Yes, auto insurance companies include particular non-accident repairs for a comprehensive car insurance policy. This type of coverage is responsible for paying for non-accident repairs when there is no collision involved. For regular wear and tear of the vehicle, you are responsible. Let’s take a brief rundown of the non-accident events.
Non-accident events included in comprehensive insurance coverage
Some of the events that the comprehensive insurance includes are:
- Fire damage
- Vehicle theft damage
- Damage from animals
- Natural disasters such as floods hail or storms
- Falling objects
- Vandalism
- Protests
- Riots
- Poor road conditions such as potholes
You can regard theft and vandalism as intentional. However, natural disasters can occur randomly, and no one can control them. In any case, your vehicle must be repaired after the event.
Your auto insurance company may also provide for non-accident damage. However, there is a condition that the vehicle must not be involved in any collision. Furthermore, the insurance carrier will not cover any vehicle repair damage that has occurred due to mechanical failure.
If you need assistance, a San Antonio car accident lawyer can review your case to ensure the potentially liable parties are identified. They can also work hard to give you a better chance of a good settlement amount.
Is a car warranty a good option?
In some circumstances, you may need to repair a vehicle owing to mechanical malfunction, even if you have not faced any accident. A vehicle warranty may prove to be useful in these situations. When you purchase a new car, they include a guarantee for repairing the vehicle if some mechanical breakdown occurs in a particular time frame.
You may even consider taking extended warranties when the original warranty is no longer available. These are helpful in cases when the failure of a vehicle occurs or other exclusions. Therefore, it is always advisable to thoroughly read the terms and conditions before choosing the warranties. Some of the other warranties that may be ideal for you are:
- Comprehensive warranty
- Power train warranty
- Corrosion warranty
- Emissions warranty
- Hybrid component warranty
- Electric vehicle (EV) component warranty
- Restraint systems warranty
- Extended warranty
What is collision insurance?
When you have collision insurance coverage, it covers all vehicle repairs after a collision. However, you may also claim for non-accident repairs.
Suppose you have damaged your car after you hit a pothole. In this case, the event is not regarded as a crash. However, collision insurance would cover the cost of damages for instances such as these.
How is mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) beneficial?
Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is also popularly known as car repair insurance. It provides an additional layer of protection. You can consider it more like a car warranty cover that is allowing you to pay for the repair expenses after a sudden breakdown.
MBI insurance coverage includes routine maintenance, and you can go for repairs with any repair shop that is licensed. It also includes the following:
- New brakes
- Engine parts
- New transmission
- Alternator replacement
- Cooling system
- Fuel system
- Steering components
- Air conditioning
You should choose MBI if you think that this insurance policy can prove to be valuable for you. Mechanical breakdown insurance is especially good for new vehicles.
However, it is based on the age of the vehicle and other restrictions including mileage. You can renew the insurance coverage for as long as you want it. It covers mechanical repairs, but you have to pay some deductibles.
Does car insurance cover wear and tear?
Whether it is comprehensive car insurance or collision insurance, insurance will not cover the wear and tear of the vehicle. These repairs require regular maintenance of the vehicle.
In simple words, the vehicle requires maintenance over time. You are responsible for these kinds of repairs. Insurance companies are only responsible for paying for what happened unexpectedly, not what is your responsibility.
Car insurance may not cover the following:
- Mechanical failures
- Faulty repairs
- Maintenance service
- Rust damage
Therefore, you must understand all the limitations of the type of car insurance policy you choose.
Who is held liable for non-accident damage?
It does not mean that if your vehicle was damaged in non-accident, you cannot sue someone. It may vary based on circumstances.
Parties that can be held liable for the non-accident damage are:
- The trucking or construction company may be held responsible for the objects that fell or any machine malfunction that caused damages.
- Authorities responsible for taking care of road conditions can be held liable for potholes.
- Security companies may also be responsible when they fail to keep thieves from a certain specific area.
- Individuals responsible for causing theft, rioting, and vandalism may also be held liable.
The road to getting reimbursement can be long and difficult, so Khattar Law P.C. is available to review your case if you’ve been in a car accident. Find out whether you qualify for an injury claim by calling us today!