Auto Insurance Coverage For Stalled Vehicles: Am I Protected?

If your car suddenly stalls while driving, it can be a terrifying experience, especially if you're on a highway with traffic moving at high speed around you. In the event of a stall, it's important to know what to do to minimise the risk of an accident and reduce potential damage to yourself and your car. If your vehicle stalls and an accident occurs, you may not be liable for the incident, but this depends on several factors. Your auto insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing your vehicle, but this depends on the type of insurance you have.

What to do if your car stalls on the highway

Stalling refers to the engine of a vehicle suddenly stopping while the vehicle is in motion. This can be a terrifying experience for the driver, especially if they are driving at high speeds on the highway. Here are some steps you can take to minimise your risk of an accident:

• If it is possible and safe to do so, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road before the engine shuts down completely. Try to pull over to the right side of the road, ideally onto the shoulder.
• Signal normally when pulling over, and pull as far off the shoulder as possible.
• Engage your hazard lights to warn drivers behind you that you are experiencing vehicle problems.
• If you are unable to pull over to the side of the road, stay inside your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights. Call the police to report the incident so that first responders can help you.
• If you are stuck in the middle of the highway, carefully watch your rearview mirrors for approaching vehicles.
• If you must leave your vehicle, do so through the passenger door.
• If you remain inside the vehicle, keep your seatbelt on to prevent serious injuries in case another driver hits your vehicle.
• Do not attempt to repair your vehicle if it is stuck in the middle of the highway. Wait for a tow truck or other assistance to arrive.
• If you are able to pull over safely and your vehicle only requires a minor repair, you may attempt to fix it, but only if you know what you are doing.

Remember, if your vehicle stalls and an accident occurs, you may not be liable for the incident. However, if you fail to take appropriate action or ignore a known mechanical issue, you may be held partially responsible for the accident.

What to do if your insurance company is stalling on a claim

If your insurance company is stalling on a claim, there are several steps you can take to try and speed up the process. Here are some suggestions:

Ask for a Complete List of Documents

Ask your insurer for a complete list of documents, photos, or any other information they need from you to proceed with your claim. This will prevent them from stalling by requesting documents one at a time and give you a clear idea of what you need to provide.

Keep Physical Copies of Evidence

Make sure you keep physical copies of all evidence supporting your claim. This is important in case the insurance company requests additional information or if there are disputes later in the process.

Follow Up Regularly

Stay in regular contact with the insurance company to check on the status of your claim. Ask questions like: "Do you need anything else?", "What is taking so long?", "When will I receive my payment?", or "When will the insurance adjuster come to assess the damage?". Keep a log of their responses, including the dates and times of your communications, to prove that you have been actively following up.

Write a Demand Notice

If you are still not getting a satisfactory response, consider writing a demand notice. Explain that you have been waiting too long and that the delay is negatively impacting your life.

Consult an Attorney

If all else fails, it may be time to consult an experienced attorney who can put pressure on the insurance company and handle the claim on your behalf. They can review your case, determine if the insurance company is acting in bad faith, and advise you on the best course of action.

What to do if your car stalls while driving

Stalling refers to a vehicle's engine suddenly stopping while the car is in motion. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as airflow, fuel, or mechanical problems. If your car stalls while driving, here are some steps you should take to ensure your safety:

• Try to remain calm and avoid panicking.
• Signal normally and pull over to the side of the road, preferably the right side, as it allows for an easier exit away from oncoming traffic.
• Engage your hazard lights to warn other drivers that you are experiencing vehicle problems.
• If you are unable to pull over completely or are stalled in a traffic lane, do not attempt to exit the vehicle. Wait for help and keep an eye on the rearview mirror for approaching traffic.
• If you must exit the vehicle, do so only through the passenger side door if it is safe. Do not step out of the driver's side door or open it into passing traffic.
• Call for assistance. If you are stuck in the middle of the road, call 911 for emergency services to help move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. Otherwise, contact a towing service or roadside assistance.
• If you manage to pull over to the side of the road, do not attempt to fix the engine problem unless you have the necessary knowledge and it is safe to do so.
• If your engine stalls while idling, you may not be able to steer your car to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and call for help to safely move your vehicle.
• Keep important phone numbers, such as roadside assistance or emergency contacts, readily available in your car.
• If you have flares, safety triangles, or lights, set them up only when it is safe to do so, and exercise caution when lighting flares to avoid burns or igniting flammable objects nearby.

