What happens if my car is destroyed because of a recall issue?
In a recall notice, BMW says that a starter motor issue may cause the vehicle to catch fire, even when not in use. If this were to happen and severely damage or write off the car, what would be the position of the insurers? They would be aware of the recall and might be of the view that the car should not be in use until repaired. BMW is offering no firm commitment on replacement dates so this could drag on for a long time.
Asked on 1 December 2025 by Belch
Answered by
David Ross
If the car were to be damaged or destroyed by fire and the cause could be traced to a fault that is under recall, it could be argued that BMW would be partly or wholly liable for the damage. In this event we would expect the insurer to take action on your behalf in order to reclaim their costs from BMW, but you may wish to check the terms and conditions of your policy or contact them directly for specific guidance.
Tags:
recalls
vehicle recalls
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