Auto Insurance And Roll Over: What's Covered?

Whether your auto insurance covers a rollover depends on the type of insurance coverage you have. In the US, most auto insurance policies cover normal usage of road-legal vehicles, which means driving on the highway. If your car rolls over off-road, your standard auto insurance policy won't cover the damage. However, if your car rolls over on the road, your insurance may cover the damage if you have collision coverage. If another driver hits you and causes your car to roll over, their liability coverage should pay for the damage to your vehicle and any injuries, up to the limits of their policy.

If you caused the rollover

Firstly, if you were at fault for the rollover, your liability coverage will come into play. This will cover the costs of damage to another person's vehicle or property, as well as any injuries they sustain. If you have collision coverage, this will cover the cost of damage to your own vehicle, but only if you are found to be at fault. If you are not at fault, the other driver's liability coverage should cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle.

It's important to note that if you were off-roading, your standard auto insurance policy may not cover the damage. In this case, you would need a separate off-road policy or an addendum to your existing policy. This type of policy typically covers personal injuries, collision damage, property damage, and comprehensive damage to your own vehicle.

To ensure you have the correct coverage, carefully review your policy and consider contacting your insurance agent to discuss your specific situation. It's also important to remember that if you have made any modifications to your vehicle without informing your insurer, or if you were performing illegal activities at the time of the accident, your coverage may be invalidated.

If another driver caused the rollover

It is important to note that insurance coverage varies from insurer to insurer and policy to policy. The specifics of a claim can also vary depending on factors such as the location of the accident, state laws, and the insurance carrier. Therefore, it is advisable to review your policy or consult with an agent to understand the specific coverages and exclusions that may apply in such a situation.

If you were off-roading

However, it's important to carefully check the fine print of your specific policy, as some policies may provide limited coverage for off-roading at no extra cost. These policies are rare, but they do exist. If you're planning to go off-roading, it's crucial to understand the terms, conditions, and limits of your auto insurance policy.

If your current policy doesn't cover off-roading, you may need to purchase a separate off-roading insurance policy or add an addendum to your existing policy. Off-roading insurance policies typically cover personal injuries, collision damage, property damage, and comprehensive damage. Keep in mind that even with off-roading insurance, certain situations may not be covered, such as unapproved vehicle modifications, illegal activities, mechanical failure, and general wear and tear.

To summarise, if you're planning to go off-roading, carefully review your insurance policy to determine if you're covered for rollovers and other potential incidents. If not, consider purchasing a separate off-roading insurance policy or adding an addendum to ensure you're protected financially in case of any accidents or damage.

If you were driving a borrowed car

The owner's insurance would cover you up to the limits of their policy. If the damages exceeded those limits, your own insurance policy may cover the remaining costs, assuming you have enough coverage. If you are uninsured, you may be personally liable for any damages beyond the owner's policy limits.

It is important to note that insurance policies vary, and you should check with the insurance provider to understand the specific coverage.

If you have collision coverage

Collision coverage is not required by state law, but it is a good idea to have it. If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to have collision coverage. This is to protect their investment in the vehicle. If you own your car outright, collision coverage is optional but can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident.

When deciding whether to add collision coverage to your policy, consider the value of your car. If you own an older vehicle, you may end up paying more in premiums than your car is worth. In this case, choosing not to purchase collision coverage means you will be financially responsible for repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of a rollover. However, if you own a newer vehicle or one that has maintained its value, collision coverage can be a worthwhile investment.

Collision coverage will not cover damage to other vehicles or objects, medical expenses, theft, vandalism, or damage caused by weather or fallen objects. These types of damages may be covered by comprehensive coverage, which is often sold alongside collision coverage.

The cost of collision coverage varies depending on personal factors such as age, gender, marital status, driving record, and the vehicle you drive. It is important to weigh the potential insurance payout against the deductible and premium costs when deciding whether to add collision coverage to your policy.

Frequently asked questions