Car was near a garage fire - what do we need to look out for?

dtaylorl wrote: ↑ A few days ago our neighbor's large garage burned down (fortunately everyone is okay). A few nearby cars had their windows blown out by the heat and got wrecked pretty bad - totaled I'm sure. Ours was in our parking pad a little farther away, but not much. We looked it over pretty good to see if there was anything melted, etc. and it seemed fine. But when we took it through the car wash to get the ash off, water came pouring through part of the roof. Not really sure how or where it came in, but I'm assuming probably a melted seal?

Are there other things we should be looking out for to determine if the fire caused any damage to the vehicle? Do you think it's worth contacting insurance? Where do I go to ask about fixing a leaky roof anyway - mechanic or autobody shop?

booblehead wrote: ↑What about visible damage on …

Windows and windshield
Tires
Paint

spike1128 wrote: ↑Better to report to insurance and see if they will pay for the inspection and also pay for the repairs.

engineered wrote: ↑ Yea, sounds like a seal may have melted. Do you have a sunroof?
If you don't see any visible damage, then you should be OK. Make sure to take a close look a the tires, window seals, door handles, badges, door trim, and door seals, etc.
The dealer should be able to fix your car. I think you should claim against your neighbour's insurance.

dtaylorl wrote: ↑ All looks visually fine.


Thanks. I'm also hesitant to go through insurance if I don't have to because I don't want to increase our premium. But as a comprehensive claim this shouldn't in theory affect that, right?


There is a sunroof, which I wondered about. The water isn't coming in right near the sunroof, but I suppose it could travel a bit through the roof until it finds an easier place to come out? I hadn't realized claiming against the neighbour's insurance might be an option... anyone here that has done that before that can share any tips from their experience?

UrbanPoet wrote: ↑ Oh that sucks. Glad everyone is okay.
Do you know how the fire started?