Riots: what to do if your car is set on fire?

Heaps of charred irons. The death of young Nahel set several neighborhoods in France ablaze. Several cars were set on fire during clashes between individuals and the police. Stunned, local residents found their charred vehicle, ravaged by flames. But then, what to do in this situation? Is it possible to get compensation? If so, what procedure should be followed?

Above all, you must have fire cover to hope to be properly compensated. This protection, which is optional and which is therefore not always present in automobile insurance contracts, makes it possible to cover the damage caused by a fire or an explosion on a vehicle. The guarantee compensates you provided that the damage is of accidental or criminal origin.

If you have this coverage, the most important thing is to act quickly. After observing the damage, you only have five days to send a claim report to your insurance company. This must take the form of a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. It must include all the elements of the claim, which will be analyzed by an automotive expert responsible for assessing the extent of the damage. The insurer relies on this analysis to reimburse the repair costs. If the car is completely destroyed, the compensation will be up to the value of your vehicle at the last Argus. At the same time, it is imperative to file a complaint at the police station for the procedure to be successful. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your insurer.

There are certain possibilities for those who have not taken out fire cover. If your income is less than 25,335 euros per year, it is possible to apply to the Compensation Commission for Victims of Infraction (CIVI). This compensation nevertheless caps the maximum reimbursement at 4341 euros. It is also possible to contact your prefecture, and make a complaint there, invoking the responsibility of the State. In any case, filing a complaint is important. Indeed, this will allow you to pay the costs of moving and destroying the carcass, which will end up being scrapped in the event of irreparable damage.