Potholes are the inevitable and annoying nuisance you encounter on the road. In fact, potholes are even more common on Canadian streets. In a recent post from City of Toronto News, it was found that the city has an annual budget of around $ 4-5 million for pothole repair.
But sometimes these potholes are more than just a nuisance. When on the road, they can cause serious damage to your car that might require professional maintenance. In this case, most car owners have a common question:Does auto insurance cover damage caused by potholes? And that is precisely what we are going to discuss today.
How can potholes damage your car?
Pothole damage can often prove costly. This can damage your car’s steering wheel, suspension and alignment and damage the wheels and its rim.
In extreme cases, potholes can also cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, pushing them into a serious accident. Depending on the severity of the situation, the cost of repairing your vehicle can put a dent in your pocket. To protect yourself and your car from such unwanted expenses, it is wise to go for an auto insurance plan that also covers damage caused by potholes.
Does auto insurance cover damage caused by potholes?
Your insurance policy may cover damage caused by potholes. Although in some cities you can file a damage claim against the city authority. However, the process is long and tedious. There is also no guarantee if you will be compensated for the damage at the end of the entire fight. Hence the popular option, in this case, is to make a claim against your insurance company. It is for times like these that we recommend that you purchase fonts from reputable companies like Surex.
Pothole damage is covered by Collision coverage. But whether or not you qualify for a claim will depend on the terms and conditions of your policy. Each insurance provider may not cover damage caused by potholes under the collision insurance policy. It is therefore preferable to check beforehand the damage covered by your insurer.
How Collision Coverage Works for Pothole Damage
Collision coverage is generally used to cover damage caused when you hit an object or another vehicle on the road. So, depending on the terms and conditions of your policy, the collision insurance policy can only go into effect if the pothole was big enough to damage the front of the car.
However, collision coverage is also subject to franchises. This means that you have to pay an amount up front first, and coverage will go into effect to cover the remainder of the damage after the deductible is exhausted. Therefore, it would be wise to get some repair cost estimates from a licensed mechanic.
A licensed mechanic will also give you an overview of the extent of the damage caused by the pothole and may even be able to guide you on your next step. Also, be sure to take photos of the damage as proof if your insurer asks for one.
When Should You Choose Collision Coverage For Pothole Damage
Even if your insurance policy covers damage caused by potholes, it may not be a good idea to make a claim for minor repairs. If you find that the cost of repairing your car is less than the deductible, it is wiser to pay for the repair out of pocket. In addition, accidents and damage caused by potholes are listed on your driving record. This means that you can expect your premium rates to increase in the future.
So the question remains-Is it worth it or not for collision coverage for pothole damage?
To answer it, here is a simple example. Let’s say the deductible you have to pay to claim the coverage is $ 800. And the cost of repairing your car is around $ 200. This situation does not at all justify filing a complaint. But if in the same situation the repair cost would have been more than the deductible, i.e. more than $ 800, making a claim for collision coverage would be a smart choice.
Is there a way to apply for coverage without affecting premium rates
Accidents and damage caused by potholes are considered responsible accidents. This means that you will be held responsible for the damages. Therefore, you don’t want your premium rates to go up when you renew the policy. The only way to do it is to prove that the accident was the city’s fault.
If you can somehow prove that the relevant city authorities knew about the pothole and didn’t do anything about it, you might be able to pass the blame. But, on the other hand, even if you prove a delay in repair, the case may turn in your favor.
However, it’s a long way, and proving negligence of city authority can be difficult. But if you do it one way or another, you will be able to claim coverage without increasing your premium.
However, whether or not this approach works also depends on your insurance provider. Some insurers may consider settling your claim first and then dealing with the issue with city officials to compensate for their losses. On the other hand, some might dismiss your plea and hold you accountable instead. In conclusion, the insurer has the last word in the matter.
End note
When you are on the road you never know how the smallest thing can cause huge damage and lead to a costly affair. Therefore, before opting for auto insurance, it is advisable to consider all the possibilities of damage to the car. An inclusive plan will allow you to finance the repair of your car regardless of the cause of the damage.
We understand that you cannot have in-depth knowledge of the best insurance policies on the market. Therefore, before you focus on a policy, be sure to take the advice of an expert. local agent.
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