Car fires are uncommon but dangerous events that can quickly start and spread in a matter of minutes. By being prepared and acting quickly to evacuate your vehicle and get help, you stand the best chance of protecting yourself and your family.

Many fires are caused by accidents, mechanical malfunctions or electrical problems and can be prevented. Here’s what you need to know about how car fires get started – and what you should do if you ever encounter one.

Why do cars catch on fire?

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), there are about 200,000 vehicle fires each year in the United States – causing nearly $2 billion in property damage and claiming hundreds of lives.

Vehicles can catch fires due to many reasons. They include:

• Mechanical failure: According to the NFPA, mechanical failures and malfunctions are the leading cause of vehicle fires. This can include the failure of an electrical component, like faulty wiring or a bad battery. Or it could be caused by a broken line that carries gas or oil to your vehicle’s engine.
• Collisions: During a collision, damaged vehicles can leak fluids that become fuel for a fire. While NFPA data shows that accidents account for only 5% of car fires, accidents cause 63% of car fire deaths. This is because an accident can make it difficult to exit the vehicle, either due to injuries or damage to the car. 
• Poor maintenance: Three-quarters of highway vehicle fires caused by mechanical or electrical failures involve older cars. Often, issues like oil leaks and other neglected maintenance tasks are to blame.

What should I do if my car catches on fire?

A car fire can engulf your vehicle in a matter of minutes, so time is of the essence. If you find yourself in a vehicle that catches fire, follow these steps.

1. Pull over. Get your vehicle off the roadway and come to a complete stop as soon as possible.
2. Shut off the engine. Turning the vehicle off will stop the flow of gasoline to the engine. It also disables power to many of your car’s electrical components.
3. Get out of the car. Everyone in your vehicle should get out immediately. Once you leave, stay at least 100 feet from the car and do not return to get any personal items.
4. Call 911. Another motorist may have already called for emergency services. But you should always call yourself to ensure a fire truck is on its way.

Should I try to put out a car fire?

In most cases, no.

While it may be possible to stop a fire with a Class B or Class C fire extinguisher, most safety experts advise it’s best to just keep your distance and leave the job to the professionals.

Opening your car’s hood or trunk can increase the airflow to the fire, potentially making it grow. And many of your car’s parts can explode during a fire, which can send dangerous shrapnel in your direction.

What kind of damage can a car fire cause?

A fire can cause extensive damage to your vehicle in a short amount of time. According to the NFPA, about two-thirds of all car fires start in the engine compartment. That means there can be significant damage to the following components:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Electric systems
• Paint
• The car’s interior and ventilation systems due to smoke

Due to the extent of all this damage, most cars that catch fire are considered a total loss by insurance companies. Learn more about how a car is determined a “total loss.”

Will my auto insurance cover a car fire?

A car fire can be covered by your auto insurance. But it all depends on the type of coverage you have, as well as the circumstances of the fire.

If your car catches fire because of an auto accident, then the damage generally can be covered under your collision insurance. However, if a car fire occurs for reasons not related to an accident – for example, a lightning strike or vandalism – that’s when comprehensive insurance can cover the damage.

Questions about your specific policy? Talk to your local ERIE agent.

How can you prevent a car fire?

Of course, the best way to protect yourself from a car fire is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Maintain your vehicle. Nearly every fluid in your car is flammable. So don’t ignore that oil leak. Have your car regularly serviced by a professional mechanic and always get it checked out if it doesn’t seem to be running properly. (Related: What’s a Multi-Point Inspection, And When Do I Need One?)
• Be careful when transporting fuel. Whether you’re getting gasoline for the lawn mower or grabbing a new propane cylinder for the grill, it’s important to transport it safely. Gas should only be stored in a sealed, approved container. And fuels should never be carried in the passenger area of your vehicle.
• Watch where you park. The catalytic converter in your car’s exhaust system can reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. So avoid parking in areas where something flammable, like dry grass or loose paper, can come in contact with the exhaust.

FAQ

How often do car fires occur?

According to the NFPA, U.S. fire departments responded to an annual average of 215,096 vehicle fires from 2018-2022.

Do electric vehicles catch fire often than gasoline vehicles?

According to a 2023 report from The Guardian,  electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than gas-powered vehicles, though it acknowledges that these figures could change as more people drive EVs.

Are there warning signs that a car is at risk of catching fire?

Smoke, a burning smell, leaking fluids or loud noises coming from the exhaust system could be early warning signs and reason for you to pull over immediately, evacuate the vehicle and get help. A rapid engine temperature spike can also indicate that a fire might be igniting.

Is it safe to drive a car after a small fire?

No. If your vehicle has experienced any fire damage, have a qualified mechanic inspect it before it is driven again.

Can a parked car catch fire?

Yes. It is possible, though less likely, for a fire to ignite even after the engine has been turned off.

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