What To Do If Your Car Catches Fire in Singapore

Car fires are thankfully rare. But they can be extremely dangerous and distressing. Get expert tips on what to do and how to make a car insurance claim should the worst happen.

There have been several car fire incidents that have hit the headlines recently with dramatic and distressing footage being shared on social media.

In one incident, a car lost control when braking on the PIE. The vehicle and driver spun 180 degrees before the car burst into flames. Two other cars were also involved but thankfully no one was hurt. It’s thought the fire was started from the engine. The engine compartment is packed with flammable materials such as rubbers, plastics, and fuels, which significantly contribute to the risk of fires during operation.

In another case, residents at a block of flats in Tampines heard several loud explosions when a parked Mercedes-Benz car caught fire. The fire service was called and extinguished the blaze within minutes and thankfully no one was injured.

Another motorist had a lucky escape when she alighted her parked vehicle in a Tiong Bahru carpark and found smoke billowing from it. Seconds later there was an explosion, and the car was on fire. The driver called the emergency services who put out the fire. The car was just over four years old.

What are the chances of your car catching fire?

In 2024, Singapore recorded 220 vehicle fire incidents. While the probability of your car catching fire remains low, these incidents can have serious consequences, often causing extensive damage not only to the vehicle itself but also to nearby cars, passengers, and public infrastructure.

Though rare, car fires are high-impact events that escalate quickly, making regular vehicle maintenance and fire safety awareness essential for all drivers.

Why do cars catch fire?

Experts say there is rarely one single reason behind most car fires; they are more often the result of a combination of mechanical and chemical issues. A car may overheat, leak fuel, short circuit or an accident can cause a fire when the petrol tank or engine has taken a major hit. Car fires are typically categorised as Class B fire hazards due to the presence of flammable liquids and materials under the hood. Additionally, the presence of a large amount of fuel in the fuel tank poses a significant fire hazard, complicating efforts to extinguish the flames. A spark or a ruptured battery in your engine can cause a fire.

The two most common causes of car fires, however, are fuel system leaks due to faults in fuel line connectors, carburetors or fuel injection systems and electrical system failures starting from faulty conditions between the battery and starter cables, or high voltage that can generate a spark in the spark ignition engine.

These causes make sense considering the sheer number of flammable components in a car like fuel, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid. Due to this, maintenance neglect and impacts (such as car accidents) make your car highly susceptible to fires, especially when they cause even a small damage on a component with flammable materials.

Electric vehicle fire risks: how they differ from petrol and diesel car fires

While car fires are commonly associated with fuel leaks, electrical faults, and overheating in petrol and diesel vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs) come with their own unique fire risks. Unlike conventional cars, EV fires are primarily caused by battery thermal runaway—an uncontrollable increase in heat within lithium-ion batteries that can lead to intense, prolonged fires. Overcharging, manufacturing defects, impact damage, or even water exposure can trigger these fires, which burn hotter and can reignite multiple times. While petrol car fires are more immediate and easier to extinguish, EV fires require specialized firefighting techniques due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries. As EV adoption grows, understanding these risks and taking preventive measures—such as using certified chargers, monitoring battery health, and avoiding battery damage—is essential for safety on the road.

Safety Precautions

When dealing with a car fire, safety should always be the top priority. Here are some essential safety precautions to take:

• If you notice smoke or flames coming from your car, pull over to a safe location as quickly as possible.
• Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from moving.
• Get out of the car immediately and move to a safe distance, at least 10 meters away from the vehicle.
• Call 995 the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) immediately and report the incident.
• Keep a safe distance from the car and avoid breathing in the smoke, as it can be toxic.

By following these steps, you can ensure your safety and the safety of others around you when a car fire occurs.

What to do if your car catches fire

If you smell or see smoke or think your car may catch fire, get out quickly, move away and call the emergency services. Emergency services, such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force, may use a water jet to extinguish the fire effectively. Alert others and keep them away. A fire will take hold very quickly and can cause an explosion, even within seconds of discovering smoke. If you have a fire extinguisher, you can attempt to quell a small fire by cracking open the hood and using the fire extinguisher from a few feet away. However, you should be careful not to open the hood all the way as the oxygen can make the fire grow. If the fire becomes uncontrollable or you notice it coming from the rear of the car, do not attempt to extinguish it and call emergency services.

Dealing with the Aftermath

If your car has caught fire, it’s essential to deal with the aftermath properly to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Here are some steps to take:

• Do not attempt to drive the car or start the engine, as it may reignite the fire.
• If necessary, call a tow truck to have the car taken to a safe location, such as a parking garage or a repair shop. You can also call your insurance company who can help you arrange a tow truck.
• Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes.
• Contact your insurance provider to report the incident and initiate the claims process.

Handling the aftermath correctly can help you manage the situation effectively and ensure that you receive the necessary support from your insurance provider.

Prevention and Preparation

Preventing car fires is always better than dealing with the aftermath. Here are some tips to help you prevent car fires and prepare for emergencies:

Car Maintenance to Prevent Car Fires

Regular car maintenance is crucial in preventing car fires. Here are some tips:

• Check your car’s engine oil and fuel levels regularly to ensure they are at the recommended levels.
• Look for signs of wear and tear on your car’s engine and electrical systems, such as frayed wires or worn-out belts.
• Have your car’s battery checked regularly to ensure it is in good condition.
• Avoid overloading your car, as this can put excessive strain on the engine and electrical systems.
• Keep your car’s parking garage or parking area clean and clear of flammable materials.

By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can reduce the risk of car fires and ensure your vehicle remains in good working condition.

Get Equipped with a Car Fire Extinguisher or Blanket

Having a car fire extinguisher or blanket can help you respond quickly and effectively in case of a car fire. Here are some options:

• Car fire extinguishers: Look for extinguishers that are specifically designed for car fires and are rated for Class B fires (flammable liquids).
• Car fire blankets: Consider a car fire blanket that is made of heat-resistant materials and is designed to smother fires quickly.
• Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance.
• Keep the extinguisher or blanket in an easily accessible location, such as the glove compartment or trunk.

By following these safety precautions, dealing with the aftermath, and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of car fires and stay safe on the road.

Does car insurance cover me if my car catches fire?

Generally, if you have comprehensive car insurance or third party fire and theft car insurance then you are covered subject to your policy’s exclusions and limits.

You can call your insurer's emergency assistance number as soon as you get to safety and after calling emergency services. If your insurer provides this benefit, you may get a visit or a call from their emergency response team or claims officers, who will offer guidance on what to do after the accident, provide towing services and help you navigate the claims process.

If the fire was due to a collision, you should be careful not to admit any guilt or liability and do not offer a settlement to the other parties involved until authorities arrive on the scene.

Afterwards, you should make sure you have all the required documents to submit your claim. For instance, a police report, GIA accident report, insurer's surveyor's report and the Singapore Civil Defence Force's fire investigation report.

If you were injured, you should also submit a medical report. In the event your claim is successful, your insurer will either pay for repairs up to the market value of your car or pay the market value of your car in the event of total loss so that you can get a new car. However, you should be aware that you may suffer a drop in your NCD due to a claim made.

Footage of a car fire

Finally, check out this video from our partner Beh Chia Lor. A passing driver has captured the moment a car sets alight at traffic lights. See how quickly the fire gets out of control. It is crucial to have fire safety equipment, such as fire blankets, readily available in parking garages to manage car fire risks.

Car fires can and do happen, although thankfully they are rare. Make sure you are not left out of pocket. Get covered with Budget Direct Insurance.

Wherever you go, whatever you do, it’s vital to have good Car cover.
Check out Budget Direct Insurance for your best deal