How to deal with a car engine fire




The main cause of vehicle fires is faulty wiring. This could be because the electrical insulation has degraded with age, or the wiring loom has been damaged by a careless DIY mechanic. Either way modern cars are designed so that the petrol tank is in a position where it may not be affected until a fire really takes hold.

If you like doing your own car maintenance, always take care not to damage the insulation on a wiring loom. In fact do not attempt any work on your car at all unless you are confident of your abilities.


What to do in the event of a fire

If you suspect a fire when you are driving you need to act quickly. If a fire starts inside the vehicle, stop , turn off the engine and get everyone out as quickly and safely as you can. Vehicle interiors contain many types of plastic, which when burn't can start producing toxic fumes very quickly.

If the fire is under the bonnet, quickly choose a safe place to stop, ideally away from places where the fire could spread if the vehicle burns out.

Turn off the engine, get everyone out of the vehicle. Don't open the bonnet unless you have a fire extinguisher and then only just enough to aim it underneath. If the fire has already taken hold then do not attempt to put it out at all, and call the emergency services.

Remember always move quickly away from a burning vehicle because the tyres can explode long before the petrol tank.

If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim injury compensation. Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury