Car catches on fire and damages mine, but their insurance doesn’t pay

[Anonymous]

In a shopping center parking lot the car parked next to our exploded in flames. Fire department came. The fire heavily damaged our car. Now the exploding car’s insurance company says they don’t cover my damage because it’s an act of god. The owners of the other car hung up when I called. I only have liability insurance. What recourse do I have?

[Anonymous]

You could try to find a lawyer to take your case

[Anonymous]

In the future I recommend getting better insurance.

[Anonymous]

Was it an act of god or a defect? An act of god is a lightning strike. If the car caught on fire because the wiring was bad or because of the electric battery, that is not an act of god.

[Anonymous]

If it’s a defect of the other vehicle (I assume it is) how does that change things?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it’s a defect of the other vehicle (I assume it is) how does that change things?

Because if that car caused damage to her car, their insurer should cover it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the future I recommend getting better insurance.

OP needs to get comprehensive insurance to cover this type of incident.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it’s a defect of the other vehicle (I assume it is) how does that change things?

Because if that car caused damage to her car, their insurer should cover it.

Only if it's covered by the terms of the insurance policy. And if the defect is one that the owner didn't know about or wouldn't have reasonably been expected to know about, then they are likely not liable. Parking a car in a lot isn't a strict-liability activity.

[Anonymous]

What kind of car was the other one? Were you parked next to an electric car that was charging?

[Anonymous]

Yes, of course comprehensive insurance would be helpful in this situation. It’s not particularly helpful now for this to be suggested.

[Anonymous]

The fire came from a 2008 Jeep. I note that there is a recall…https://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/jeep-recalling-over-161k-2007-2008-wrangler-at-models-due-to-tra/

[Anonymous]

Wow. Thank goodness no one was hurt, OP!
That would be my first thought.

[Anonymous]

Likely this would be the same case if your neighbor’s house caught fire and damaged your house. Your own insurance would cover it. Unfortunately the OP doesn’t have the type of insurance that would respond to this type of vehicle damage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fire came from a 2008 Jeep. I note that there is a recall…https://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/jeep-recalling-over-161k-2007-2008-wrangler-at-models-due-to-tra/

Was a recall, 13 years ago

[Anonymous]

if your car or your house catches my car or my house on fire, it IS your fault and my insurance shouldn't come into play.