Expert: Doctor Settlement - 3/23/2008

Question
My car caught fire due to an unknown reason; I've comprehensive coverage; is there any reason why my auto insurance carrier Progressive would not cover it?

Answer
Hi Soumavo,

First, let us take a look at what your comprehensive coverage will pay for.  Comprehensive coverage pays for financial loss if your car is stolen, damaged by a natural disaster, vandalism or other non-collision causes, including almost every type of non-traffic related damage.

But note one thing about all of these: they are all unavoidable situations, including some in which the owner might be negligent (i.e. if you had an accidental start of the fire).  But intentional causation is NOT covered by insurance.  Hence, if one is intentionally responsible for the fire, then the insurance will balk on paying for what the insured caused himself.

But in your case, the subject is presented as a "fire due to an unknown reason."  Hence, the coverage should be automatic.

If they are balking, one might think that they are wondering if you are responsible for causing the fire.  But even an accidental cause (i.e. your negligence in dropping the cigarette lighter) would be covered.  Hence, the only inquiry might be if the fire were intentionally set.  

If they give you any grief on this whatsoever, I would immediately get in touch with your state insurance commissioner  http://www.settlementcentral.com/links.php

NOW, what if your car needs auto body work or it is totaled--how do you fight those battles?  Here are the titles of two pages that might give some additional information.  

Diminished value http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0455.htm auto accident insurance claims.  NOTE: first party claims (i.e. against your own insurance company) are not allowed in half the states.

Auto Accident Collision Repair Shops http://www.settlementcentral.com/page0456.htm  Insurance Adjuster Relationships Explained by Doctor Settlement, J.D.-Auto Accident Insurance Claim Expert

OK, Soumavo, that about covers it for now.  I trust that my time here has produced some information that has been of value to you, and thus I would respectfully request that you take the time to locate the FEEDBACK FORM on this site and leave some feedback for me.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
http://www.SettlementCentral.Com