Diwali And Your Car: How To Protect It From Firecracker Damage

A young car owner woke up the morning after Diwali a couple of years back to a sight that made his heart sink. His brand-new SUV, parked just outside his apartment, was marred with scorch marks. A stray rocket had landed squarely on the bonnet, melting the paint. Across the street, a neighbour's windshield had a jagged crack - a chakri gone astray.

The repair estimate? Rs 63,000. But more than the repair bill, it was the stress that weighed on him. He had comprehensive insurance, but he hadn't checked if it covered firecracker damage. Suddenly, the festive excitement gave way to phone calls, forms, and long waits for surveyors. What should have been a joyful morning felt like a tangle of bureaucracy.

Across the country, this isn't unusual. During Diwali week, vehicle damage claims jump nearly 23 per cent, and nearly 40 per cent of them involve firecrackers. In just five days, cars face more risk than during most of the year, but most owners are caught off guard, learning the hard way that celebration and caution must go hand in hand.

Understanding Your Coverage

Here's the good news: comprehensive car insurance usually covers accidental damage, including burns, cracks, and scratches from fireworks. But there's a caveat: most policies have a deductible. For minor damage, sometimes it's wiser to pay out of pocket rather than lose your No Claim Bonus (NCB), which can save up to 50 per cent on the next year's premium.

"Insurance is a safety net, but only if you understand it," says Venkatesh Naidu, CEO at BajajCapital Insurance Broking Ltd. "Read the fine print, know your deductible, and understand your NCB. A little preparation before Diwali saves a lot of stress later."

Prevention: Your First Line of Defence

Insurance helps after the fact, but prevention is your best ally.

Park Smart: If possible, move your car to a covered spot or basement. If street parking is unavoidable, pick a space away from balconies and typical firework launch points.

Cover It Up: A thick cotton or fire-resistant car cover (₹800–2,500) can protect against minor burns and ash.

Seal All Openings: Make sure windows, sunroofs, and vents are tightly shut. Even a tiny stray rocket sneaking inside can leave a big, expensive mark.

These small, simple precautions often save more headaches and money than insurance ever could.

If Something Happens

Capture It All: Take clear photos and videos of the damage, the surroundings, and any leftover firecrackers. A timestamp helps later.

Hold Off on Repairs: Let the insurance surveyor see the damage first. Cleaning or trying to fix it yourself can create complications or even void your claim.

Call Your Insurer Quickly: Most policies ask for notification within 24–48 hours. Keep a record of every call, message, or email - it makes the process smoother when it's time to claim.

For bigger damage, you might need to file a police report before the insurer can process your claim. Deciding whether to claim or pay out of pocket often comes down to your No Claim Bonus and the repair cost. For smaller fixes, say under Rs 15,000, sometimes it's smarter to handle it yourself. It keeps your insurance benefits intact and can save you money in the long run.

A Lesson Learned

The next Diwali, the car owner parked his vehicle in the basement, invested in a sturdy car cover, and read his entire insurance policy. The lights went up, rockets soared, and his car remained untouched.

Festivals are meant for celebration, not stress. A little preparation ensures your car stays as bright as the diyas, and your mind stays just as calm.

This Diwali, protect what you've worked hard for. Prevention costs less than repairs, and peace of mind is priceless.