A vehicle fire is one of the most devastating and unpredictable events a car owner can experience. Whether it’s caused by a mechanical failure, electrical short, or even arson, fire damage can leave your car totaled in minutes. For drivers in Pittsburgh, PA, understanding whether your car insurance covers fire damage can be crucial—especially when your vehicle is an essential part of daily life.
Let’s break down the key details of how fire damage is handled by car insurance policies and what Pittsburgh residents should know about preventing and responding to these incidents.
A standard auto insurance policy in Pennsylvania includes liability coverage to protect you if you’re responsible for bodily injury or property damage. But liability-only insurance will not cover damage to your own vehicle, including damage caused by fire.
In order to be protected against car fires, you’ll need to carry comprehensive coverage, which is an optional part of most auto insurance policies. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision-related incidents such as:
Theft and vandalism
Natural disasters (like hail or flood)
Falling objects (e.g., tree branches)
Fire (including engine fires, garage fires, and arson)
✅ If you’re unsure about whether your current plan includes this type of protection, many local drivers start by exploring budget-friendly coverage options available in Pittsburgh.
This is your main line of defense against vehicle fire. If your car is damaged or destroyed by fire due to vandalism, electrical failure, spontaneous combustion, or other covered causes, your comprehensive coverage will help pay for repairs or a total loss settlement.
In some cases, fire damage can result from a collision. For instance, if your vehicle catches fire after hitting a utility pole, your collision coverage may apply. This is usually part of what’s known as “full coverage,” which includes both comprehensive and collision.
Having full coverage is often required by lenders if your vehicle is financed or leased—but even for vehicles that are fully owned, it offers valuable peace of mind, especially when unpredictable events like fire are involved.
If your policy lacks comprehensive coverage, your insurance will not pay for fire damage. Here are a few common exclusions:
Liability-only policies do not protect your own car, regardless of the cause.
If the fire was a pre-existing issue before the policy began.
Damage from poor maintenance or negligence, like ignoring oil leaks or faulty wiring, may lead to a denied claim.
If the fire was intentionally started by the policyholder, this constitutes fraud and voids coverage.
It’s worth noting that personal belongings inside your vehicle—such as laptops, tools, or clothing—are not typically covered by auto insurance. However, these may be claimed under your homeowners or renters insurance, depending on your policy.
Want to ensure you’re covered in a worst-case scenario? Take a closer look at the options for vehicle protection in the Pittsburgh area to find the right balance between cost and coverage.
Understanding what leads to car fires can help you take proactive steps to avoid one. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Fuel Leaks: Leaking gasoline or diesel can ignite with just a small spark. If you ever smell fuel inside or near your car, shut it off immediately and have it towed to a mechanic.
Overheating Engines: Insufficient oil or coolant levels can cause the engine to overheat and catch fire. Regular maintenance is critical.
Electrical Failures: Frayed wires, blown fuses, or malfunctioning aftermarket accessories can trigger fires under the hood or dashboard.
Arson or Vandalism: Intentional fire damage is, unfortunately, not unheard of in some neighborhoods. If you're a victim, insurance can step in—provided you carry the right coverage.
Garage Fires: If your home catches fire, your car could suffer major damage. Remember, homeowners insurance does not cover your vehicle—only your comprehensive auto insurance will.
Stay Safe: Get out of the vehicle immediately and move to a safe distance.
Call 911: Report the fire and wait for emergency responders.
Do Not Attempt to Retrieve Items: Once flames are present, prioritize safety over belongings.
Notify Your Insurance Provider: File a claim as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Filing a fire damage claim can feel overwhelming, but following the correct steps will ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Here’s what to do:
Take Photos and Videos: Document the extent of the damage from multiple angles.
Obtain a Fire Report: This is especially important for fires that involve emergency services or possible arson.
Contact Your Insurer: Have your policy number ready and describe the event in detail.
Damage Assessment: An adjuster will inspect the vehicle and determine whether it’s repairable or a total loss.
Get Reimbursement or Settlement: Depending on the policy, you may receive a check for repairs or the actual cash value of the car.
The best way to protect yourself from fire-related damage is prevention. Here are some tips every driver should follow:
Check oil and coolant regularly
Service your car at recommended intervals
Avoid overloading your vehicle’s electrical system
Respond to strange smells, especially burning rubber or plastic
Keep up with factory recalls
Avoid storing flammable materials inside the car
With Pittsburgh’s seasonal extremes—cold winters, humid summers, and frequent storm activity—routine vehicle maintenance is more important than ever.
If your vehicle is damaged by fire, your car insurance can cover the loss—but only if you have the proper coverage in place. Liability-only plans won’t help, but comprehensive and full coverage policies can protect you from unexpected disasters like fires, arson, or electrical failure.
Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself is through a combination of smart maintenance and solid insurance coverage. If you’re unsure about what your policy covers or how to upgrade, consider speaking with a local agent or reviewing your options online.
Do you have the right coverage for your vehicle? We’d love to chat with you about it. Call us at (412) 457- 8575 or speak to a local agent.
If you’d rather not talk, you can get a quote now. Just enter your ZIP code to get started and see how much you could save!
