Does Car Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

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.

Types of auto insurance that 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 coverage

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.

Collision coverage

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.

When doesn’t car insurance cover fire damage?

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.

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How fire can affect your car

A fire can affect your car in the following ways:

• 

  Fire damage

  Fire damage can range from slightly burnt upholstery to causing the gasoline in your tank to combust. Remember that older vehicles are more likely to experience fire damage because of the degradation caused by corrosion over time.^[2]

• 

  Smoke damage

  Smoke can damage a car in a variety of ways, including leaving harmful chemicals on the surface of your vehicle and getting into the vehicle’s components, which can cause damage to the engine’s performance.

• 

  Ash damage

  A volcanic eruption is unlikely, but it’s still important to understand how ash damages vehicles. Along with scratching the exterior, ash gets into even the smallest openings of a vehicle, clogging air-filtration systems and causing damage to engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems.

How to protect your car from fire damage

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.

Car insurance fire damage FAQs