3 Surprising Claims Car Insurance Covers

Automotive Blog

Car insurance companies cover you if you're in an accident. If you back your car into a pole, or hit another car, they can help pay for repairs, body damage, and medical bills. But did you know they may also cover things like windshield repair or vandalism? Here are three surprising claims insurance will cover:

1. Windshield Repair

Windshields are prone to damage. They are especially vulnerable to cracks. Cracks can happen from all kinds of hazards. Gravel flying from the road or off a truck, rocks bouncing off the road, or hail can all cause cracks. Wiper blades or even ice scrapers can also chip your windshield. When your windshield is damaged, the crack needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Windshield cracks can spread quickly and become bigger over time.

If the crack gets too big, the whole windshield will have to be replaced. Auto glass repair companies can repair the crack and stop it from spreading. They may also replace the whole windshield. Don't drive your car around because you think it will be expensive to repair the crack. Auto insurance companies will cover windshield repair.

If the entire windshield needs to be replaced, you pay your deductible, and the insurance company pays the rest. For a simple repair, there is often no cost to you, and the insurance company pays the full cost.

2. Vandalism

People can damage another person's property because they think it's funny or to be mean-spirited. Your car can be keyed or pelted with eggs. Your car can even be defaced with graffiti or obscene words. The scratches or graffiti can be expensive to fix. Scratches from keys can go beyond the layer of paint and damage the body itself.

Repairs for scratches this deep can cost as much as $2,000. It can be embarrassing to drive around with a vandalized car. But how can you afford to fix it? Many auto insurance companies include vandalism coverage under comprehensive. You file a claim, pay your deductible, and the insurance company pays the rest.

3. Accident Involving Animals

Animals are a hazard on the road. They can cause damage to cars due to the driver swerving to avoid hitting the animal. Larger animals such as deer or cows cause massive damage, sometimes even totaling the car. These animals can be more difficult to avoid and do not move out of the way of oncoming traffic.

You may not even worry about deer until you are involved in an accident with one. Deer alone are involved in 1.5 million car accidents every year. But, since accidents involving animals do not involve another driver, will car insurance cover you if you hit a deer? Yes. Many auto insurance companies offer coverage for accidents involving animals and wildlife.

While you probably know car insurance covers you if you are in an accident or collision, they also cover other types of claims, too. If your windshield cracks, your car is vandalized, or you hit an animal, you are covered.

26 October 2014