Does Insurance Cover Spontaneous Combustion?
2 Answers
Vehicle spontaneous combustion loss insurance is an additional coverage to vehicle damage insurance, and only vehicles insured with vehicle damage insurance are eligible for this coverage. Below is relevant information regarding vehicle insurance compensation: Compensation Amount: For insured motor vehicles, if a fire occurs during use due to faults in the vehicle's electrical system, wiring, fuel supply system, or due to the nature of the transported cargo, resulting in damage to the insured vehicle, as well as necessary and reasonable rescue expenses incurred by the insured to minimize vehicle loss during an incident covered by this insurance, the insurance company will compensate based on the actual loss of the vehicle within the insured amount specified in the policy. In case of total loss, compensation will be provided based on the actual value of the vehicle at the time of the incident within the insured amount specified in the policy. The absolute deductible rate for this insurance is 20%. Exclusions from Compensation: The insurance company will not compensate for losses caused by the insured's violation of vehicle safety operation rules, such as manual direct fuel supply or open flame heating, or losses limited to the electrical system, wiring, fuel supply system, and cargo itself due to spontaneous combustion, as well as losses resulting from intentional acts of the insured.
When I was driving before, my friend's car spontaneously combusted and was almost completely burned. Fortunately, he had comprehensive insurance. The insurance company sent someone to investigate and confirmed that it was caused by an oil pipe leak due to aging, with no human error involved, so they covered the repair costs. However, general liability insurance usually doesn’t cover spontaneous combustion—only additional spontaneous combustion coverage or comprehensive insurance does, and the key is whether this item is listed in the policy. It’s recommended to spend a little extra when buying car insurance to add the spontaneous combustion clause, especially for older or modified cars, as electrical leaks and oil buildup can easily cause fires. Regular maintenance should include frequent checks of the electrical system and fuel system. If spontaneous combustion occurs, don’t panic—extinguish the fire and call emergency services immediately, take photos for evidence to file an insurance claim, otherwise the process can be complicated and difficult to handle. The insurance premium is usually not expensive, and buying peace of mind is important.