Remember, your safety is the top priority. Take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of an accident and ensure your well-being.

What your auto insurance covers

Auto insurance is a safety net that provides financial protection in case of unforeseen events, but it's important to know what your policy covers. Here's a detailed overview of what your auto insurance typically covers:

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects you in the event of a collision with another vehicle or object. If you accidentally hit another car or run into a stationary object, this coverage will help pay for the repairs to your vehicle. This type of coverage is especially useful if you are at fault for the accident, as it can cover the cost of repairing your vehicle, regardless of who is to blame. However, it's important to note that filing a collision claim may result in an increase in your insurance premium when you renew your policy.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive auto insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions. This includes unexpected incidents such as hailstorms, vandalism, fire, or hitting an animal. For example, if your car is damaged in a hailstorm, comprehensive coverage will help pay for the repairs. This type of coverage is ideal for protecting yourself from financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is a crucial component of auto insurance, as it protects you in the event that you are held responsible for causing damage to someone else's property or injuries to another person. If you are at fault in an accident, liability coverage will cover the cost of repairing the other driver's vehicle and any medical expenses they may incur. This type of coverage ensures that you are not left financially burdened if you are found liable for an accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Unfortunately, not all drivers on the road have adequate insurance coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you in the event that you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have sufficient coverage. This type of coverage ensures that you can still receive compensation for damages or injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It provides financial protection for you and your vehicle, giving you peace of mind when sharing the road with others.

Medical Payments Coverage

Accidents can result in injuries that require medical attention. Medical payments coverage, also known as medpay, is a type of auto insurance that helps pay for medical expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage can be used to pay for a variety of medical costs, including hospital stays, surgery, X-rays, and even funeral expenses if necessary. Having medpay coverage ensures that you can focus on your recovery without worrying about the financial burden of medical bills.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of auto insurance coverage that helps pay for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a car accident. PIP coverage is designed to provide financial assistance for your own medical bills and lost income, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. This type of coverage is especially useful if you or your passengers sustain injuries that require extensive medical treatment or result in time away from work.

What to do if you damage your own car

If you damage your own car, the first thing to do is not to panic. The next steps will depend on the nature and severity of the damage, as well as your insurance coverage.

If you have collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you can make an insurance claim for damage you caused to your own car. Collision insurance covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, such as rolling your car or hitting a telephone pole. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by events outside your control, like vandalism or falling objects. However, both types of coverage usually have deductibles, which you'll have to pay before the insurance company covers the rest. Additionally, insurance won't cover damage due to your own negligence, such as failing to close your windows before rain damage occurs.

If you have a liability-only car insurance policy, damage that you inflict on your own car won't be covered. Liability insurance only pays for the other driver's damages and injuries in an accident. In this case, you will need to pay for the repairs yourself.

When deciding whether to make an insurance claim or pay out of pocket, consider the cost of the damage relative to your deductible. If the damage is close to the cost of your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs yourself. Making a claim will increase your insurance rates, and drivers who make a single claim of $2,000 or more can expect their premiums to increase by 20% to 40% for three to five years. Multiple claims will result in even higher premium increases, and you could even be dropped by your insurer.

If your car stalls while driving and causes an accident, you may not be held liable for the incident. However, if you failed to address a known mechanical issue or did not take appropriate action when your vehicle stalled, you will likely absorb some fault for the accident. It's important to address any performance issues with your vehicle and take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions