Water damage is one of the worst things that can happen to a vehicle. Both the car's exterior and interior can become compromised by bad weather and other misfortunes. Here's a look at how to make sure you carry the right car insurance coverage to ensure it's protected from the wet winter season.
Comprehensive insurance, when included in an auto insurance policy, covers a wide spectrum of risks involving automobiles, including flooding. Heavy rainfall can cause areas where vehicles are parked to become flooded, which is typically covered.
Leaks are viewed by the insurance industry as maintenance issues the car owner must realize. In some cases, comprehensive insurance might pay for sudden water damage from heavy rain, but slow leaks fall under the owner's maintenance responsibility. It's unlikely your insurer will pay for slow leaks that could have been easily fixed early on.
Leaving car windows rolled down during a storm without protective covering can cause expensive damage to the interior. This most likely would be covered unless it was done on purpose.
Comprehensive car insurance coverage often covers damage caused by hail including windshields. Sometimes the force is so strong it can crack your windshield or windows, which allows more water damage to occur inside your vehicle. Check the exclusions in your policy and ask your insurance agent how much a comprehensive policy covers in terms of damage caused by natural disasters.
Comprehensive insurance, when included in your auto policy, may pay for many risks not covered in a personal auto policy that does not include this coverage, but it still has limitations that should not be taken for granted. It probably doesn't pay for water damage to removable equipment, such as a stereo system.
Be aware that comprehensive insurance comes with a deductible, which is the amount you'll pay out of pocket.
Another major concern when shopping for an auto insurance plan is whether the policy limits match your needs as a driver. Each state requires a certain amount of liability coverage for all drivers. If you finance your vehicle through a loan, you may be required to carry collision and comprehensive auto coverage until the loan is paid off.
At Tompkins Insurance Agencies, we help you customize your car insurance coverage to address your needs and what is required. Contact us today to learn more about getting the right coverage to protect the value of your vehicle.
Tompkins Insurance Agencies has been helping families and businesses with insurance strategies and solutions to protect their assets and manage their risks.
