Auto Insurance And Shocks Damage: What's Covered?

Potholes can cause a lot of damage to your car, from messing with your steering system to wrecking your shocks and struts. The good news is that, if you have collision coverage, your auto insurance will cover the cost of most repairs. Collision coverage is an optional part of a standard auto insurance policy and covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object, such as a pothole. However, it's important to note that this type of coverage usually comes with a deductible, and some drivers may choose to skip it to save money. Additionally, wear and tear to a car or its tires due to bad road conditions may not be covered by collision insurance.

Collision coverage

If you are involved in an accident that results in damage to your rental car, collision coverage can be extremely useful. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing the rental vehicle, up to the limit set in the rental agreement. Additionally, if you are found at fault for the accident, collision coverage can help cover the costs of damage to another person's vehicle or property.

It is important to note that collision coverage does not include damage to other people's property or any injuries or medical bills resulting from an accident. Additionally, it does not cover damage resulting from risky behaviours such as speeding or drunk driving. Negligence, such as leaving the car running outside a hotel, may also not be covered.

In the event that a rear-end collision causes damage to your vehicle's shocks, collision coverage can help cover the costs of repairs or replacement. However, if the shocks were already worn out or damaged prior to the accident, it may be considered regular wear and tear, and the insurance company may not cover the costs.

Comprehensive insurance

In the context of shock damage, it's important to understand that the suspension system, which includes shock absorbers, is designed to handle a certain weight limit and specific terrain. If you overload your vehicle or drive recklessly, you can damage the suspension, including the shock absorbers. Comprehensive insurance may cover shock damage if it is a result of an accident, but it typically does not cover damage caused by regular wear and tear or off-road driving.

To ensure coverage for shock damage, it is advisable to review your comprehensive insurance policy carefully. Some insurers may offer a tyre protection add-on cover that includes shock absorbers, covering the cost of labour and expenses incurred in repairing or replacing damaged components.

Additionally, comprehensive insurance provides coverage for a range of other scenarios. It can protect you financially in the event of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and volcanic eruptions. It also covers theft of the vehicle or its parts, as well as damage caused by fallen objects like trees or branches.

Liability insurance

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage (BI Coverage):

This component covers the medical costs and other expenses associated with injuries sustained by individuals other than the policyholder or their family members in an accident for which the policyholder is at fault. It includes legal fees and court costs if the policyholder is sued as a result of the accident.

Property Damage Liability Coverage (PD Coverage):

PD coverage takes care of the expenses incurred when someone else's property, such as a car, house, or other structures, is damaged in an accident caused by the policyholder. It also covers the loss of use of that property. Additionally, it includes the costs of legal fees and court costs if the policyholder is sued due to property damage.

It's important to understand that liability insurance does not cover damages to the policyholder's own vehicle or their own injuries in an accident. To protect against these scenarios, separate coverages are necessary, such as collision coverage for vehicle repairs and personal injury protection or health insurance for medical expenses.

While most states mandate basic liability insurance with minimum coverage limits, it is advisable to consider purchasing higher coverage limits to safeguard your savings and assets adequately. Medical bills and car repairs can be exorbitant, and if you're found at fault, you'll be responsible for the expenses that exceed your coverage limits. Therefore, it's recommended to have enough liability insurance to cover your net worth, which includes the value of your cash, investments, and assets, minus your debt.

The cost of liability insurance varies depending on factors such as the coverage limits selected and the state in which you reside. On average, the national cost of minimum car insurance, which typically includes liability coverage, is $488 per year. However, this figure can increase if you have an at-fault accident or a history of violations on your record.

Additionally, if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it may provide protection against shock absorber damage caused by events other than collisions. Comprehensive coverage typically includes protection against theft, vandalism, flooding, and damage from fallen objects. Therefore, if your shock absorbers are damaged due to a covered event, comprehensive coverage may help cover the repair or replacement costs.

Deductibles

A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket for damages to your vehicle before your insurance coverage kicks in. In other words, it is the amount you pay towards an accident or a claim. You'll need to pay your deductible before your insurance company covers the remaining cost to repair or replace your vehicle.

When you buy insurance, you'll choose your deductible amount. Typically, car insurance policies offer a choice of deductibles, such as $250, $500, $1,000, and $2,000, but these may vary by company. A higher deductible can lead to a lower insurance premium, and vice versa.

Not all types of car insurance claims are subject to deductibles. Collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist property damage, and personal injury protection usually have deductibles. On the other hand, liability coverage, uninsured motorist bodily injury, and medical payments are types of insurance that are not subject to a deductible.

In some cases, your deductible may be waived. For example, some insurers may waive your deductible if they can repair rather than replace your windshield. Additionally, certain states allow you to purchase additional auto insurance coverage that will waive your deductible in specific scenarios.

Filing a claim

If you're wondering whether your auto insurance covers shocks damage, the answer is yes—but only if the damage is caused by a collision or an accident. This type of coverage is called collision coverage, and it's an optional part of a standard auto insurance policy. It covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object, such as a pothole, or another car. It's important to note that collision coverage doesn't cover wear and tear on your car or its tires due to bad road conditions.

Now, let's walk you through the process of filing a claim:

Step 1: Report the Accident

If you're involved in an accident, promptly report it to your insurance company and the local police department. If the damage exceeds $1,000 or if anyone is injured, you must also file an accident report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is usually done using Form MV-104, which may be included with any claim forms sent by your insurer. It's crucial to read your insurance policy to understand the specific reporting requirements to ensure a smooth claims process.

Step 2: Gather Evidence and Documentation

Before contacting your insurance company, make sure you have all the relevant evidence and documentation related to the accident. Call 911 if someone is injured or there is property damage. Take detailed notes and photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved. Obtain information from the other driver, such as their name, phone number, license plate number, vehicle make and model, insurance company, and policy number. Write down everything you can remember about the incident, including the events before, during, and after the accident.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company to initiate the claim process. Explain the nature of the accident and the total amount of compensation you're requesting. Provide as much information as possible to expedite the process. Your insurance provider will review the materials and assign a claims adjuster to your case.

Step 4: Work with the Claims Adjuster

The claims adjuster will assess the damage and determine the appropriate compensation based on your policy. They may request to meet in person or inspect the damaged vehicle. Ask the claims adjuster about how your policy handles vehicle repairs and any medical expenses related to bodily injury claims.

Step 5: Receive the Claim Settlement and Payout

The adjuster will finalize the cost of the damage and the compensation amount, along with any additional steps needed to repair your vehicle. Understand the local regulations regarding insurer response times and reasons for claim rejections. If you are not satisfied with the settlement offer, you can negotiate with your provider, providing supporting evidence to support your claim.

It's important to note that filing a claim may result in an increase in your insurance rates, depending on factors such as your driving history, who was at fault, and the extent of the damage or injuries. Always review your policy or consult your insurance agent to understand what's covered and whether filing a claim is the best course of action.

Frequently asked questions