You Hit WHAT? Accidents Your Car Insurance Will and Will Not Cover

Accidents happen, and they’re never fun. They’re even less fun when you find out your insurance won’t cover the damage. Read the following examples to learn what types of accidents are typically covered, and find out how you can avoid getting into a wreck that will leave you footing the bill for devastating property damage and medical expenses.

Your policy should typically cover

Here are a few scenarios that could typically be covered by car insurance:

An honest mistake causes you to collide with another driver.

Whether your view was obstructed as you were pulling out of the drive-thru or you just couldn’t stop in time after the car in front of you slammed on the brakes – these types of accidents typically are covered by your liability coverage. This type of protection can help cover the other party’s property damage and medical bills resulting from any accident caused by you. Your medical payments coverage can likely be used to cover your own medical bills and those of your passengers.

A friend crashed your car.

Many insurers offer “permissive use” coverage, which offers protection even if you are not the one operating the vehicle when it is involved in an accident. However, it’s still wise to double check with your provider to find out whether you’ve got this type of coverage before handing over your keys.

Your car hydroplanes and you collide with the median.

If your policy includes collision coverage, your provider should typically offer some financial help if you get into this type of accident. This type of protection can typically be applied if your vehicle collides with any object on the roadway (excluding animals such as deer) to help you cover the costs of repairing property damage to your car. Collision coverage, though optional, is a good choice for most drivers.

Your policy probably won’t cover

Here are a few instances where you’d likely be on your own:

Road rage.

If you cause intentional damage to yours or someone else’s property as a result of road rage, it’s a safe bet that your insurance won’t pick up the tab. In fact, in addition to covering the costs out of pocket, you’ll likely see your rates go through the roof. Keep your temper under control when you’re behind the wheel and remember to follow basic road safety rules. Avoid tailgating, shooting other drivers dirty looks or gestures and trying to pass in difficult circumstances.

Your car was being used for business.

If you get into an accident while delivering a product for your home business or during any other business-related use, you better have a separate commercial vehicle policy. If you use your car or separate commercial vehicles for your business, work with a licensed agent to make sure you’ll be covered when you need it.

Accidents that occur when the vehicle is being used without permission.

If a friend takes your hot rod out for a spin without your permission, then subsequently drives into a fire hydrant, you might be out a friend and out of luck. However, you can likely receive some support if you’ve purchased comprehensive coverage and can prove the car was stolen (either by a stranger or a friend) and subsequently damaged.

Every insurance policy is different; check with your licensed agent to find out exactly what you are and aren’t covered against should you get into an accident such as one of these.

Source: AutoInsurance