Car insurance can be a great safety net in the event of a car accident or other vehicle-related issues. After all, the last thing you want to deal with is a huge financial burden after an unfortunate incident.
But, as with any type of coverage, car insurance does have its limits. While it can be comforting to know that your policy covers certain damages, it’s important to recognize the situations when you may be left footing the bill instead.
So, what are some of the things your ordinary car insurance won’t cover? Let’s take a look at ten common exclusions you should know about.
1. General Wear and Tear
Car insurance is designed to cover damage causedunexpected events – not the everyday wear and tear of owning a car. This means expenses like brake pad replacements, oil changes, or fixing a worn-out clutch are not coveredyour policy. The same goes for any regular maintenance you may need to keep your car running smoothly.
It is also important to note that any pre-existing damage on your car may negate the coverage you would expect from a policy. So, if you’re in an accident and the damage was already done before it happened, don’t expect a standard insurance policy to cover it.
2. Intentional Damage
Intentional damage is a clear exclusion in most car insurance policies. This means that if you intentionally vandalize your own vehicle or crash into someone else’s car on purpose, your insurance provider will likely refuse to cover the costs. The rationale behind this exclusion is to discourage fraudulent claims and illegal activities.
Use your car insurance responsibly and only file claims for genuine accidents or covered incidents. Doing otherwise may cause your policy to be voided, and you may even face criminal charges.
3. Off-Road Driving
Most car insurance policies only cover the “normal use” of a vehicle. This means that if you take your car for an off-road adventure or use it to compete in a race, you won’t have the protection of your insurance if something goes wrong.
Be sure to check your policy details before taking your car off-road and ensure that you are aware of any restrictions that may apply. Additionally, there are some car manufacturers whose warranties will be voided if you take their vehicles off-road.
4. Certain Natural Disasters
Some natural disasters can cause significant damage to cars. Depending on your policy, you may or may not be covered for these types of incidents.
For example, earthquakes and flooding may not be included in basic policies. You’ll need to check with your insurer to make sure you are aware of any exclusions in your coverage that could leave you out of pocket if a disaster were to occur.
5. Personal Belongings
If you keep belongings in your car and they get stolen or damaged, don’t expect your policy to reimburse them. Car insurance only covers issues related to the vehicle itself, not any personal items that may have been inside.
This means that if someone breaks into your car and steals an expensive laptop or a designer handbag, you won’t be able to claim back its value. The best way to protect these items iskeeping them out of sight or investing in separate insurance designed for these kinds of claims.
6. Rental Car Reimbursement
Renting a car following an accident can give you much-needed mobility while your vehicle is being repaired. However, some drivers may not realize that rental car coverage is often excluded from standard auto insurance policies.
Yet, if you believe your car is a lemon, you may be able to get the car rental fees reimbursed under California lemon law. Be sure to keep all your rental car receipts and contact an attorney for legal advice on this matter.
7. Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is an optional add-on to some car insurance policies. It provides help when you’re stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, no gas, or your keys locked inside.
However, a standard car insurance policy won’t cover the cost of any roadside assistance you may need. Make sure to double-check with your provider if roadside assistance is included in your policy or consider adding it as an extra feature.
8. Commercial Use
If you use your car for work purposes, such as making deliveries, it’s important to check that your policy covers you while on the job. Many car insurance policies only cover personal vehicle use, not any business-related activities.
Check with your provider before using your car for work to ensure you have the coverage you need in the event of an accident. Additionally, some insurance companies may offer specialized policies for those who use their vehicles for work purposes.
9. Mechanical Failure
Many drivers mistakenly believe that their car insurance will cover any mechanical failure. Yet, most policies only cover damages causedan accident or other unforeseen circumstances.
If your vehicle is still under warranty and is experiencing significant problems, you may be able to pursue a California lemon law claim. It’s advisable to consult with a California lemon law attorney for legal advice before taking any action. Be sure to keep all documentation related to your vehicle and any repair attempts you’ve made. This can help you build a strong case if needed
10. Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are vehicle components that are not part of the original manufacturer’s design. If you choose to install aftermarket parts on your car, it’s important to check with your insurer to make sure these parts will be covered in the event of an accident.
Many insurers have restrictions when it comes to aftermarket parts and may require additional coverage for these items. Be sure to ask your provider about their specific rules on aftermarket parts to ensure you have the coverage you need if an accident occurs.
The Wrap Up
As you can see, the terms of your auto insurance policy are important to review. Knowing what your policy covers and any limitations it may have will help ensure you have the protection needed in case of an accident or other unforeseen event. Be sure to talk with your provider about any questions or concerns you may have before entering into a policy agreement.
Author Bio: Brian K. Cline’s Lemon Law Legal Group provides premier legal services. Our California lemon law lawyers aggressively and ethically force vehicle manufacturers to buy back defective and dangerous vehicles. Our team includes experienced trial lawyers with over 40 years of combined trial experience.