If you’re like most people, you probably think that your auto insurance policy covers everything. After all, it’s called “auto” insurance, right? Well, unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
Believe it or not, there are a number of things that your policy may not cover. With that in mind, let’s look at five surprising claims that your auto insurance company often won’t honor.
Accidents caused by someone else
While it’s important to have auto insurance in case of an accident, it’s important to know that not all accidents will be covered. For example, if you’re in an accident that’s caused by another driver, their insurance will be responsible for damages, not yours.
The same is true if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. In these cases, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company to cover the damages.
Fortunately, there are exceptions. For example, most Geico auto insurance policies come with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which will help pay for repairs if you’re in an accident with one of these drivers. However, it’s still a good idea to check with your insurer to see what exactly is covered before you get behind the wheel.
Damage to your car if it’s parked on the street
When it comes to auto insurance, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. One common misconception is that your insurance will cover damage to your car if it’s parked on the street. However, this is not the case. Most auto insurance policies only cover damage that occurs while the car is being driven.
So if your car is damaged while it’s parked on the street, you will likely have to pay for the repairs yourself. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as if your car is vandalized or stolen, but in general, auto insurance does not cover damage to your car if it’s parked on the street.
If you’re concerned about your car being damaged while it’s parked on the street, you may want to consider purchasing comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage will protect your car from damage caused by events like vandalism, theft, and weather conditions.
Towing and storage fees after an accident
When you get into an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to get your car towed and stored. Unfortunately, auto insurance doesn’t cover towing and storage fees. This can be a major expense, especially if your car needs to be towed a long distance.
There are a few ways to avoid this cost, however. First, you can add towing and storage coverage to your auto insurance policy. This will typically cost a few extra dollars per year and will cover the fees associated with having your car towed and stored after an accident. Another option is to join a roadside assistance program like AAA.
These programs usually offer discounts on towing and storage fees for members. Finally, you can always ask a friend or family member to help you out in the event of an accident. While it’s not ideal, it’s often cheaper than paying for a tow truck.
Replacement of a stolen or damaged key
Your auto insurance policy is designed to protect you from financial loss in the event of an accident. However, it does not cover everything. For example, most policies will not pay to replace a stolen or damaged key.
If your key is lost or stolen, you will need to contact a locksmith or dealer to have a new one made. If your key is damaged, you may be able to have it repaired by a qualified locksmith. In either case, you will be responsible for the full cost of replacing or repairing your key. Keep this in mind when you are deciding how much coverage you need.
Damage to your personal belongings in the car
Most auto insurance policies will cover damage to your car in the event of an accident, but they generally do not extend to your personal belongings. This means that if your car is totaled in a collision, your insurer will only reimburse you for the value of the vehicle, not for the contents of your trunk or backseat.
If you want to be sure that your possessions are protected in the event of an accident, you’ll need to purchase separate coverage from your auto insurer or from a standalone policy. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, this coverage can be invaluable if you ever find yourself in a serious car accident.
These are just a few of the things that your auto insurance policy doesn’t cover. It’s important to be aware of what is and isn’t covered by your policy so that you can be prepared in the event of an accident. If you have any questions about your coverage, be sure to contact your insurer. They will be able to give you the most accurate information about what is and isn’t covered by your policy.
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I learned the hard way about car getting damaged on the street. I came out one morning to find a huge scratch and dent in the rear side of my car. Insurance company refused to cover it because I didn’t have comprehensive. I feel stupid because comprehensive is pretty cheap. Now I make sure I always have comprehensive