Four Common Issues That May Not Be Covered Under Your Insurance
The worst thing that can happen following an accident or incident is discovering that you aren't covered. There are many common issues that can occur with your vehicle that will fall in a coverage gap—and they may not be immediately intuitive. In many situations, you may have to purchase additional coverage for these items.
1. Household Drivers
Every person in your household who drives your vehicle will need to be covered under your policy. If someone in your household is driving your car and they get into an accident, they won't automatically be covered. This is often unexpected for people, since other drivers—such as friends and family who don't live in the same household—are generally covered. This is to prevent households from failing to list all the drivers of the car.
2. Vehicle Modifications
If a car has been substantially modified from its original make, it may not be covered any longer. There are a variety of modifications that may not be covered, such as a more powerful engine or even darker tint on the windows. Whenever you make a modification to your vehicle, you should both make sure that it is legal in your area and connect with your insurance agent to update your policy. Some alterations may increase your premium.
3. Theft From the Car
Auto insurance is generally intended to protect you in the event that your car is stolen. It's not designed to protect you for items stolen from your vehicle, though it may protect you from damage that occurred during the theft. As an example, a thief could break your car window and steal your car radio and your laptop. The window and radio would be covered, but the laptop might not be. On the other hand, the items stolen from your car might be covered by either your renter's insurance or your homeowner's insurance.
4. Accidents While Working
If you're using your vehicle for commercial purposes—such as for a ride sharing service—you need to have special insurance. Your personal insurance isn't going to cover an accident that occurs while you're working. Driving to and from work generally is covered, however. Reporting business usage of your vehicle will increase your premiums, but it will also ensure coverage.
If you're not certain what your insurance policy covers, you may want to call your insurance agent. They can advise you on getting the appropriate coverage for your situation. For more information, contact insurance agency such as AALL Insurance.
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