When Are Your Car Repairs Covered By Car Insurance?
When Are Your Car Repairs Covered By Car Insurance?
Insurance providers use complex estimate values to determine the car insurance premium you will pay. A layman does not fully understand the calculations. But most of us know the various actions that can lead to higher insurance rates or even cancellation of your insurance policy altogether. If you file too many claims, your insurance premium may increase while coverage may also decrease. There are many incidents where not filing a claim can be risky. Suppose, if the other driver gets hurt in the accident, then you must file a claim. Similarly, you will have no choice as the other driver will definitely insist on filing a claim with their insurer. If you or your passenger is hurt, you will probably also file a claim. Medical expenses associated with car accidents can be unpredictable and get out of hand immediately.

Non Accidental cover
When your car is damaged due to a collision, comprehensive insurance coverage can help with the cost of repairs. Comprehensive coverage generally provides protection against damages caused by perils such as
- Fire
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Natural disasters
- Falling objects
- Animal damage
Therefore, if you find that a tree has fallen on your hood or you are struck by an animal, comprehensive coverage can help pay for the cost of bodywork and mechanical repairs caused by the incident. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is optional. Also, keep in mind that you will be responsible for the deductible and there will be coverage limits.
Rental reimbursement coverage
If your car breaks down, car insurance will not cover the cost of the rental car. However, rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for the cost of a rental car after a covered claim. For example, if you need a car while you fix your car after an accident, this coverage helps pay for car rental or other transportation, such as bus or train fares. Sometimes called rental car coverage, this is an optional coverage that usually has limits.
What are the benefits of comprehensive insurance?
- A comprehensive insurance policy covers your car against theft, vandalism, fire, natural calamity issues on the car, damage caused by animals and civil unrest like riots. Your car is also covered for damage caused by a collision, whether it is your fault or not.
- All of the above should be covered, but you need to check the policy details in case there is exclusion.
- Conversely, if you have third-party insurance instead of a comprehensive policy, your cover provider will pay only in case of fire, theft and malicious damage.
- If the car repair is the result of a collision that is not your fault, you can claim for repairs. Your insurance company will make a claim against the insurance company of the person responsible for the accident.
Minor Repairs
- Most car insurance policies have an additional amount, which is the amount you have to pay for any claim. You can also lose any non-claim bonus if you make a claim.
- If the repair cost is less than the additional amount, it is not worth making an insurance claim. If the cost of repairs is just above the additional amount, it still may not be worth claiming as the reduction in the no claim discount along with the extra may cost you more than the repair.
Repairs Due To Parts Failing
- Although modern cars are reliable, parts can wear out or get damaged and a car insurance policy will not cover you for this. If the car is fairly new, it may still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and it will pay for repairs. If your warranty has expired, you can purchase an extended car warranty that will cover certain repairs.
Contact Insurance Company Before Arranging A Car Repair
- A car that isn’t safe to drive until repaired can be very inconvenient, especially if you rely on the vehicle for work or for other important things like taking the kids to school.
- However, don’t be tempted to arrange for a car repair if you want to make a money back claim on the insurance. If the car is heavily damaged, a claims assessor may need to inspect it before approving the repair. The appraiser may see that the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car, and this writes off the car. You will then receive an amount equal to the value of the car.
- Alternatively, the insurance company may insist that you take the car to its own approved car repairer. If you arrange for your car repair before the insurance company approve, they may refuse to pay.
What to do while you are waiting for a car repair?
Some policies will cover the use of a rental car while you are waiting for the car to be repaired. If not, and you need to use a car, you’ll need to either borrow one from friends or family or pay for a rental car.
If you borrow a car, make sure your insurance policy covers you to drive it. Not all policies do this, or you may find that you are only covered by third parties, which could make you liable for repairs resulting from an accident that was caused by your fault.
In short, ‘Will car insurance pay for car repairs?’ The answer to whether it depends on the terms and conditions of the policy – and the cause of damage. Make sure you read all your insurance documents carefully so that you are clear about what repairs you can claim.
Another option for some motorists to cover the cost of suitable repairs is a vehicle warranty.
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