Car Insurance Rules: Diwali is next month, and it’s a festival celebrated with great fanfare across the country. Many people burst firecrackers on this special day. Some firecrackers are of poor quality, sometimes causing harm. Fires have also been reported on occasion.
If you light firecrackers on Diwali and the sparks from them cause your car to catch fire, the biggest question is whether your insurance will cover this damage and how to file a claim. What type of policy covers this, and what is the correct process for filing a claim? Let us explain the details.
Does insurance cover fire caused by firecrackers?
Generally speaking, third-party insurance is mandatory for any vehicle. This is general insurance. You don’t receive any benefits for damage to your vehicle. However, third-party insurance covers the costs of any damage to someone else’s vehicle caused by you. Now, let’s consider the possibility of a firecracker causing damage to your vehicle. You’ll need separate insurance for that. This insurance is called a comprehensive insurance policy.
Comprehensive policies typically cover fire, theft, natural disasters, and external fire. However, carefully read the policy terms and exclusions, as some policies do not cover negligence or intentional acts. If you intentionally or carelessly placed fireworks in your car, your claim may be rejected.
How to make a claim?
If your car catches fire due to fireworks, immediately notify your insurance company and fill out a form through their 24×7 helpline or mobile app. Immediately take photos and videos of the incident and call the nearest fire brigade or police. You can file a fire brigade report and, if necessary, file an FIR.
The insurance company will then send a surveyor to assess the damage. After the surveyor’s report, submit documents such as the policy copy, vehicle registration, driver’s license, and expense bills. The company will deduct the deductible as per the agreed terms and settle the claim based on the surveyor’s report. Keep in mind that if negligence is proven, the claim may be rejected.