Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a wildfire?

Utah, California, Oklahoma, Oregon, Montana, and Washington, are among the 10 states with the highest wildfire risk. These wildfires cause massive amounts of property damage, including damage to vehicles.

Loss estimations from wildfire range between $4 and $8 billion in these states. In the northern California wildfires of 2017 alone, that toll included 4,000 vehicles. That’s why ensuring you have the right coverage in high-risk areas is especially important.

For wildfire damage, that means getting comprehensive insurance. Does car insurance cover damage caused by a wildfire? If you have the right coverage, yes.

In this article, we’ll see how comprehensive car coverage can protect you against wildfire threats, how wildfires can damage your car, and the steps you can take for protection.

Car Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by a Wildfire

You need comprehensive car insurance to ensure your vehicle is covered against wildfires. This type of car insurance covers damage related to vandalism, theft, animals, and weather — essentially anything unrelated to a collision. It’s generally an optional type of coverage unless your lender requires it.

This coverage includes protection against fire, falling objects, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters — including wildfires.

Comprehensive Car Insurance and Wildfire Damage

While comprehensive auto insurance coverage will protect you against wildfires and many accidental fires, it won’t protect you against all types of fires. For example, setting your car on fire would not qualify for a claim.

Also, a personal policy typically does not cover business use that results in your car being damaged by fire. For instance, if you use your car to transport highly flammable material meant to be sold or used for business purposes, that would likely not be covered.

The Cost of Comprehensive Car Insurance for Wildfire Damage

Comprehensive car insurance costs vary widely depending on your state, the type of vehicle you have, and the company you buy coverage from. Averages range from a low of $89.66 in Oregon to a high of $228.59 in South Dakota.

Remember, too, that you’ll need to pay a car insurance deductible when you file a comprehensive claim, which typically ranges from $250 to $1,000.

In general, states in which wildfires are more frequent will probably have higher coverage costs. As always, it’s a good idea to compare car insurance rates to ensure you get the best coverage for a rate that fits your budget.

Common Damage from Wildfires

Wildfire damage can come in a variety of forms. The most obvious would be your car getting caught in a fire and incinerated. However, cars can also be damaged by ash from a nearby fire. Ash is highly corrosive to vehicle paint, so it can damage your vehicle extensively.

Steps To Protect Your Car from Wildfire Damage

Getting coverage from one of the best comprehensive coverage car insurance companies is the most effective way to protect your car against fire damage. However, you can still take other precautions to keep your care safe from the threats of wildfires.

• Keep your car in a garage during wildfires: Keeping your car in the garage can protect it from fire and ash damage.
• Cover your car to protect against wildfire ash damage: If you can’t keep your car in the garage, simply fitting a cover over it can protect painted surfaces and the other parts of the car, such as tires and wheels.
• Wash your car: You should regularly and carefully wash it to get rid of the ash that has settled on it during a wildfire.

Taking these steps can help you to avoid the worst of wildfire damage so you don’t even need to turn to your insurance company in the first place.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Wildfire Damage

Case Study 1: Emily’s Comprehensive Coverage Saves the Day

Emily lived in a wildfire-prone area and understood the importance of having comprehensive car insurance. When a wildfire swept through her neighborhood, her parked car was damaged by flames and smoke. She immediately contacted her insurance company and filed a claim.

Thanks to her comprehensive coverage, the insurance company assessed the damage and approved the claim. The cost of repairing her car was covered, minus her deductible. Emily was relieved that her insurance protected her from the financial burden caused by the wildfire.

Case Study 2: David’s Limited Coverage

David, unfortunately, did not have comprehensive car insurance when a wildfire struck his region. His car was engulfed in flames, resulting in severe damage. Without comprehensive coverage, David had to bear the entire cost of repairs on his own.

He realized the importance of adequate coverage and decided to update his insurance policy to include comprehensive coverage for future protection against wildfires.

Case Study 3: Jessica’s Quick Response

Jessica was driving through a wildfire-affected area when her car was hit by falling debris, causing significant damage. Fortunately, she had comprehensive car insurance coverage. She immediately contacted her insurance company and provided all the necessary details to file a claim.

The insurance company promptly assessed the damage and approved her claim. Jessica’s comprehensive coverage came to her rescue, covering the cost of repairs, minus her deductible. She was grateful that her insurance policy provided the support she needed during this challenging time.

Comprehensive Car Insurance and Wildfire Damage: The Bottom Line

Wildfire damage is a real threat to your car. However, comprehensive auto insurance can cover most types of wildfire damage. While this coverage typically costs more than basic liability insurance, it protects you from financial loss due to acts of nature.

Shop around to compare the various rates provided by different companies to make sure you get the most affordable price.