Having a car fire is not only stressful but also expensive. It is highly important for every professional driver in the UK to confirm that their insurance covers fire damage. Sudden car fires may be caused by petrol leakage, electrical malfunctions, accidents sparking electric wiring, or vandalism are the main causes. The last thing you want is to have to pay for them out of pocket. Here you will explore the several kinds of insurance that cover fire damage in this tutorial, as well as ways to increase your financial security and prevent needless losses.

Categories of Vehicle Insurance Covers Fire Damage

Not all auto insurance plans cover fire damage. Your own vehicle’s fire damage is not covered by third-party only insurance, which is the bare minimum required by law. However, third-party theft and fire insurance goes beyond the fundamental third-party coverage. It covers damage you do to other people’s cars or property, as well as damage to your own vehicle from theft or fire. Therefore, it is a more complete choice for anyone who wants to protect their own vehicle from certain dangers. There are two highly important types that you must be familiar with for any vehicle car insurance in the UK.

Third-Party Fire Theft Insurance Type

In addition to third-party liability, this coverage covers theft or fire damage to your vehicle. Your insurance should pay for repairs if your automobile catches fire, whether it was caused by an electrical issue or arson, or they should reimburse you for the car’s market value if it is written off.

Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance

This policy, which is the most comprehensive form of coverage, covers accidental damage in addition to all of the advantages of third-party fire theft insurance. You’re still safe if an accident or some other unanticipated circumstance started the fire. If you are driving for ride-hailing companies like Uber or Bolt who depend on their cars to make a living, this is frequently the best option to prevent a large scale of financial loss.

Quick Tips If your Car Catches Fire

Prioritise safety if your car catches fire by drawing over safely, shutting off the engine, and making sure you and everyone else get out of the car right away. Avoid removing the bonnet, which might introduce oxygen and exacerbate the flames, and stay a safe distance away. Next, call immediately to the helpline to contact emergency services, then ask for the fire department. One thing to always avoid is try not to put out the fire yourself. Notify your insurance company as soon as the issue is under control so that the claims procedure may begin. Give all pertinent incident data and, if you can, take crisp pictures of the damage. Ask for a duplicate of the fire department’s report if they respond, since your insurance might need it for verification.

How to Submit an Insurance Claim for Fire Damage

There are a few procedures involved in filing a fire damage claim, and it is necessary to follow them to make sure your insurance claim is handled efficiently.

Report the fire to your insurer right away, giving them the specifics of the factors that caused the fire and the exact time when the incident happened. Take detailed pictures of the damage, including the vehicle’s outside and inside, to collect proof. Get witness accounts or CCTV evidence to back up your allegation, if it’s available. Proof of purchase, all vehicle records, the fire report, and prior insurance information are among the other papers your insurer could need.

Following the submission of your claim, the insurance will dispatch an assessor to examine the damage and decide whether the vehicle can be fixed or is a write-off. They will make a settlement offer based on the car’s pre-fire market value if it is written off.

Steps to Reduce Car Fire Financial Risk

Selecting the appropriate insurance plan that covers fire damage is the first step in reducing financial risk. The safest choice for private hire vehicle drivers in the UK is getting cost-effective chauffeur insurance coverage from a reliable source. Always pay close attention to the fine print since certain insurance companies could not cover fire damage brought on by alterations, carelessness, or specific electrical issues. Maintaining your automobile properly is also crucial since frequent service by a qualified mechanic may help avoid fires brought on by electrical problems, overheating, or gasoline leaks. Here are some extra tips that can help you to prevent car fire risks.

• Avoid parking near combustible materials such as petrol tanks or petrol stations.
• Whenever possible, park in CCTV-equipped safe zones to reduce hazards.  
• Keep track of basic documents, including insurance information, to support your claim in the case of car fire damage.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your car against fire damage is highly important for any private hire driver who is looking for financial security. With the correct vehicle insurance, you may save a lot of money and go back to work more quickly. Take proactive measures to reduce the chance of a fire by reviewing your policy on a regular basis to understand its exclusions. Since prevention and preparedness are key to safeguarding your livelihood, if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to review your insurance and make any required modifications.