regularly
• Switching off the engine while refuelling
• Keeping flammable materials out of the car
• Carrying a suitable fire extinguisher for emergencies

Conclusion

If your car catches fire, knowing how to respond can help protect lives and minimise further damage. Focus on getting everyone to safety and immediately contact emergency services and your car insurance provider about the incident. Moreover, ensure periodic car service and maintenance so you can reduce the risk of such incidents.