Purchasing a car or truck is a major investment, one that must be protected by the right insurance policy. It’s also crucial for drivers to understand their policies and how they afford protection. Not every instance of damage will be covered, which means that you may end up paying for repairs out of pocket. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to auto insurance coverage.
What Car Insurance Covers
The first thing to consider is the type of insurance coverage you have. For instance, liability coverage pays for damage to other vehicles when you’re responsible for an accident. You must have collision and comprehensive coverage to ensure that your vehicle is protected by insurance, regardless of who is at fault. In this case, collision insurance pays for damage caused by car accidents, while comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damage (think theft or vandalism).
Next, you must consider which perils are covered by collision and comprehensive insurance. While the details can vary from policy to policy, car accidents, damage caused by animals, criminal activity, falling objects, fire, and other events are typically covered by auto insurance policies. If you’re not sure, consult your policy documents for a detailed description of covered perils.
What It Does Not Cover
If you only have liability coverage, which is the only form of mandatory insurance, damage to your vehicle will not be covered. If you do have collision and/or comprehensive coverage, keep in mind that only sudden, unexpected events are usually covered by insurance. These are the covered perils listed in your policy.
Damage caused by lack of maintenance, which is fully preventable, is usually not covered by insurance. For example, failing to service your brakes can result in a serious crash. If the insurer can determine that brake failure caused the accident, and that the brakes failed because you didn’t maintain them as needed, it’s likely that damage will not be covered. Any damage that results from criminal activity, such as DUI, is also not covered.
If you’ve experienced a car accident in Las Cruces and need help navigating the insurance process, turn to our team at ABC Paint & Body. We have extensive knowledge of insurance repairs, so we’re always happy to help customers navigate the process. We also offer a wide range of automotive services, from collision repair to brake service. Schedule an appointment at our shop today by calling 575-524-2004. You can also contact us for more information.
