Physical Damage insurance safeguards your vehicle from a range of unfortunate scenarios. It covers your car from theft, vandalism, fire, flood, and even hail damage. Aside from the car’s physical body, Physical Damage coverage will also cover the cost of repairing or replacing any mechanical components damaged due to an accident or other unfortunate events. This coverage is essential for protecting your vehicle from unforeseen occurrences and ensuring you don’t face a financial burden when they occur.
It is important to note that Physical Damage coverage does not cover the cost of repairs from normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns. These repairs must be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty or another insurance policy. Additionally, if you cause an auto accident, your physical damage coverage will not cover the damage to other vehicles, as this requires liability coverage.
Your car could depend on it! Understanding the terms of your physical damage coverage is essential to ensure you and your vehicle are protected. Talk to your insurance provider today to better grasp what is covered and how much protection you need. It!
Who needs Physical Damage coverage?
Physical damage coverage is important for anyone who owns a vehicle. Whether you own a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or RV – any kind of transportation that can be damaged in an accident or through other forces of nature – physical damage coverage protects from the costs of repairing or replacing damaged vehicles.
For those who are leasing their vehicle, it is usually required to have physical damage coverage for the lease agreement to remain valid. Obtaining adequate physical damage insurance will provide peace of mind that any repair costs due to a covered event will be taken care of.
Deductible
When selecting Physical Damage insurance, you must decide on a deductible amount. This is the portion of the repair or replacement cost you pay out of pocket in case of an accident or other incident. Depending on your provider, deductibles can range from $250 to $1000, so choose an amount that fits your financial capabilities.
Types of Physical Damage Coverage
- Collision coverage: This type protects if your vehicle is damaged in an accident. It covers repairs to the vehicle, including parts and labor, and any legal costs associated with the accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: This type protects against non-accident-related risks such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and fire damage. Some policies cover hail damage, but only if you have comprehensive coverage.
- Specialty coverages: Depending on the insurer, additional specialized types of physical damage coverage may be available for specific situations, such as roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement.
Physical damage also protects against:
- Vandalism
- Objects in free fall
- Rollovers
- Vehicle-on-vehicle collisions
- Fire
- Earthquakes caused by striking an animal
Unfortunately, this coverage needs to provide absolute safety. Despite having physical damage insurance, you may still require extra protection for the following reasons:
- After an accident, you or your passengers require medical attention.
- Damages awarded in a lawsuit filed following an accident.
- Missed work means lost pay for you and your passengers.
- Theft of personal items from a vehicle.
- Collision repairs for the other car.
In these situations, you may benefit from additional coverage, such as medical payments coverage and personal injury protection.
Physical Damage Insurance does not cover types of Damage
Insurance policies often won’t cover anything considered an “exclusion.” No claims can be made under the physical damage portion of an automobile insurance policy during these times. Here is a rundown:
- Negative consequences of drunk driving.
- Negligence-caused harm.
- Further damage occurred as a result of continuing to drive the damaged vehicle.
- The harm is done when the vehicle is employed in unlawful pursuits.
- Automobile damage caused by illegal driving.
- Broken wiring or broken machinery.
- Everyday deterioration.
- The damage was done outside of the country’s borders.
- Unless you purchase the Zero Depreciation Option, your vehicle will experience depreciation.
- The vehicle was harmed because it was put to use other than intended.
- Arms conflict-caused destruction.
Is Physical Damage Insurance the Right Choice for You?
Leasing or financing a vehicle often necessitates providing proof of physical damage insurance. If your lender doesn’t mandate this coverage, you can decide whether or not to get it.
If the value of your car has dropped to the point where maintaining this insurance is no longer worthwhile, for instance, you may not need comprehensive coverage.
For many people, however, physical damage insurance is a smart move. It’s the best way to protect your car from damage and financial disaster from accidents or other unexpected events. Speak to your insurance provider today to ensure you get the right coverage for your needs and budget.
Frequently Ask Questions
Is physical damage insurance mandatory?
No, in most cases, it is not mandatory. However, if you are leasing or financing a vehicle, the lender may require you to have physical damage insurance.
Does physical damage insurance cover theft?
Yes, some types of physical damage coverage, such as comprehensive coverage, protect in the event of theft.
Does physical damage insurance cover natural disasters?
Physical damage insurance may cover various natural disasters, such as floods and fires, depending on the policy terms.
Does physical damage insurance cover hail damage?
It depends on the policy, but some policies may cover hail damage if you have comprehensive coverage.
What vehicle type is eligible for coverage through commercial physical damage insurance?
Commercial physical damage insurance typically covers vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans.
Does physical damage insurance cover broken glass?
Some types of coverage may protect broken glass due to accidents or other events.
What elements influence the cost of physical damage insurance?
The cost of physical damage insurance can vary depending on the type and amount of coverage purchased, as well as other factors such as your age, driving record, and the make and model of your vehicle.
How can one file a claim for physical damage?
To file a claim for physical damage, you must contact your insurance provider and provide them with the necessary information. They will then investigate the claim and determine if it is covered under your policy.