The internal combustion engine (ICE) or petrol powered vehicles can catch fire due to fuel leaks, electrical malfunctions, or overheating engines.
Specifically, fuel leaks onto hot engine parts can ignite, and electrical shorts can lead to arcing and fires like this one in the picture shared.
While ICE fires can be easier to extinguish once the fuel source is depleted, they often start with an electrical short that smolders before developing into a full fire.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown on the issues:
1. Fuel Leaks: Ruptured Fuel Lines: Accidents or wear and tear can cause fuel lines to rupture, releasing flammable petrol or diesel onto hot engine components (preventive maintenance is needed).
Hot Surfaces: Engine heat can easily ignite fuel (petrol from a leaking fuel hose) if it comes into contact with it.
2. Electrical Malfunctions:
Short Circuits: Faulty wiring or components can create short circuits, generating heat and potentially sparking a fire (shoddy wiring from accessory/audio/aftermarket shops).
Arcing: The electrical current can arc (jump) between wires or components, producing intense heat and ignition. This is why sometimes there are vehicle recalls and you must take note.
3. Overheating Engines:
Engine Damage: A damaged engine can overheat, and if it’s leaking oil or fuel, it can easily ignite.
Brake Issues: Overheated brakes can also ignite nearby flammable materials like tires or brake pads (not often at all).
4. Lack Of Preventive Maintenance:
Degraded Components: Lack of maintenance can cause rubber hoses and seals to deteriorate, leading to leaks and potential fire hazards.
So, what about insurance coverage? Good news: most car insurance policies include coverage for vehicle fire damage. However, the extent of this coverage depends on the type of policy you have and the POLICE REPORT and investigation to ensure there was no FOUL PLAY.
Comprehensive Insurance: Offers the most robust protection. It covers fire damage, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. The Motor policy allows for policyholders to extend cover to include extra benefits and additional cover apart from the standard coverage. Do communicate with your insurers to request for these additional covers.
Flood, windstorm, rainstorm, typhoon, hurricane, volcanic eruption, earthquake, landslide/landslip, subsidence or sinking of the soil/earth or other convulsion of nature
Breakage of glass in windscreen or windows
Strike, riot and civil commotion
Tuition and testing purposes
Additional named driver
All drivers’ extension for private car polices issued to a company of businesses only
Passenger liability
Liability of passengers for acts of negligence
Additional business use
