Auto Insurance And Wheel Bearing Coverage: What's The Verdict?

Whether your auto insurance covers a wheel bearing depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have collision coverage, which is optional, your insurance will cover damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object or another car. However, it's important to note that collision coverage may not cover wear and tear, including wheel bearings, unless it is a result of a collision. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers damage to your car in non-collision situations, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, but it may not cover mechanical issues like wheel bearings. It's always a good idea to carefully review your insurance policy and understand what is and isn't covered to avoid any surprises in the event of a claim.

Collision coverage

When deciding whether to purchase collision coverage, consider the cost of your car and the potential cost of repairs. Collision coverage is often sold with a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest. A higher deductible typically results in a lower premium. For example, common deductible levels for collision insurance are $100, $200, or $500. The cost of collision coverage itself is about $290 per year on average.

In the context of a wheel bearing failure, collision coverage may come into play if the failure results in a collision with another vehicle or object. For instance, if your wheel bearing fails and your wheel falls off, causing you to crash into a wall or the ground, collision coverage would likely apply. However, it is important to note that collision coverage typically does not cover mechanical issues or wear and tear on your vehicle. Therefore, the cost of replacing the wheel bearing itself would not be covered, but any resulting damage to your vehicle or other objects would likely be covered, depending on the specifics of your policy.

Comprehensive insurance

In the case of wheel bearing damage, comprehensive insurance may cover the cost of repairs or replacement if the damage results from a covered incident. For example, if your wheel bearing fails due to a collision with an animal, comprehensive insurance may cover the repairs. However, if the wheel bearing damage is due to normal wear and tear, it would not be covered by comprehensive insurance. Normal wear and tear, including items that need to be replaced over time, such as windshield wipers, filters, tires, brake pads, and belts, are typically paid for out of pocket.

It's important to review the terms and conditions of your comprehensive insurance policy to understand what specific types of damage are covered and under what circumstances. Additionally, consider factors such as your deductible, the potential impact on your rates, and the cost of replacement before deciding to file a claim for wheel bearing damage under comprehensive insurance.

Liability insurance

Liability coverage typically includes two types of coverages: property damage and bodily injury. Property damage coverage insures against damage to another person's property caused by your vehicle. This can include repairs to the other driver's vehicle, rental vehicles while the other person's car is being repaired, and damage to buildings, fences, or other structures. It also covers damage to personal property inside a vehicle and legal fees if you are sued for property damage.

Bodily injury coverage, on the other hand, provides payment for injuries sustained by another person in an accident. This includes legal fees if you are sued for causing injuries to someone else. It is important to note that state laws may vary regarding who can file a bodily injury claim against you.

The cost of liability insurance coverage depends on various factors, including the amount of coverage selected. Higher coverage limits may result in higher costs. When choosing a liability coverage limit, it is recommended to select a limit that matches or exceeds your total net worth to ensure your assets are adequately protected.

In the context of auto insurance and wheel bearings, it is important to note that liability insurance typically covers damage caused by an accident. If a wheel bearing failure results in an accident where another person's property is damaged or they sustain injuries, your liability insurance may cover the costs associated with those damages. However, it is important to review your specific policy and consult with your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage in such a scenario.

Deductibles

An auto insurance deductible is the amount you pay \"out of pocket\" before your insurance covers the rest. You are responsible for your policy's stated deductible every time you file a claim. After you pay the deductible amount, your insurer will cover the remaining cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

For example, if you have a $500 deductible and $3,000 in damage from a covered accident, your insurer will pay $2,500 to repair your car, and you will be responsible for the remaining $500.

The most common deductible chosen by drivers is $500, but there is no wrong choice. Ultimately, it comes down to what you prefer: a higher deductible means a lower insurance rate, whereas a lower deductible means a higher insurance rate.

In the case of wheel bearing damage, if you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurance will likely cover the cost of repairs after you pay your deductible. However, if the damage is minor and the cost of repairs is less than your deductible, you may have to pay for the entire cost out of pocket.

For instance, if your deductible is $1,000 and the cost of repairing your wheel bearings is only $250, you will pay the full $250 yourself. On the other hand, if the damage is severe and results in a claim of $2,500, your insurance will cover $1,500, and you will pay the remaining $1,000.

Additionally, if your wheel bearing damage is caused by a collision with another car or object, such as hitting a large pothole, your collision coverage will come into play. Collision coverage is optional and usually comes with a deductible ranging from $250 to $1,000.

It's important to note that deductibles do not apply if you have a disappearing deductible program or if another person files a claim against your liability coverage.

Filing a claim

If your wheel bearing fails, you may lose control of your vehicle, experience brake problems, or even have a wheel come off. In addition to being unsafe, a damaged wheel bearing can also cause damage to other parts of your car.

If your wheel bearing fails while driving, slow down and avoid sudden turns or acceleration. Then, get to a mechanic as soon as possible.

If you have auto insurance, your policy may cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged wheel bearing. It depends on the type of coverage you have.

Collision coverage is an optional part of a standard auto insurance policy. It covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object or another car, or from flipping over. Comprehensive coverage, which is also optional, covers theft, vandalism, flooding, and damage from fallen objects.

If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will reimburse you for the cost of repairing your car, minus your deductible. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your wheel bearing if it was damaged by a fallen object, such as a tree branch.

To file a claim, follow these steps:

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident. They will ask you for details about what happened and may request documentation, such as police reports or repair estimates.
• Get a repair estimate from a mechanic. Your insurance company may have a list of approved repair shops, or they may send an adjuster to assess the damage.
• Submit the repair estimate and any other required documentation to your insurance company.
• If your claim is approved, your insurance company will reimburse you for the cost of the repairs, minus your deductible.

It's important to note that insurance companies typically will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing a wheel bearing if it was damaged due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. It is also unlikely that they will cover the cost if the damage occurred during a race, as racing is usually excluded from standard auto insurance policies.

Frequently asked questions