When Are Auto Repairs Covered by Insurance?
When you’ve been in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your insurance will cover the damage. Fortunately, the coverage by most auto insurance agencies is extensive for accident-related issues. Routine wear and tear of vehicles or maintenance-related issues typically are not covered by your insurance policy. Read on to learn when auto repairs are and are not covered by insurance.
Covered – Vehicle Damage from an Accident
Most collision coverage policies cover damage related to auto accidents between two or more vehicles or even an object. Suppose you’ve been involved in a weather-related event causing a single-car accident like a vehicle rollover, sliding into an object, or even hail damage. In that case, most policies will cover the damage. Some policies even include coverage for pothole-related damage to vehicles. In simple terms, if you’ve been in an auto accident that caused body damage or mechanical issues, your auto insurance policy will likely help you pay for the repairs.
In many states, collision coverage is optional, so you’ll have to pay extra and opt-in for this policy. You likely have this coverage today if you’re leasing or financing your vehicle, as typically, this is a requirement. Another thing to consider is your deductible. In most cases, coverage doesn’t begin until you’ve paid the initial deductible. Many deductibles in auto insurance policies start at $500 and go up to $5,000.
Sometimes your vehicle will total in an accident. Totaling a vehicle means that the cost to repair the damage is more than the worth of the vehicle. In these cases, if you have collision coverage, you will receive the actual cash value at the time of the accident to help replace the vehicle in its entirety.
Covered – Non-Accident Related Repairs
What if a tree falls on your vehicle’s hood or your car was broken into? In these cases, most comprehensive insurance coverage policies will help with the repair costs. They also typically cover repairs related to fire, theft, falling objects, vandalism, weather, animal, and other similar damages. Similar to collision coverage policies, comprehensive insurance is optional and has a deductible associated with it. Be sure to review your auto insurance policy to check if you’re covered in these instances.
Not Covered – Mechanical Vehicle Issues
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, auto maintenance does not need to be included in a car insurance policy. This includes oil changes, mechanical failures, and other non-accident-related issues.
Colorado-Specific Auto Insurance Laws
Drivers have financial responsibilities for accidents for vehicles that are registered in the state. In Colorado, drivers are required to maintain a certain amount of vehicle coverage. Colorado is an “At Fault” auto accident state and holds minimum liability for vehicle insurance coverages for drivers.
Colorado is an “At Fault” Accident State
In Colorado, the person who was at fault for causing the vehicle accident is also financially responsible for the losses that came from the accident. This can include the cost of injuries, lost income, vehicle damage, and more.
Minimum Liability Vehicle Insurance in Colorado
To legally operate a vehicle in Colorado, drivers must have minimum liability coverage. The required minimum amounts for Colorado are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle
- $50,000 for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle, and
- $15,000 for property damage per accident caused by the insured vehicle’s driver.
Does your vehicle have damage from a recent accident in the Colorado Front Range? Give us a call at 303-449-4153 to schedule your free estimate.
