Things to Do in Case Car Catches Fire

Written by Sharad Bajaj

Updated On Oct 14, 20232 min read

Car fires spread fast and require you to respond quickly. Read this article to know what you must do if this happens to you.

Our cars have become a crucial aspect of our daily lives. We need them for our daily commutes and they are also one of the major purchases we make in our lives. Keeping our cars safe and out of harm’s way is something we always try to do, however, due to the nature of cars, there is always a certain amount of risk involved with them. One common risk for cars is when they catch fire. This can happen for a number of reasons without the car crashing and usually relates to mechanical failures, malfunctioning or electric problems in the car. Thus it is crucial to know what must be done in these scenarios.

What Should You Do If Your Car Catches Fire?

Take the following steps if your car is on fire:

Step 1: Respond fast, vehicle fires tend to spread fast. Pull-over and turn off the engine. Doing this will stop the supply of fuel. Open the hood of the car if you can.

Step 2: Evacuate the car. Make sure that you and all the other passengers leave the vehicle as quickly as possible. Stay a significant distance away from the car. At least 100 to 150 meters at least. Do not try to retrieve any personal belongings or try to reenter your car for anything.

Step 3: Notify the police and fire department immediately. Wait for them to deal with the situation.

Step 4: If you and your family are safe and the required authorities have been informed, now inform your car insurance company. Also, make sure to notify your car service company.

Step 5: Before you leave the spot make sure to talk to your insurance provider. Most companies will send a surveyor to inspect the damage between two to three hours. However, if that is not possible in your situation, talk to the insurance provider to clarify. It is important to not move the car without informing them.

Step 6: After the damage has been inspected your car will be towed to the nearest garage and repaired. However, remember to not get close to your car even if the flames have been doused without getting a green signal. If you select a cashless garage, the insurance company can make the entire process hassle-free.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, in the event of a car fire, make sure to respond in a quick and alert manner. It is crucial you park your car in an empty spot, evacuate it and maintain a distance from it while the police and fire department arrive. In case of such damages, a standalone own damages cover or a comprehensive cover will provide compensation for damages. However, if there are damages to your engine it may be useful to have an engine cover to deal with the costs. Purchasing car insurance online is now a simple process. It only takes a few clicks to calculate car insurance premiums, get quotes or check the different car insurance companies. Insurance provides a layer of protection to your car in such situations and also gives you financial stability and peace of mind to deal with such uncertainties. Click here to read similar articles.

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

Disclaimer

This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

Written by Sharad Bajaj

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Sharad is an insurance industry veteran who has managed motor insurance products for over a decade. He helped set up and scale the motor insurance vertical for a leading insurance company in his previous stint. In his spare time, Sharad likes to read and be in tune with nature.