How Do Insurance Companies Know About Secondary Ignition?
2 Answers
Secondary ignition refers to manually starting the engine with the starter after the vehicle has been turned off, which leaves traces. Generally, professional and experienced inspectors are sent to make the judgment.
With years of experience in auto repair, I've seen many cases where insurance companies typically rely on a vehicle's computer system to detect secondary ignition. After an accident, if the engine is started again, the built-in ECU (also known as the Engine Control Unit) automatically records the start time and frequency. When we repair shops use diagnostic tools to read this data during repairs, we can spot abnormal records and then forward them to the insurance company. Secondary ignition commonly occurs after water submersion accidents or severe collisions, which can lead to water entering the engine or exacerbating mechanical damage, causing repair costs to skyrocket. Upon receiving this evidence, insurance companies can easily determine improper operation by the vehicle owner and adjust their claim decisions accordingly. It's advisable for vehicle owners to immediately turn off the engine after an accident, avoid panicking or moving the vehicle, and directly call for a tow truck or professional assistance to prevent further damage and the risk of claim denial.
