Navigating car insurance can be tricky, especially when it comes to understanding what types of repairs are covered. At Scandinavian Coachcraft in Los Angeles, CA, we often get questions from our customers about when their car repairs will be covered by their insurance. Here’s a guide to help clarify some common scenarios.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
First, it’s important to understand the different types of car insurance coverage:
- Liability Coverage: This is typically required by law and covers damages to other vehicles or property if you’re at fault in an accident. However, it does not cover repairs to your own car.
- Collision Coverage: This covers repairs to your vehicle if you’re involved in a collision, regardless of who’s at fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damage to your car from non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This covers your repairs if you’re involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
When Are Repairs Covered?
Accidents
If you’re involved in an accident, the repairs to your vehicle will generally be covered under your collision coverage. If another driver is at fault, their liability insurance should cover your repair costs. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will kick in.
Vandalism and Theft
Damage from vandalism or theft is covered under comprehensive coverage. This includes broken windows, stolen parts, or any other damage caused by someone trying to steal your vehicle.
Natural Disasters
If your car is damaged by natural disasters such as hail, floods, or wildfires, comprehensive coverage will take care of the repairs. Given California’s susceptibility to wildfires and earthquakes, this type of coverage is highly recommended.
Animal Collisions
Collisions with animals, such as deer, are also covered under comprehensive coverage. If you hit an animal while driving, the repairs to your vehicle will be covered under this policy.
Falling Objects
Damage from falling objects, like tree branches or debris from trucks, is covered under comprehensive coverage. If your car gets damaged by something falling on it, you’ll need this coverage to get it repaired.
What’s Not Covered?
It’s equally important to know what’s not covered by standard car insurance policies:
- Mechanical Failures: Routine wear and tear or mechanical failures are not covered. These are considered maintenance issues and are the owner’s responsibility.
- Tire Damage: Unless tire damage is a result of an accident, it’s usually not covered by insurance.
- Non-Factory Modifications: Any custom modifications you make to your vehicle may not be covered unless you have specifically added this to your policy.
Deductibles and Limits
Keep in mind that most insurance policies have deductibles, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. There are also limits to what the insurance company will pay, which are defined in your policy.
Understanding when your car repairs are covered by insurance can save you a lot of stress and money. At Scandinavian Coachcraft in Los Angeles, CA, we’re here to help you navigate your insurance claims and get your car back on the road as quickly as possible. If you have any questions about your specific situation or need assistance with a repair, don’t hesitate to contact us.
For more information or to schedule a repair, give us a call or visit our website. We’re here to make the repair process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Scandinavian Coachcraft
Los Angeles, CA
Phone 310.479.5171
We are not an insurance agency. Please confirm all information and coverage with your carrier.