Car insurance and fire damage explained – learn how comprehensive plans safeguard against accidental fires, riots, or arson, and why third-party cover is limited.
Does a Car Insurance Policy Cover Fire Damage?
Fire can damage a car in minutes. A short circuit under the bonnet, a fuel leak after a collision, or a lightning strike can leave you with repairs that run into five figures. If you only have third party cover you will not be able to claim for car insurance fire damage to your own vehicle. To get protection you need a comprehensive policy that includes your own damage cover.
Own damage in a comprehensive plan is what responds to fire. It pays for repair or replacement when the insured car is damaged due to a covered fire event. This can include accidental fires after crashes, fires triggered by natural calamities, or even malicious acts listed in the policy. Understanding how this cover works, what it excludes, and how to claim helps you act fast when every hour counts.
What is Fire Damage Coverage in Car Insurance?
Fire damage coverage is part of the own damage section of a comprehensive policy. It compensates you for the cost to repair or replace parts of the insured vehicle that are damaged by a covered fire. Typical scenarios include:
● Accidental fires after a collision
● Electrical fires due to short circuits that are not caused by unauthorised changes
● Fires due to lightning or other listed natural perils
● Fires from riots or malicious acts named in the policy
The aim is simple. If a covered fire affects your car, the policy steps in to pay as per terms and deductibles.
Types of Fire Damage Covered Under Car Insurance
Type of fire event | Covered under comprehensive own damage | Covered under third party only |
Accidental fire after a crash | Yes | No |
Electrical short circuit in wiring | Yes, subject to terms | No |
Lightning or other listed natural calamities | Yes | No |
Riot, strike, or malicious act listed in policy | Yes | No |
Intentional fire or fraud | No | No |
This table shows why comprehensive cover is essential for accidental fire insurance. Third party plans meet legal needs but do not protect your own car from fire.
What is Comprehensive Coverage in Car Insurance?
A comprehensive policy combines third party liability with own damage. A third party protects you from legal liability to others. Own damage protects your car from listed risks such as accident, theft, natural calamities, man made events, and fire.
Compared with third party only, comprehensive gives a wider financial safety net. If you are looking to protect your savings from high repair bills, comprehensive is the plan that answers when a fire occurs.
How Does Fire Damage Affect Your Car Insurance Premium?
Premiums reflect the risk on your vehicle. If your car has older wiring or after market electricals without approval, the perceived risk can rise. Parking in high risk zones with poor electrical safety can also influence the price.
Other factors that may affect the cost include:
● Make and model with complex electrical systems
● Declared value of accessories such as CNG kits that change the risk
● Your chosen voluntary deductible that can reduce premium
● Previous claims that may affect discounts like NCB
Even with these factors, the cost of adding own damage cover is usually far less than paying out of pocket for repairs after a fire. The gap is wider for modern vehicles where parts and labour are expensive.
How to Make a Claim for Fire Damage in Car Insurance?
Act quickly and follow a clear sequence.
Inform the insurer immediately
Share the date, time, location, and a short description of the incident. Ask for the claim number.Secure the vehicle
Do not start the car if there is visible damage or smoke. Arrange towing if needed.File a police complaint when required
If foul play is suspected or public property is affected, lodge an FIR as advised.Document the damage
Take photos and short videos of the car, the area of origin, and nearby conditions.Survey and approval
Cooperate with the surveyor. Do not begin repairs before you get permission.Repair at a network garage
Cashless repairs reduce upfront expenses. Keep all invoices and job cards.Settlement
The insurer settles eligible costs as per policy terms and deductibles.
Documents Required for Claim Settlement
● Copy of policy
● Duly filled claim form
● Registration Certificate
● Driving licence of the person driving at the time
● FIR or police report if applicable
● Photos or videos of the damage
● Repair bills, estimates, and payment proofs
● Towing invoices if claimed
Keep scanned copies ready. Respond fast to any follow up queries to avoid delays.
Common Reasons for Claim Rejection in Fire Damage Cases
● Intentional act or fraud
Insurers will not pay for staged fires or deliberate damage.
● Unauthorised electrical work
Unapproved modifications that cause the fire can lead to denial.
● Driving without a valid licence
Claims may be rejected if the driver had no valid licence.
● Commercial use not disclosed
Using a private car for hire without disclosure can affect claims.
● Late intimation
Delays beyond the time specified in the policy can hurt your case.
● Wear and tear or pure mechanical breakdown
Damage that stems from regular wear without a covered peril is excluded.
Conclusion
A comprehensive policy is the answer to car insurance fire damage. Third party cover meets the law but does not pay for your own losses. Own damage within a comprehensive plan covers listed fire events so you do not face a large repair bill alone.
Know your inclusions and exclusions. Keep documents handy. Report the claim fast. With the right steps, you can move from incident to resolution with less stress and less out of pocket expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim fire damage if my car catches fire after an accident?
Yes. If you hold a comprehensive policy with your own damage cover, a fire that follows a collision is usually covered. Inform the insurer at once, document the scene, and wait for surveyor approval before repairs. Claims are settled as per policy terms and applicable deductibles.
How long does it take to settle a fire damage claim?
Timelines depend on the complexity of the case, parts availability, and how quickly documents are provided. Simple claims at network garages are often settled within a few weeks after survey and approval. Clear photos, prompt responses, and complete paperwork help speed things up.
What is the role of Insured Declared Value in fire damage claims?
IDV is the current declared value of your car that sets the limit for total loss or constructive total loss claims. If the cost to repair after a covered fire is uneconomical, the payout will be based on IDV subject to terms such as deductibles and salvage rules.
Does a long term third party liability policy offer fire damage cover?
No. Third party policies only cover liability towards others. Fire damage to your own car is not included. To get protection for your vehicle choose a comprehensive plan that includes your own damage. This is the part that responds to listed fire events.
Does a car insurance policy cover all kinds of damages associated with fire?
Coverage applies to the causes listed in your policy. Accidental fires, listed natural calamities, and named malicious acts are typically covered. Intentional damage, negligence, or unauthorised changes that cause the fire are excluded. Read the wording, follow safety practices, and notify the insurer without delay.
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