After seeing a friend’s engine bay catch fire, I installed a “BlazeCut” automatic fire suppression tube in my engine and a “Proteng” tube behind my electrical panel. Total cost: $600. When I renewed my insurance, I asked for a discount. The agent paused. “We have a discount for anti-theft… let me check on anti-fire.”
Key Takeaways
- Automatic Suppression works: Devices like BlazeCut or Fireboy automatically trigger when they sense heat, putting out engine/electrical fires before they consume the RV.
- Discounts are Hidden: Most insurers don’t advertise a “Fire Suppression Discount.” You have to ask for a “Safety Device” discount or frame it under “Protective Devices.”
- The ROI is Safety, Not Premium: The discount might only be 5% ($10/year). The real value is saving your $100,000 rig from burning to the frame.
- Agreed Value requires it: Some high-value Agreed Value policies (for rigs >$150k) require an automatic suppression system in the engine bay to bind coverage.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Total Loss Probability.”
RVs burn fast. Fiberglass and plywood are kindling. Once a fire starts, it’s usually a total loss. Insurance companies should love suppression systems, but their legacy systems often only have checkboxes for “Airbags” and “Alarm.”
You have to push the agent to find the “Other Safety Equipment” credit.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I called to see who gives credit for not burning down.
Foremost
- The Result: They offered a “Safety Equipment” discount. It applied to smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
- The Savings: About $12/year.
National General
- The Result: They were more interested. For a high-value diesel pusher, having an automatic suppression system helped lower the comprehensive deductible in the event of a fire (in some specific plans).
Roamly
- The Result: They didn’t have a specific button for “BlazeCut,” but the underwriter noted it favorably when approving a higher Agreed Value.
[IMAGE: Photo of a red BlazeCut tube installed zip-tied to the hood of a Sprinter van]
Comparison Table
| Device | Handheld Extinguisher | Automatic (BlazeCut/Proteng) |
| Action Required | Manual (Must be present) | Passive (Automatic) |
| Effectiveness | Low (if not home) | High (24/7) |
| Insurance Discount | Standard (Safety) | Custom (Ask agent) |
| Cost | $30 | $150 – $400 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Install Suppression in High-Risk Zones: Put one in the engine bay (fuel lines) and one behind the electrical power center (inverter/batteries).
- Keep the Receipts/Box: Scan the box showing the certification.
- Call Your Agent: Say: “I have installed a passive automatic fire suppression system. Do you have a discount for ‘Protective Devices’ or ‘Anti-Fire’ equipment?”
- Check Your Extinguishers: Recall check! Many Kidde extinguishers were recalled. Check the date on yours. If it’s >10 years old, it’s a paperweight.
FAQ
Do lithium batteries need special extinguishers?
Yes and no. Standard ABC extinguishers put out the material around the battery, but they can’t stop a Lithium thermal runaway (which creates its own oxygen). You just have to let it burn or use massive amounts of water.
Will the insurance company replace the BlazeCut if it goes off?
Yes. If there is a fire event and the system activates, the cost of the system is part of the claim (mitigation cost).
Is a smoke detector required for insurance?
Technically no, but if you don’t have one and die, that’s tragic. Also, having one qualifies you for the basic safety discount.