Does my auto insurance cover damage caused by a wildfire?
A lot of people ask if auto insurance covers damage caused by a wildfire. Find out if your auto insurance covers wildfire damage and get tips to save on rates and file claims with comprehensive insurance coverage. This overview covers protecting your car — and your pocketbook — from wildfires.
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Insurance and Finance Writer
Maria Hanson grew up with a unique passion and understanding of both the automotive and insurance industries. With one grandfather in auto mechanics and another working in insurance, you could say automotive insurance is in her blood. Her love of research and finance serves her well in studying insurance trends and liability. Maria has expanded her scope of expertise to home, health, and life i...
Maria Hanson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Jeff Root
Updated February 2025
As wildfires increase worldwide, many drivers wonder if their auto insurance covers damage caused by a wildfire. Unfortunately, collision auto insurance may not cover wildfires.
Still, there are plenty of affordable full coverage auto insurance options that will cover non-collision damage, including incidents caused by wildfires. However, it’s crucial to understand your policy to ensure coverage.
Does your auto insurance cover damage caused by a wildfire? This article explains what comprehensive insurance covers for wildfire damage, steps to take if your car is damaged, and best practices for preventing damage.
- Comprehensive auto insurance covers wildfire damage, such as direct fire, smoke and ash, and debris damage
- Report damage to your insurance provider immediately if your car is affected by a wildfire
- Prevent wildfire damage to your vehicle by keeping it in a covered area, avoiding wildfire-prone areas, removing flammable material around your home, and ensuring comprehensive coverage on your policy
Does auto insurance cover damage caused by a wildfire?
If you can find affordable comprehensive auto insurance coverage, your policy can cover damage from a wildfire. Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damage such as fire, theft, and hail and is designed to protect you in cases of damage unrelated to a collision.
Wildfire damage is typically covered under comprehensive insurance policies. However, it’s best to carefully review your policy’s coverage options to understand how much protection you have.
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What types of wildfire damage are covered by auto insurance?
Comprehensive auto insurance can cover various types of damage caused by a wildfire, including direct fire damage, smoke and ash damage, and damage from debris blown around during a fire.
It’s important to understand that the extent of coverage depends on the specific terms of your policy. However, if your policy includes comprehensive coverage, you may be protected against wildfire-related incidents. If unsure, contact your insurance provider and clarify what is and isn’t covered.
What to Do If Your Car Is Damaged in a Wildfire
If you find that your car is damaged in a wildfire, take pictures of the damage and contact your auto insurance provider immediately for advice on how to file an auto insurance claim. It can help guide you through the process and ensure you receive the coverage you are entitled to.
Additionally, following any emergency plans or evacuation orders in your area is important, including safety measures for your vehicle during a wildfire.
Best Practices for Preventing Wildfire Damage to Your Vehicle
While no precautions can eliminate the risk of wildfires, certain steps can help protect your car from damage.
First, keep your vehicle in a garage or covered area if possible. When driving, follow evacuation routes and avoid driving in wildfire-prone areas. Third, remove any flammable debris or materials from around your home or garage. Finally, ensure that your auto insurance covers damage caused by a wildfire.
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The Takeaway: Auto Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by a Wildfire
Understanding auto insurance in general and your particular policy is crucial when it comes to wildfire damage. Comprehensive coverage is typically the only form of auto insurance that covers damage from wildfires, and the specifics of wildfire coverage can vary based on your policy.
To ensure you are protected, review your auto insurance policy and make any necessary updates or changes to your coverage. Knowing the details in advance can help you to be better prepared in the event of a wildfire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my auto insurance cover damage caused by a wildfire?
Comprehensive coverage typically covers wildfire-related damage to a vehicle. However, it’s important to carefully review your policy and understand your coverage to know for sure.
What types of wildfire damage can auto insurance cover?
Auto insurance may cover wildfire damage like fire, smoke, ash, and falling objects. Review your policy to understand what is covered by your provider.
What should I do if a wildfire damages my car?
If your car’s damaged by a wildfire, contact your auto insurance provider. Take pictures of the damage, document the incident, and follow advice from authorities on fire danger and evacuation to keep safe.
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