There are more than 30,000 vehicle crashes every year involving upwards of 50,000 vehicles. These are attributable to different causes, from dangerous roads affected by weather to distracted driving or basic driver error. In almost every case, insurance policies pay for repairs based on who is at fault.
But what about incidents where there is no crash and does not involve another driver? Does car insurance cover non-accident repairs? These are complex questions with different answers, depending on the circumstances and the type of insurance you have.
The good news is that, once you understand the type of policies that cover non-accident damage to your car, you will know if you are covered (or not). Keep reading to find out more.
Does Car Insurance Cover Non-Accident Repairs?
The easiest way to answer “When does car insurance cover non-accident repairs?” is to look at each type of policy that can come into play. Here are the main ones to consider.
Collision Insurance
The first thing to look at when answering “What does auto insurance cover?” is your collision policy. You probably already know that there are different types of car insurance for distinct situations. Liability coverage pays for third-party damage that results from the fault of the policyholder.
Collision insurance covers repairs to your own vehicle in that situation. Although policies can differ, in general, this covers most circumstances, including theft and weather damage (anything that is not another driver’s fault).
With most policies, liability and collision insurance do not cover regular wear and tear on the vehicle. If your car breaks down, has a flat tire, or has paint that is fading, most insurance plans would not cover that.
However, there are exceptions. Say you hit a pothole, and a few days later, your vehicle is out of alignment. You may not be able to prove that the incident caused the damage, yet there is a reasonable case to be made.
In many instances, the insurance company may consider that an “accident.” They would then cover the resulting damage as if it was from another type of crash. The best way to find this out is to contact your insurance company––it never hurts to ask.
Comprehensive Insurance
If you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle, it should cover non-accident damage. In fact, comprehensive policies are designed to protect against all types of damage that are not a result of a collision with another vehicle. This includes theft, vandalism, falling objects, and damage from weather events like hail or fire.
Like other insurance plans, comprehensive policies can have exclusions. It is important to read the fine print of your policy to determine if it covers your vehicle under particular circumstances.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Some insurance companies offer special policies that cover non-accident repairs. These are called “mechanical breakdown insurance.” They are an extra layer of insurance bundled with your basic policy.
These are very similar to car warranties, with rates based on the age and mileage of your car. Also, most policies may have some restrictions, such as exclusions for routine maintenance like oil changes and air filter replacement. Otherwise, they would cover non-accident damage repairs to your car.
Learn More About Auto Insurance and Non-Accident Repairs
Now that you have an answer to the question, “Does car insurance cover non-accident repairs?” you can determine the best course forward. With a little bit of time and effort, you will have your car back to its original state.
Libermick Auto Body is a full-service collision repair facility. We provide high-quality auto repairs and will work with your insurance company to get them covered. Reach out to us today to schedule service or with any questions you might have.