Be careful, flames! Causes and tips for vehicle fires in the Ilm district

Be careful, flames! Causes and tips for vehicle fires in the Ilm district

The vehicle fires in the Ilm district have caused a stir in recent months. According to recent reports from insuedthueringen.de There were a total of eight fires between January 1st and July 15th, 2025, affecting seven cars and one truck. Particularly alarming: an incident occurred on Monday morning on Thöreyer Landstrasse.

The Ilmenau fire department was on duty in all cases and successfully extinguished the fires. But what is actually behind these frequent vehicle fires? The causes are diverse. Technical defects, accidents or external influences such as burning cigarettes and even arson are cited as the main causes dieversicherunger.de reported.

The financial consequences of a vehicle fire

A vehicle fire can not only have devastating effects in the truest sense of the word, but can also put a heavy burden on your wallet. In 2022, motor vehicle insurers registered around 12,200 car fires. Almost 93 million euros were paid out for the damage, with the average cost of a fire-damaged vehicle being over 7,600 euros. Statistically speaking, more than 33 cars with comprehensive insurance burn every day.

The nights around New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are particularly affected by vehicle fires, where the risk of fire increases compared to other times of the year. Partially comprehensive insurance covers such damage, while fully comprehensive insurance covers additional services but affects the no-claims bonus. Statutory motor vehicle liability insurance does not provide any benefits for damage caused by vehicle fires.

Fire hazard of electric cars

In the context of the discussion about vehicle fires, electric cars, which are currently receiving a lot of attention, must also be addressed. According to information from gdv.de In 2023, more than 14,200 cars with comprehensive insurance, both combustion engines and electric cars, burned in Germany. The statistics show that there is no significant difference in fire risk between electric cars and conventional vehicles as long as they are properly built.

An important focus is on the safety of batteries in electric vehicles. Battery problems, particularly thermal runaway, can result in fires that are difficult to extinguish. Firefighters often need special tactics to fight such fires, which is not as easy as many people think. Extinguishing strategies must be adapted because the battery in electric vehicles reacts differently than in gasoline or diesel cars.

However, safety measures for electric cars have improved. Modern technologies and regulations help minimize fire risks. It is also recommended that you always have a fire extinguisher in your vehicle to save lives and avoid property damage in an emergency. The vehicle fires develop quickly and, if not extinguished in time, can spread to other vehicles or buildings.

Given these challenges, it is crucial for drivers to not only ensure safe vehicles, but also to be aware of their insurance coverage. Choosing the right car insurance can make a big difference in an emergency.