Your Car Insurance Policy Cover Fire Damage?

Your car insurance policy does more than just tick a legal box—it helps protect your car (and your wallet) when things go wrong. Here's what’s usually covered:

• Accidental damage to your car is taken care of under a comprehensive or standalone own-damage policy.

• Theft of your vehicle is covered, but only if you have comprehensive or own-damage insurance, not just third-party cover.

• Natural disasters like floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and storms? Covered.

• Fire damage, along with damage from riots, strikes, or vandalism, is typically included.

• If your car gets damaged while being transported by road, rail, air, or water, that’s covered too.

• Third-party car insurance handles legal liabilities if your vehicle causes injury, death, or property damage to others.

• There’s also personal accident cover for the owner-driver (up to ₹15 lakhs), which comes with package policies and can be added separately if needed.

• Want even more peace of mind? You can customise your policy with add-ons like zero depreciation cover, roadside assistance, and more.

When your car is involved in a fire, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: does car insurance cover fire? The short answer is yes, but only if you have the right kind of policy. While third party car insurance (or 3rd-party car insurance) is mandatory by law, it doesn't pay for damage to your own vehicle. For that, you need a comprehensive car insurance plan .

So, does car insurance cover fire damage to your vehicle? If your car catches fire due to causes like short circuits, accidents, lightning, or even a riot, a comprehensive policy can help cover the repair costs. This is what car fire insurance coverage is all about — helping you deal with fire-related loss without paying out of your pocket.

With Tata AIG’s Auto Secure – Private Car Package Policy, you get car insurance cover for fire damage caused by both natural and man-made events. The claim process is quick and can be done online. Once approved, your car can be repaired at any of the 5,900+ authorised garages across India.

If your policy is up for renewal, you can also complete your car insurance renewal online in minutes. And if you're planning to upgrade your cover, options like zero depreciation car insurance offer even more peace of mind.

Car fires can be dangerous, and they often lead to heavy repair costs. So if you’ve ever wondered, does car insurance cover fire, the answer depends on your policy type — comprehensive car insurance offers better protection than third-party car insurance.

Common causes of car fires include:

• Electrical issues like faulty wiring or short circuits

• Fuel leaks that come into contact with hot engine parts

• Overheating with fluid leaks, which may ignite in older cars

• Collisions that damage fuel lines in ICE vehicles or battery packs in EVs

• Poor maintenance, such as worn-out hoses or fluid buildup

• Low-quality modifications or unapproved accessories

• Storing flammable items like aerosols or power banks inside the vehicle

Make sure you’re covered with the right car fire insurance coverage.

Knowing how to file a fire damage claim is important if your vehicle is affected by fire. Follow these simple steps:

• Inform the insurer like TATA AIG immediately after the fire incident to begin the claim process.
• Take clear photos or videos of the damage and do not start repairs until a surveyor inspects the car.
• If you're covered under a comprehensive car insurance plan, fire damage is included in your policy.
• Register your claim online using TATA AIG's website or app in just 2 clicks. Upload the required documents and evidence.
• The insurer may appoint a surveyor to assess the car fire insurance coverage and estimate losses.
• Once verified, your claim is settled as per the policy terms.

This process applies to those who have opted for more than just third-party car insurance, ensuring broader protection.

Claims related to fire damage may be rejected for several valid reasons. Knowing them can help policyholders avoid common errors during the claim process.

• The policy was inactive at the time of the incident.
• The insurance plan did not include adequate fire coverage, such as comprehensive car insurance or own damage coverage.
• The damage was caused voluntarily or involved intentional actions.
• The fire was triggered by events not covered under the policy, such as racing or illegal use.
• The policyholder violated the terms mentioned in the applicable policy wordings.
• There was poor clarity about how the fire occurred or where it started.
• Supporting documents such as photos, videos, or FIRs were not submitted.
• Repairs were started before a surveyor assessed the vehicle.
• The car insurance renewal online was missed, resulting in a policy lapse.

Avoiding these issues can help ensure your car fire insurance coverage remains effective when needed.

Taking the right preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents. Here are some essential precautions to prevent car fire damage:

• Park your vehicle in a secure and well-ventilated area, especially during hot weather.
• Keep a small fire extinguisher in the car for emergency use.
• Service your vehicle regularly to detect and fix any engine or electrical issues.
• Do not delay important repairs, especially if you notice unusual smells, smoke, or warning lights.
• Avoid tampering with the original wiring or modifying settings beyond recommended limits.
• Use only authorised accessories and always rely on qualified mechanics for installation or repairs.
• Prevent fuel or oil leaks from going unnoticed, as they can easily catch fire under heat or pressure.

Many vehicle owners ask, Does car insurance cover fire or Does car insurance cover fire damage. The answer depends on the policy type. A third-party car insurance policy does not include fire protection. For this, a comprehensive car insurance plan or standalone own damage cover is required.

These policies offer coverage against accidental fires, short circuits, and fires resulting from natural or man-made events. Keeping your car insurance renewal online up to date ensures the policy remains active when needed.

Add-ons like zero-depreciation car insurance can further strengthen your coverage. Reviewing your plan regularly helps ensure that your car fire insurance coverage includes the protection you expect.

Does insurance cover fire in a car?

Yes, fire damage is covered under comprehensive car insurance or standalone own damage policies. Third-party car insurance does not include fire coverage. It's important to check your policy details to confirm this protection.

Can we claim insurance for a fire accident?

You can claim insurance for fire-related damage if your vehicle is insured under comprehensive or standalone own damage coverage. The claim must be filed promptly with supporting documents such as images, reports, and proof of the incident.

What is not covered under fire insurance?

Fire damage is not covered if the policy is inactive, if the fire was caused intentionally, or if it occurred due to policy exclusions like illegal use, unauthorised modifications, or racing activities.

Is accidental damage covered by fire policy?

Accidental fire damage is covered under comprehensive or standalone own damage car insurance. However, damage from general accidents not involving fire is only covered under these plans, not by fire coverage alone.