Vehicle fire near Obrigheim: driver is spared!

Vehicle fire near Obrigheim: driver is spared!

This evening, July 10th, 2025, there was a vehicle fire near Obrigheim, which called the police and fire department to the scene. At around 8 p.m., the emergency services were informed about the fire in a Seat that was parked in a layby between Asbach and Kälbertshausen. The vehicle owner heard a loud bang while driving, followed by smoke coming from the engine compartment. Fortunately, the driver was uninjured as he was able to get out of the car in time before the flames broke out.

The fire brigade arrived and was able to quickly extinguish the fire. However, the state road was closed for about an hour while firefighting and cleanup work was carried out. The cause of the fire could possibly be a technical defect, but the exact damage cannot yet be quantified. Such incidents not only lead to dangerous situations on the roads, but also raise questions about how claims are handled.

Important information about claims processing

Super Sven, an experienced consultant in the field of motor vehicle damage, warns: "Be careful when handling the claim! Motor vehicle insurers tend to reduce benefits in the event of outdoor vehicle fires. The argument is often: no soot, no damage." This can be problematic for affected car owners because health risks that are not immediately visible are often ignored when assessing the damage.

You should particularly check claims in the area surrounding the burned-out vehicle. Wind direction and fire intensity could also affect other vehicles. The situation is particularly tricky in underground car parks, as the closed environment means that burn marks can also appear on other parked cars, even if they are not directly affected by the fire.

Vehicle fires at a glance

According to figures from 2022, motor vehicle insurers in Germany registered around 12,200 car fires, including more than 33 vehicles with comprehensive insurance going up in flames every day. The average cost of such a fire is over 7,600 euros. Vehicle fires are particularly common on New Year's Eve.

Partial comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by vehicle fires without this having an impact on the no-claims class. In contrast, damages in fully comprehensive insurance affect the no-claims bonus. It is important to be aware that only motor vehicle liability insurance will continue to pay if damage is caused to a third party, which means that your own vehicle fire is not covered.

Whether an electric car or a conventional vehicle, the threat of vehicle fires is real. Electric cars even require a different extinguishing strategy because the fire department needs a lot of water to effectively cool the batteries. Nevertheless, according to the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), there is no greater risk of fire with electric cars compared to combustion engines.

To prevent the risk of fire, it is advisable to keep a fire extinguisher in your car. In an emergency, this can not only save lives, but also minimize considerable damage to property.

In any case, it is advisable to be well informed and, if necessary, to contact the insurance company in good time if your vehicle is affected by a fire.