Spontaneous combustion reminds Chinese drivers of insurance

With several high-profile auto fires in the news recently, car drivers are being reminded of the importance of insuring themselves against such a disaster.

Many car owners are not aware that their compulsory insurance package has one extra perk: it covers against damage related to vehicular deterioration.

Reports from outside of Beijing have been detailing the spontaneous combustion of automobiles out on the road due to the recent heat wave that has blanketed much of the country. While cars are constantly "combusting" to move, this type of combustion destroys the whole vehicle when it catches fire.

"This usually happens to older vehicles," said Chen Wei, an auto mechanic. "The car is unkempt and the wires become faulty, when the hot faulty wiring touches oil, it sets off a fire."

When a person buys a new car in China, the owner is prompted to purchase an all-inclusive insurance policy for the vehicle for the first year.

After the first year, the owner can choose to purchase all-inclusive insurance or just the basic accident and damage insurance.


Most drivers tend not to purchase the more expensive plans after the first year is over and opt out of the vehicle deterioration insurance.

Full stroy