There is no doubt that auto insurance is vital for any motorist. It is also a legal requirement in all states except for Virginia and New New Hampshire. Whether you have a personal car or a business vehicle, you cannot hit the road without auto insurance. The goal is to protect your interest. But sometimes insurers can be a little iffy. For example, regarding electrical problems, standard auto insurance should compensate. But there are instances when insurers do not pay.
This article will help to put to rest the question, “Does car insurance cover electrical problems?” Read on and learn about how auto insurance handles electrical problems.
Electrical problems – when will the insurer pay?
Electrical problems in automobiles are not strange. But insurance will not pay every time something goes wrong with the electrical system in your car. Standard auto insurance will only pay for electrical problems caused by sudden and unexpected issues. Unless it was due to a collision, you should have comprehensive insurance coverage. You should also pay your premium on time. The problem must also be specified under a “covered loss” category and not explicitly stated under the exclusions.
Many auto insurance companies pay when unexpected issues like falling objects, adverse weather, or live animals cause damage to the electrical system in your car. An automobile crash also qualifies as a sudden and unexpected issue. If damages to the electrical system are due to a collision, the insurer will pay under the collision coverage.
When will the insurer NOT pay?
Depending on what caused the damage and the type of auto coverage you carry, your insurer may or may not pay for electrical problems. Standard auto insurance does not cover common electrical faults. Auto electrical problems like a dead battery, a bad alternator, burned bulbs, a run-down starter or solenoid, failed spark plugs, or blown fuses fall squarely on you.
Why won’t insurance companies pay?
Many auto insurance companies consider such faults as part of regular wear and tear. Thus, the costs fall under routine maintenance. However, if you have a comprehensive cover, insurance will pay for damages caused by animals. If rodents like mice and squirrels tend to chew on your car’s electrical system and damage it, you can rest easy.
If the fault is not due to a sudden and unexpected issue, you will likely pay for the repairs out of pocket.
How about car repair insurance?
Although standard auto insurance will not pay for common electrical problems, some insurers offer car repair insurance. It is a type of auto insurance where the insurer pays for repairs when the car breaks down. It is like an extended warranty for the vehicle, only that you get it from the insurer.
Car repair insurance can help you out when your car has electrical problems. However, many insurers who offer car repair insurance still do not cover the following:
- Damages due to collisions
- Routine maintenance drills, like changing the spark plugs.
- Damage caused due to poor maintenance. For example, if your car battery will not charge due to a neglected and damaged alternator.
- Corrosion.
- Parts under the manufacturer warranty.
- Pre-existing faults before you signed up for the car repair insurance.
Besides these exclusions, car repair insurance tends to be costly. So, carefully examine the fine print of the policy before purchasing.
Electrical fire damage
According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, there were 212,500 vehicle fires in 2018. A leading cause of these fires, as you would guess, was electrical failures and malfunctions. Collision-triggered electrical fires took the lion’s share of vehicle fires. However, maintenance issues were also a significant cause.
Would auto insurance pay?
Standard auto insurance is likely to pay for electrical fire damage to your vehicle. It is akin to sudden and unexpected issues. But, the insurer will run some investigations to ensure there were no maintenance problems and there was no foul play. You should also have the correct coverage. If you have both comprehensive and collision coverage, you can rest easy. Standard auto insurance will pay for electrical fires in your car.
Auto insurance and car electrical problems – the bottom line
Standard auto insurance will cover your car’s electrical problems. But they must be due to sudden and unexpected issues. Therefore, proper maintenance of the electrical system in your vehicle is essential. Maintenance could be costly, and you might consider buying used parts to make it easier. But that is not advisable. Only certified professionals do your vehicle repairs. They should also use new and genuine parts for replacements. That way, you can rule out wear and tear or neglect as a cause of car electrical problems. A well-maintained car and proper auto insurance cover mean you can rest easy. Any electrical issues will be sudden and unexpected, and insurance will have your back.