Can a Lighter Fire in a Car Be Claimed for Compensation?
2 Answers
Insurance companies cannot compensate for vehicle damage caused by a lighter fire in the car, mainly because this situation does not fall within the coverage of vehicle loss insurance or spontaneous combustion insurance. This involves the cause of the vehicle fire. In insurance liability, different causes of fire result in different liabilities. Based on the cause of the fire, insurance liability can be divided into two scenarios: fire and spontaneous combustion. Fire is defined as follows: a disaster caused by uncontrolled burning (i.e., a violent oxidation reaction with heat, light, and flames) originating from a fire source outside the insured vehicle itself, in terms of time or space. Spontaneous combustion, as defined in the explanatory notes attached to the policy, refers to a fire caused by issues with the vehicle's electrical system, wiring, fuel lines, fuel supply system, gas supply system, cargo itself, or friction during vehicle operation. For fires, most cases are covered under vehicle loss insurance. The determination of the fire cause by the insurance company will be based on the fire department's report. During the investigation of a fire incident, the insurance company will focus on distinguishing between fire and spontaneous combustion.
Last time I witnessed a lighter explosion in my friend's car firsthand. After lighting a cigarette, he casually tossed the lighter onto the dashboard. Under the scorching sun, it suddenly started smoking and caught fire. The seat burned a large hole, and he immediately filed an insurance claim. The claims adjuster said the key was determining the nature of the accident: if it was caused by a defect in the lighter, the manufacturer would be held accountable; if the lighter was ignited by an electrical issue in the vehicle, the auto damage insurance might cover it. However, it's worth noting that most auto insurance policies now specify that spontaneous combustion of flammable items is an exclusion clause. It's advised that car owners avoid leaving lighters in their vehicles. In summer, dashboard temperatures can reach 70 degrees Celsius, and even a water bottle can focus sunlight enough to start a fire, let alone hazardous items like lighters.
