Is it necessary to purchase car spontaneous combustion insurance?

[DelTessa]

Vehicles within the warranty period do not need to purchase spontaneous combustion insurance, as the manufacturer can be contacted for warranty coverage in case of spontaneous combustion under normal use during this period. For vehicles aged three to five years, the purchase of spontaneous combustion insurance can be considered based on usage conditions. For vehicles older than five years, due to aging circuits and fuel lines, it is recommended to purchase spontaneous combustion insurance. Below is relevant information: Spontaneous combustion insurance is an additional coverage under the motor vehicle loss insurance. During the insurance period, if the vehicle suffers loss due to fire caused by issues with the vehicle's circuits, wiring, fuel lines, fuel supply system, cargo itself, or friction during operation, and if the insured incurs necessary and reasonable rescue expenses to reduce the loss of the insured vehicle during such an incident, the insurance company will provide corresponding compensation. The premium for spontaneous combustion insurance is related to the vehicle's price and age—the higher the vehicle price and the older the vehicle, the higher the premium.

[DiJulianna]

As an average car owner, I believe spontaneous combustion insurance is indeed worth considering, especially for vehicles over five years old. As cars age, electrical circuits are prone to issues, and in case of a short circuit or overheating leading to a fire, repair costs can easily exceed tens of thousands, not to mention the risks to personal safety. For example, my neighbor's old car spontaneously combusted during last summer's heatwave, and fortunately, the insurance covered the losses, saving them from a huge financial burden. Routine maintenance like regular circuit checks and avoiding reckless electrical modifications is crucial, but accidents are unpredictable. Buying insurance is like buying peace of mind, especially in congested cities with frequent high temperatures, where potential hazards are greater. The premium isn't expensive—just a few hundred yuan per year as an optional add-on to commercial insurance—making it a cost-effective choice compared to the overall expense of vehicle damage. In short, unless the car is brand new or used only for very short trips, I think getting spontaneous combustion insurance is a wise investment. Safety always comes first.

[SanOscar]

From a cost-saving perspective, whether to purchase spontaneous combustion insurance depends on your car's value and actual usage. If the car isn't valuable or only used for short urban trips of a few kilometers, with low spontaneous combustion risk, saving on premiums makes sense. However, if the car is older, frequently used for long-distance travel, or has modified electrical circuits, the risk increases significantly. While the annual premium is just a few hundred yuan, repair costs for spontaneous combustion can easily exceed tens of thousands or even result in total loss. I've done the math: for my own 50,000-yuan commuter car, the probability of spontaneous combustion slightly increases after five years but remains relatively low, so I opted out. But for a friend's premium car with an upgraded audio system, I recommended the insurance—it paid off when an overheating incident nearly caused a fire, saving him over 30,000 yuan in repairs. The key is to assess the vehicle's condition: older cars and those in southern high-temperature regions are more strongly recommended to have coverage. Combine this with maintenance records and driving habits—don't risk big losses to save small money.

[StAlejandro]

Having driven for over 20 years, I believe that spontaneous combustion insurance is mostly unnecessary—prevention is key. Vehicle fires are commonly caused by aging electrical circuits or high-temperature malfunctions. Regular inspections of the electrical system and avoiding unnecessary modifications can reduce the risk by 90%. For example, make it a habit to check your car monthly, ensuring that wire connections are secure and the battery has proper ventilation. Avoid parking under direct sunlight in summer. Spending money on maintenance is better than insurance. The actual probability of such incidents is low, unless you frequently drive long distances or your car is over eight years old—only then should you consider it.