Hazards on the road are unpredictable, and while most drivers will only encounter fender benders and similar traffic accidents, some will face vehicle damage from fire.
Fire damage comes in many forms, including engine fires, wildfires, accidental fires, and fires from vandalism.
These instances aren’t necessarily listed under a single “fire damage” coverage, and depending on the circumstances and coverage level you have, your car insurance may not cover fire damage.
Simply having a car insurance policy doesn’t automatically cover you from all possible damage. Car insurance companies specify which perils and the extent of damage a policy will cover. For instance, liability insurance covers only the bodily injuries and property damage you cause to other vehicles and drivers; it won’t cover damage to your car, like if the car accident you caused led to a fire.1
Most insurance companies offer optional auto insurance that covers at least some instances of car fire damage. These coverages include comprehensive car insurance and collision car insurance, which are often bundled together into a full-coverage auto insurance policy.
Comprehensive insurance is an optional physical damage coverage that reimburses you for the damage your car incurs. But it doesn’t cover damages resulting from your car colliding with an object.
Instead, comprehensive insurance covers an array of damages, from vandalism and riots to earthquakes and floods. Most comprehensive policies include fire damage, including damage caused by wildfires, vandalism, and mechanical failure.
For example, if you left your car parked at your home while evacuating from a forest fire, your comprehensive policy should cover this peril. The same can be said for fire damage if your car was parked on a street and catches fire as a result of arson, an explosion, or even a missile attack.
Unlike comprehensive coverage, collision coverage only covers three types of damage: collisions with another car or object, pothole damage, and flipping your vehicle. If you collide with a vehicle or piece of property and the collision causes a fire, your collision coverage should pay for the cost of repairs or cover the total loss, depending on your policy.
Most car fires result from either mechanical problems or collisions, so you could find yourself in a vehicle fire even when the accident isn’t your fault. The good news is that collision coverage as part of your insurance policy should cover fire damage from a collision that’s your fault, but you’ll have to file a claim with your insurance agent.
Your full-coverage policy might list fire damage as being covered, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll cover fire damage in every situation. An insurance adjuster will assess the situation and determine if the fiery incident is covered under your policy.
For example, the cause of the fire may be a lightning strike or another unique peril that’s not specifically covered. Other exclusions may include fire damage related to your own negligence or damage caused by your participation in illegal activities. That’s why it’s best to speak with your insurer and get a clear understanding of which fire-related damages your car insurance policy doesn’t cover.
A fire can affect your car in the following ways:
Even though fire damage isn’t always preventable, it’s still a good idea to be as proactive as possible in protecting your vehicle from fire, ash, and smoke damage. Here are some things you can do to protect your car from fire damage:
Follow local wildfire guidelines when possible. Leave areas where wildfire risks are high. If you must stay in the area, don’t park in grass or foliage that’s tall enough to touch areas of the car that can heat up.
Park your car in a closed garage. Leave your vehicle parked in a closed garage when possible to reduce the risk of fire damage from vandalism and natural disasters.
Cover your vehicle with a tarp. By covering your vehicle with a tarp, especially outdoors, you can limit the amount of smoke and ash that touches the vehicle.
Buy collision and comprehensive insurance. Ensure that you’re protected from unexpected events by purchasing a full-coverage auto policy that includes fire damage protection.
Repair your vehicle correctly. Purchase only approved replacement parts and have your car repaired by a certified mechanic.
Be cautious when transporting gas. Refrain from transporting gasoline in the passenger area. Always carry gasoline in an approved container and never store it in the vehicle.
A full-coverage insurance policy usually covers fire damage, but knowing which types of fire damage aren’t covered is just as important as knowing which policy you need.
Car insurance may cover a variety of fire damage types, like wildfires, garage fires, engine fires, and fire damage from vandalism. Although these are typically covered perils under a full-coverage policy, always ask for clarity. Some insurance companies may exempt certain causes of fire damage from their policies or have specific criteria to define a fire damage claim.
Most car insurance companies won’t cover a cigarette burn, even if you have a full-coverage policy. A cigarette burn on your interior is typically considered normal wear and tear and is exempt from coverage. Think of it in the same context as spilling a drink or staining the interior with mud; these aren’t covered damages under any policy.
Yes, your car insurance policy will cover fire damage from natural disasters and accidents if you have the appropriate coverage. Most comprehensive policies cover fire damages resulting from natural disasters, while most collision policies cover fires resulting from crashes.
Insurance costs typically increase when you’re at fault for damages, not when unexpected events happen to you. In many cases, insurance companies won’t penalize you for falling victim to an uncontrollable fire event; but some insurers may not cover certain damages in cases of negligence.
If a fire damages your vehicle, you should stay away from the vehicle until an emergency service person confirms that the fire is extinguished. You should then begin the claims process with your insurance agency. If you can’t start a claim from a mobile app, take photographs of the vehicle and surrounding area immediately to send in with your insurance claim.
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