Ri$k Happens: Holy smokes

Oct. 18, 2020 - By Mary Ann Gormly, CERP - Loss Analyst, ARA Insurance

The driver climbed up into the truck used by the rental store to make most of their deliveries. He put the key in the ignition and turned the key. Almost immediately he heard a loud pop and saw smoke and flames shoot out from under the hood of the truck.

He quickly climbed down and dialed 911. The fire department is just two miles away and they were in the rental yard within five minutes of the call.

The fire was extinguished, and the truck was towed to a repair shop. The claim adjuster reached out to the mechanic when the incident was reported to their insurance company.

The mechanic told the claim adjuster that the damage was severe, and it looks like the fire started in the battery box. The mechanic had not started repairs and awaited instruction from the claim adjuster and the rental store manager.

A cause and origin (C&O) investigation is needed to figure out how the fire started. The incident is under investigation and will be adjusted according to the wording in the rental store’s insurance policy.

This item, provided by ARA Insurance, Kansas City, Mo., contains safety tips and is intended to help readers better understand and manage risk. For more safety and risk management information, customers of ARA Insurance can log on to ReSource. Access is free, so if you haven’t signed up yet, contact your agent or call 800-821-6580.