... about Auto Insurance and Auto Safety.

Okay, yesterday's question was pretty tough. This one will be much easier. I think.

You carry the following coverages on your 2004 MINI Cooper S:

Comp 250
Collision 500

You're driving down The Dragon and, suddenly, your engine catches on fire. The fire grows quickly and engulfs the car. You lose control of the car, leave the road, and strike some trees.

How much of the damages are you going to have to pay ?

 

On one hand, I'd say $250, because the car was already at total loss by the time you lost control, but, I can see some insurance companies claiming $500 because the car did collide with a tree in the end. The fire itself would have totaled the car and be covered by comprehensive, but the collision with the tree would be under collision, even through the car was already "totaled" by the fire, just before hitting the tree.

So I think it should be $250, but wouldn't be surprised if the insurance company demand $500.

 

I'd think $250.

 

It doesnt matter cause you are dead. If the car is completely in flames before it hits the tree that means you didnt have time to get out.

Seriously, i would say 250, considering that is most likely a total this makes the most sense.

 

However, if the tree were in motion, it should be a comp claim.

I'm going to say... $250 for the comp deductible.

 

Would I be alive in this scenerio??? I think it would be $250...

 

Well, I was going to guess at 250, but looks as if everyone has the same thought, so I will go with 500, cause what fun is getting the right answer if nobody guessed the wrong answer?

I think insurance might say, "what came first, the chicken or the egg"

 

comp $250

 

My Insurance co. Nationwide, the ones who claim "we're on your side" would want me to pay $750. $250 for the comp damage plus $500 for the collision

 

+1

 

Why would an engine fire cause you to lose control? Don't panic, just get on the brakes and stop as quickly as possible. Takes about 5 seconds. Or maybe the loss of control was due to driving with hands at 10 and 2 instead of 8 and 4 . . . It's a joke CR&PW&JB, it's a joke!

My guess is $250 if (probably a big IF) the insurance company agrees that the fire was the cause of going off the road, since anything that happened after the fire was a result and thus the collision is immaterial.

 

I, too, will answer $250. I would argue that the fire was the proximate cause of the loss, as it caused the collision.

 

If no one saw it happen.

Nothing.

Just walk away and be thankful you lived. Go buy another Mini and keep them folks at Oxford working.

 

I'd say both. he engine fire was not the proximate cause of the collision; driver error was.

 

You'll be taken into custody for suspicion of arson for starting the forest fire.

 

Hahahahaha

 

They're only on your side because that's where the money is.

edit: I vote $500 - unless it was engulfed in flames, an engine fire is not necessarily a total.


PSA - if you crash your mom's Audi by running over a curb and ripping out the oil pan, don't try to start the car afterwards, as the fuel pump may not be disabled, and instead of starting, it may burst into flames. Yes, I saw it happen. No, it wasn't me.

 

Okay, I'm going to answer this one a little before 9:00 tonight because, A) I'm tired, and B) I want to settle in to watch Monday Night Football.

I guess I was right when I said this was an easy one. Most of you that ventured a guess got this one right. The answer is $250.

This is a Comprehensive claim. The fire was the proximate cause of the damage (those of you who used the word "proximate" in your answer, give yourself a bonus point).

Had you hit the tree and then your car burst into flames from the impact, that would be a Collision claim, of course.

And for those of you who said your Insurance Company would have you pay both the comp AND the collision deductible... find another insurance company.

Thanks to all for playing "What Do You Know".