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About Richard Hixenbaugh
Expertise
Auto insurance claims procedure, auto coverage, liability issues, auto damage questions, how to deal with the insurance company, loss of use and diminished value.

Experience
I have been involved in the insurance industry for over 20 years. I have experience in underwriting, sales, claims adjusting, auto damage estimating, auto value appraising and diminished value appraising. I have testified as an expert witness over 10 times.

Education/Credentials
Completed all required courses for the Florida Property-Casualty agents license and the Florida claims adjusters license. I have attended various courses on auto damage estmating, vehicle appraising and am ASE certified in collision damage analysis.

Past/Present clients
My company has done work for consumers nationwide.

You are here: Experts > Autos > Auto Insurance > Auto Insurance Claims > Engine fire - possibly electrical

Auto Insurance Claims - Engine fire - possibly electrical

Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 10/31/2009

Question
Hi, my name is Michael and I have a car fire related question. My retired parents purchased a used 2001 Chrysler mini van with 120K miles on October 30, 2009 with a 30 day warranty. On October 31, 2009 we noticed smoke coming from under the hood after pulling into a parking spot and a local store. I opened the hood and there was the engine fire. The van was only driven about a total of not more 50 miles or so between 4 pm on 10/30 and 11 am on 10/31. With the help of bystanders the fire was put out within 2 minutes or so. The fire company arrived and further sprayed the compartment. After the fire we examined the damage which is mostly on the rear center and right side of compartment. The damage is mostly in the engine compartment, but there is some severe looking molten plastic below the windshield. The fire did not enter the front of the vehicle. There is however a barely noticeable smoke smell and dust from the fire. We believe the fire was caused an an electrical fault since it is a Limited model so there are many electrical components which may have contributed to the start of the fire but we're not sure. There are so many variables. The car was towed back to the dealer who will take a look at the damage. He may or may not repair the vehicle and probably provide another vehicle instead of the damaged one if it isn't repaired.
My parents are insured with Metlife Auto and Home with collision and comprehensive coverage. Is there a possibility to file a fire-related claim and have the vehicle repaired?
Thanks for your time and consideration

Answer
Hi Michael,

The insurance company's determination of whether the vehicle will be repaired or totaled will be based on the cost of the repairs compared to the value of the vehicle. If the repair cost will be more than 70% of the value of the vehicle the vehiel will likely be declared a total loss.

Since this vehicle was purchased only the day before the fire you should require that the dealer replace the vehicle and simply unwind the original deal. Your parents should not be locked into buying another car from this dealer if they do not want to. The dealer should either unwind this deal and refund any money paid or provide a substitute vehicle, which ever your parents want. As you stated the vehicle was sold with a warrantee. If the dealer refuses to do so you should tell them that your parents will contact the local news station to have them do a story on how this dealer sells vehicles that blow up the day after purchase, and then refuses to do anything about it.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

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