When most people think of auto insurance claims, they automatically think of repairing damage that occurred due to a car accident or in the case of your vehicle being stolen. However there are many other situations that are covered by your auto insurance policy. If you are planning to have repairs done on your car, take a moment and review your policy to find out if it might be covered by your auto insurance policy.
Eligible Auto Insurance Claims
If you have full coverage auto insurance, the claims listed below should be included in your policy. However, before taking action be sure to check your policy or contact your insurer. These are some of the surprising, but covered car insurance claims that you might not be aware of.
- Windshield chip repair: If you carry comprehensive auto insurance coverage, which includes glass on your policy, your auto insurance company will typically pay the cost of repairing a chipped windshield. Many companies do not even charge a deductible for this type of repair, because they know that by doing it, they will reduce the chances that the chip will turn into a cracked windshield, which is a much more costly claim.
- Weather damage: Comprehensive auto insurance coverage also covers claims that arise from severe weather. If damage to your car is from hail, wind, flood or even wildfire, your policy should cover the cost of repair.
- Vandalism: If your vehicle has been the target of vandalism acts, such as being spray painted or scratched up, your comprehensive coverage will pay for the cost of a paint job.
- Injuries while riding in another car: If you happen to be injured while you are the passenger in someone else's vehicle and their insurance is insufficient to cover your expenses, you can make a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Being hit by a car: If you have been hit by a car, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also take over. You may also be able to make claims against your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
- Rental car use: Many policies will extend full coverage protection from your vehicle to any vehicle you rent or even borrow. This may vary from state to state and insurer to insurer, so be sure to check with the insurer you use before renting a car.
Knowing When To File A Claim
If you are in doubt about whether or not something is covered under your car insurance, the best thing to do is check. Simply call your insurer, provide your policy number and ask whether the situation you are facing is covered or not.
Auto Insurance After An Accident
When looking for a great full coverage policy to cover all the many mishaps that can occur with your vehicle, put our online auto insurance quote tool to work for you.