Can a Lighter Causing Vehicle Spontaneous Combustion Be Claimed?
2 Answers
If spontaneous combustion is caused by a lighter explosion inside the vehicle, the insurance company will not compensate. Here are some important points regarding auto insurance claims: 1. Spontaneous combustion caused by lighter explosion: For damages caused by the explosion of hazardous items stored in the car, which is considered improper handling by the vehicle owner, the insurance company will not provide compensation. It is advised that during summer, owners should never leave high-pressure mosquito killers, carbonated drinks, perfumes, hair sprays, or other explosive items in the car. 2. 'Natural wear and tear' of the vehicle body: If the car's paint peels or rusts due to prolonged exposure to sunlight or severe weather conditions, the insurance company categorizes this as natural wear and tear and will not compensate. 3. Purchasing spontaneous combustion insurance for compensation: Insurance companies offer 'spontaneous combustion insurance', an additional coverage for vehicle spontaneous combustion losses. If a fire is caused by faults in the vehicle's own electrical system, wiring, or fuel supply system during use, it is considered spontaneous combustion, and the insurance company will provide compensation.
I often get asked about vehicle fire claims. Whether a lighter causing a car fire can be claimed mainly depends on the insurance policy terms. Most standard auto insurance policies don't cover fires caused by human error or external factors. For example, if you forget a lighter in the car and it ignites interior items on a hot day, the insurer will likely consider it your negligence and deny the claim outright. Only if you've purchased spontaneous combustion insurance or fire damage riders might you have coverage, but lighter-induced fires being external causes may still be excluded. I recommend you immediately check your policy details or call your insurer's customer service to confirm coverage. Develop good habits - always clean your cabin of flammable items before exiting. Summer heat causes rapid temperature spikes inside vehicles, so never leave lighters, perfumes or similar items unattended. Prevention is key - don't wait for an accident to regret it.
