Car Insurance Guide

Does car insurance cover fire damage?

Written by Chloe Adams Managing Editor Reviewed by Nomsa Dlamini RE5 qualified · 12 years in short-term insurance Updated 26 July 2026 Our editorial standards →

Does car insurance cover fire damage?

Yes - both comprehensive and third-party fire & theft cover pay for fire damage to your car, whether from an accident, an electrical fault or arson. Third-party only cover does not. Claims can be declined if the fire was caused by poor maintenance, an unroadworthy vehicle or a deliberate act by the owner, and you'll usually need a police or fire report.

Key takeaways

Comprehensive and third-party fire & theft cover fire damage.
Third-party only cover does not cover fire damage to your car.
Accidental, electrical and arson fires are generally covered.
Fires from neglect or an unroadworthy car may be excluded.
A police or fire-brigade report is usually needed to claim.

What's covered

If your car catches fire - after a crash, from an electrical fault, or through arson by someone else - comprehensive and third-party, fire & theft policies both respond and pay up to the car's insured value. This is one of the reasons third-party fire & theft is a popular middle option for mid-value cars.

When a fire claim can fail

Insurers may decline if the fire resulted from poor maintenance (like known faulty wiring left unrepaired), if the car was unroadworthy, or if there's evidence the owner started it. Report the fire to the police or fire brigade, keep the report, and don't disturb the scene before the assessor has seen it.

Frequently asked questions

Does third-party insurance cover my car if it burns?

No. Third-party only cover pays for damage you cause to others. For fire damage to your own car you need comprehensive or third-party, fire & theft cover.

Is arson covered by car insurance?

Fire started by someone else, including arson, is generally covered under comprehensive and third-party fire & theft policies. A fire deliberately started by the owner is not and is treated as fraud.

What do I need to claim for fire damage?

Usually a police or fire-brigade report, photos of the damage, and your policy details. Report the incident promptly and leave the vehicle for the assessor to inspect.

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