If you’ve got a driver’s license, you might just have a car to go with it. It’s kind of a peanut butter and jelly situation. But if you have a car, there’s something else you’ll need. It’s something that can protect your car and you financially in the event of an accident. You know, it’s a thing that you pay for, it comes with a policy…You guessed it, it’s car insurance. Take this chance to test your car insurance know-how with these auto insurance FAQs.
10 auto insurance FAQs
If a friend drives my car, are they covered by my car insurance?
Car insurance is usually connected to the car itself, so your friend should be covered by your policy if you lend them your car from time to time. However, you should remember that auto insurance isn’t just about the car – it’s about the main driver, too. If your friend starts needing your car a lot and ends up driving it more than you do, you may want to have them added to your policy so you can avoid sticky complications down the road – pun intended.
What if I borrow a friend’s car and get into an accident?
Now, what about the reverse situation? Maybe you end up borrowing a friend’s car…but then you get into an accident. What happens? Well, their insurance would likely be up first to take care of the damage, since car insurance typically follows the vehicle. But there’s a catch – your insurance might come into play if the friend’s insurance is exhausted. So, if your friend doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damage, your insurance might be on the hook.
What if my stuff is stolen from the car?
As far as auto insurance FAQs go, this one surprises people a lot.
No, your car insurance will not cover your personal belongings if they’re stolen from the car. However, your home insurance or renters insurance might – these policies typically have coverage for personal property, and that coverage generally follows your belongings wherever they happen to be. (A tip is that you may want to consider getting replacement cost coverage for your belongings so that you can replace your things at today’s prices.) If you’re going to file a claim, however, you need to remember your deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay if you have a claim. Unless some really expensive stuff is stolen from your car, you may not hit your deductible amount.
If I have a teenager who has left for college, do they still need to be on the family car insurance policy?
Yes, they do. Though they may not be living at home, they’ll be able to drive the family car when they visit on breaks. They’ll still have access to the car, so they need to be on the policy. However, the good news is that you may be able to get a discount if the college is a certain distance away from your home (i.e. 100 miles away). Of course, you have to check with your carrier.
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What happens if an uninsured driver totals my car?
There are a couple of different options here. If you have collision coverage, that could help you cover the costs of repairing or replacing your car. Remember, this is the coverage that could help you get your vehicle fixed if you’re involved in an accident or collide with something. Or if you have uninsured motorist property damage coverage, that could help you out. Aren’t auto insurance FAQs fun?
What if I’m sued by the other driver if I cause an accident?
Most states require drivers to carry liability insurance (bodily injury liability and property damage liability). And that coverage means that your insurance company defends you against a lawsuit, up to the limit on your policy. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you have enough car insurance.
If I have rental reimbursement coverage, am I covered if I take my car to a shop for mechanical repairs?
Nope. Your rental reimbursement coverage only covers you for the cost of the rental car if your vehicle is being repaired due to an accident or another covered loss. So, sorry, but you’re out of luck when it comes to a rental car if you’re just taking your car to the shop because of a mechanical issue.
If sound-receiving equipment is stolen, is it covered?
The thing is that most car insurance policies exclude media-players and other sound-transmitting or receiving equipment used in a vehicle. (And that likely includes iPods.) You may, however, be able to add coverage for your stereo or media equipment.
Do I have the right coverage?
This one makes our list of auto insurance FAQs because having the appropriate coverage, limits, and deductible is a really important thing. Our team can help you go over your financial situation and your, well, driving/car situation to help you make sure you have the proper coverage for you and your family.
In case you were wondering, here are a few common (and helpful) coverages that can protect you financially:
Bodily injury liability: If you cause a car crash, this can help you cover the cost of the other driver’s medical expenses, lost wages, and so on.
Property damage liability: If you cause a car crash, this can help you cover the cost of the repairs of the other driver’s vehicle.
Collision coverage: This can help you cover the repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident or by a, well, collision with something.
Comprehensive coverage: This can help you cover the repairs of your car if it’s damaged by something other than an accident. Losses that are typically covered include theft, falling objects, fire, vandalism, or animal strikes.
Underinsured/uninsured motorist: This can help you if you’re hit by a driver without insurance or without enough insurance to cover the damages of the accident.
Rental reimbursement: This can help you cover the cost of a rental car if your car needs to be in the shop due to an accident.
Does car insurance cover my car?
If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, your vehicle can be protected against certain losses. If you only carry liability insurance, your car wouldn’t be covered if something happens to it.
So, those are a few auto insurance FAQs! If you need some car insurance quotes, we would be happy to help. Get in touch by filling out our online form, giving us a call, or messaging us on LiveChat.
