Expert: Dave Norgardt - 8/17/2007

Question
Hi, Dave. I towed in my 93 VW van to a body shop 5 days later the people in the body shop told me the tried to start the van and it caught fire because the battery exploded but, when I open the side door the interior light still on. my questions first, are they responsible for my vehicle while in their shop ? second, if the battery exploded how come the light still on ? I would be very grateful for your help thank you and for this site.

Answer
Hi Bill! First check to see if you have fire insurance with your insurance company. What is the extent of the damages? Responsibility depends on the shop policies and/or whether you signed a repair order. Was the cause of the fire a result of a collision where the battery was damaged and could have shorted out? Second, if the interior lite is on, is there another battery in the vehicle on an isolater? Even though a battery explodes, sometimes there is still enough voltage to produce this happening. A courtesy lite requires very little power. Hope this helps!