Car insurance policies can indeed provide compensation for self-inflicted damages, but it largely depends on the specific coverage you have on your policy and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Let’s delve into the details of when your auto insurance may or may not pay for self-inflicted damages to your car and property:
Understanding Car Insurance Coverage:
Car insurance policies generally offer different types of coverage, and the extent of coverage for self-inflicted damages can vary depending on the specific policy. The two primary types of coverage relevant to self-inflicted damages are collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
- Collision Coverage: Collision coverage is typically designed to cover damages caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. It may also extend coverage to accidents where you are at fault, such as when you collide with a stationary object, like a tree or a lamppost. For example, if you accidentally misjudge the distance while parking and hit a concrete pillar, collision auto insurance coverage can help cover the costs of repairing the damages to your vehicle.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage protects against a wider range of perils, including damages caused by non-collision events. These events may include theft, vandalism, natural disasters, falling objects, and accidental damages. However, it is important to note that comprehensive coverage usually does not cover intentional damage caused by the policyholder. For instance, if you deliberately damage your car by keying it or one of your family members intentionally smashes the vehicle to get back at you, comprehensive coverage is unlikely to provide coverage for such intentional acts. Nevertheless, it provides vehicle insurance coverage for other accidental damages even if you caused it. For example, if you were playing with your kids in the garden and a ball you threw hit your windscreen and cracked it, your comprehensive coverage may pay for it since it was accidental.
- Liability Coverage: Liability auto insurance pays for injuries you cause to other drivers, passengers and road users and damages to other people’s vehicles and properties when you are at-fault for the accident and doesn’t pay for your own damages.
Coverage for Damages to Your Own Vehicle:
In most cases, if you have collision coverage, your insurance policy will cover damages to your own vehicle resulting from an accident that you caused. This means that regardless of whether you collide with another vehicle, a stationary object, or even if your car overturns, you can file a claim and receive compensation for the repairs or, if necessary, the replacement of your vehicle. For example, if you rear-end another car at a stop sign due to a momentary distraction, collision coverage can help cover the costs of repairing your vehicle.
It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand the deductible, coverage limits, and any specific exclusions that may apply. Additionally, insurance companies may factor in depreciation when determining the payout for repairs or replacement.
Damages to Your Own Home:
If you accidentally damage your own property such as your mailbox, garage door, or any other part of your belongings, your auto insurance is unlikely to provide coverage for the repairs. This is because the property damage provision in your liability vehicle insurance is designed to protect third parties rather than yourself.
However, if the cost of repairing the damaged property exceeds your homeowners insurance deductible, it may be worth considering filing a claim with your home insurance. To ensure coverage for the damage, it is advisable to consult with your agent or insurer and confirm whether your home insurance policy covers such incidents.
Conclusion: Car insurance policies differ, and coverage for self-inflicted damages can vary depending on the type of policy and the specific circumstances. Collision coverage generally provides coverage for damages caused by accidents you are at fault for, while comprehensive coverage may offer protection against non-collision events, including accidental damages. Remember that liability coverage pays for damages you cause to other people’s properties.