Is there compensation for not purchasing spontaneous combustion insurance but having vehicle damage insurance?
4 Answers
Vehicle damage insurance has a specified scope of compensation. If the loss is due to spontaneous combustion but spontaneous combustion insurance was not purchased, the insurance company will naturally not provide compensation under spontaneous combustion insurance. Below is relevant information: 1. Spontaneous Combustion Insurance: Spontaneous combustion insurance is an additional coverage to vehicle damage insurance and can only be purchased after vehicle damage insurance is in place. The insurance liability of spontaneous combustion insurance covers: losses to the insured vehicle caused by fires resulting from issues with the vehicle's circuits, wiring, fuel lines, fuel supply system, cargo itself, or friction during vehicle operation, as well as reasonable rescue expenses incurred by the insured to minimize vehicle damage during such incidents. 2. Requirements for Purchasing Spontaneous Combustion Insurance: Vehicle owners can only purchase spontaneous combustion insurance after having vehicle damage insurance. The insured amount for spontaneous combustion insurance is generally determined through negotiation based on the actual value of the vehicle, and the premium is relatively low. After a vehicle experiences spontaneous combustion, the insurance company will provide corresponding compensation based on the extent of the damage.
I almost encountered this situation last year. An old friend's used car suddenly smoked and spontaneously combusted while parked on the roadside during summer. He only had basic vehicle damage insurance and thought it would cover the loss, but the insurance company rejected the claim. The reason given was that vehicle damage insurance only covers external incidents, such as fires caused by collisions, while spontaneous combustion insurance is an add-on that covers internal causes like aging wires or fuel line issues. He had to pay tens of thousands in repair costs out of his own pocket—a painful lesson. Now, I always advise people to carefully review their policy details and jot down the exclusions section in the insurance terms. Spontaneous combustion insurance isn’t expensive, costing just a few hundred yuan a year for peace of mind. Additionally, regular car maintenance, including checking wires and fuel lines periodically, can help reduce risks.
As someone who frequently handles insurance claims, I need to clarify this. Auto damage insurance typically covers accidental events, such as hitting a tree or someone setting your car on fire, but it does not include vehicle self-ignition. Spontaneous combustion insurance is purchased separately, specifically to address fires caused by engine overheating or internal malfunctions. If you haven't added this coverage, you might not get any compensation in case of an incident. I recommend checking your insurance policy under the "Exclusions" section to verify, or simply call your insurance company to inquire about what your current policy covers. For prevention, regularly inspect your vehicle's condition and pay attention to battery and wiring updates during seasonal changes.
In case of a car fire, prioritize safety: immediately turn off the engine, exit the vehicle, and move at least 50 meters away. Call the police or fire department. Attempt to use a small fire extinguisher but do not risk entering the vehicle. Afterwards, check your insurance policy; if you have collision coverage but not fire coverage, it's likely not covered as the terms explicitly state that internal risks like fire are excluded. Repair costs can be exorbitant, so regularly maintain your car by cleaning engine compartment dust and checking wiring.
