What Type Of Insurance Covers Damage To Your Car?

? Do you know what type of insurance pays to fix your car after a crash or storm?

What Type Of Insurance Covers Damage To Your Car?

You want a clear answer. You want simple words. I will give you that answer. In most cases, two types of auto insurance pay to fix your car. Collision insurance pays when you hit something. Comprehensive insurance pays for damage that comes from things other than a crash. Other kinds of coverage can help in different ways. I will explain each type. I will show what each type covers. I will show what happens in Florida. I will show when a public adjuster or loss adjuster matters. I will suggest a company that can help you with property damage to your home in Florida.

The short answer

• Collision insurance covers damage to your car after a crash you cause or after you hit an object.
• Comprehensive insurance covers damage from things like theft, fire, vandalism, falling trees, hail, and animal strikes.
• Liability insurance pays for damage you cause to other people’s cars or property. It does not pay to fix your car.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help when the other driver has no insurance or not enough insurance.
• Some extra coverages can help with rental cars, towing, and paying off a loan.

Why this matters in Florida

You live in Florida. Florida has many storms and floods. Your car can get wet, smashed, or stolen during a storm. You can also get hit by a distracted driver. You should know what each cover will pay. You should also know when a public adjuster can help with damage to your home when the same storm affects your house and car.

If a storm damages your home, a public adjuster can inspect your home for free. The public adjuster works for you. The public adjuster tries to get you full payment from your insurance company for home damage. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals, based in Pensacola, FL, serves homeowners across Florida. Otero offers a free initial inspection of home damage. Otero only gets paid when you get paid. You can call Otero at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/. Their office is at 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.

Collision insurance

Collision insurance pays when your car hits another car or an object. You file the claim with your insurer. The insurer sends an adjuster to inspect the car. The insurer pays for repairs minus your deductible.

• You hit a tree. Collision pays.
• You hit a guardrail. Collision pays.
• You hit a parked car. Collision pays.

You choose a deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay first. If you have a $500 deductible, you pay $500 and the insurer pays the rest. You can choose a higher deductible to lower your premium. You can choose a lower deductible if you prefer to pay less when you file a claim.

Collision usually affects your premium. If you file many claims, your premium can go up. The insurer looks at your claim history when it sets your rate.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance pays for damage that is not from a crash. The insurer calls this “other than collision.” Common items covered by comprehensive include:

• Theft of your car.
• Vandalism.
• Fire damage.
• Hail and wind damage.
• Damage from falling objects like tree limbs.
• Animal strikes, such as hitting a deer.
• Glass damage from rocks or road debris.
• Flood damage from heavy rain or storm surge (in many cases).

You file the claim with your auto insurer. The insurer pays the cost to repair minus your deductible. Some policies have special glass coverage with no deductible or a lower deductible. You can choose that add-on if you want.

Comprehensive often covers storm damage. In Florida, storms and hurricanes can cause hail, wind, and flood. Comprehensive usually covers wind and hail. Flood damage from a rising body of water can be covered by comprehensive. A homeowner’s flood policy covers home damage. A car is different from a home. If flood damage to your car comes from a public or private service failure, or if the insurer has a specific exclusion, you may need to check your policy.

Liability insurance (Property Damage Liability and Bodily Injury Liability)

Liability insurance pays for harm you cause to others. It does not pay to fix your car.

• Property damage liability pays for damage you cause to other people’s cars or property.
• Bodily injury liability pays for injuries you cause to others.

Florida law requires certain coverages. You should check your policy and local law. In many cases, Florida drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability. Property damage liability usually has a minimum amount. You can buy higher limits to get more protection.

If you cause a crash, your liability coverage pays for the other driver’s repairs. If the other driver sues, your liability policy helps defend you. Your insurer hires an attorney and handles legal costs up to the policy limits.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

If another driver hits you and has no insurance, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help. If the other driver has too little insurance, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help. These coverages can pay for your car repairs and medical costs when the other driver cannot pay.

• You get hit by a driver with no insurance. UM pays.
• You get hit by a driver with low limits. UIM pays the gap.

Florida has specific rules for UM and UIM. You should check your policy. You can choose limits for these coverages. Higher limits give you more protection.

Glass and windshield coverage

Glass coverage pays to repair or replace broken windows. Many insurers offer full glass coverage. Some insurers waive the deductible for the windshield. You can add a glass rider or an endorsement.

If a rock chips your windshield, you can get it fixed with no or low deductible. If you need a full replacement, the insurer pays the cost minus any deductible, unless you have a waiver.

Glass claims usually do not raise your premium. Many insurers treat glass claims as a separate line.

Rental reimbursement and towing

You can add small coverages to your policy to make your life easier.

• Rental reimbursement pays for a rental car while your car gets fixed.
• Towing and labor pays to tow your car and to handle minor roadside labor.

You choose daily limits and total limits for rental reimbursement. You choose a dollar limit for towing. These add-ons cost little money and help you avoid extra bills when your car is being repaired.

Gap insurance

Gap insurance protects you when your car is worth less than what you owe on a loan or lease. If your car is totaled, the insurer pays the car’s actual cash value (ACV). ACV reflects depreciation. If you owe more than ACV, you must pay the difference. Gap coverage pays that difference.

You often buy gap insurance when you lease a car. You also buy it when you make a small down payment or finance for a long term.

When does auto insurance not pay?

Your insurer may not pay in some cases.

• You drive without a valid license. Your insurer may deny the claim.
• You use the car for certain business uses that your policy excludes. The insurer may deny coverage.
• You intentionally cause damage. The insurer will deny the claim.
• You let a friend use the car and the friend was not covered by the policy’s permissive use rules. The insurer may limit or deny the claim.

You should read your policy. You should ask your agent for clear answers.

How deductibles work

You choose a collision deductible and a comprehensive deductible. The insurer subtracts the deductible from the repair estimate. You pay the deductible to the repair shop. The insurer pays the rest.

• Repair cost $3,000. Your deductible $500. Insurer pays $2,500.
• Repair cost $1,000. Your deductible $1,500. You pay $1,000 and insurer pays $0. (You would not file a claim in this case.)

Choose a deductible that fits your budget. High deductible lowers premium. Low deductible raises premium.

Filing an auto insurance claim: step by step

You can follow a simple list when damage happens.

1. Stop and check for injuries. Call 911 if you or others need help.
2. Move to a safe place if you can. Your health comes first.
3. Call the police if the law requires it or if damage is serious. Get a police report number.
4. Take photos of damage, location, license plates, and any road signs.
5. Exchange names, phones, insurance company names, and policy numbers with other drivers.
6. Contact your insurer. Give the facts. The insurer opens a claim and sends an adjuster.
7. Get repair estimates. The insurer may send a claims adjuster or an appraiser.
8. Choose a repair shop. Some insurers recommend shops. You can choose your shop.
9. Pay your deductible to the shop if repairs start. The insurer pays the rest after repairs or when the shop bills them.

Keep copies of all documents. Save photos, receipts, and emails. These items help if the insurer disputes the claim.

How claims affect your premium

You file a claim. The insurer reviews your driving record and claims history. If you file many claims, your premium can go up. If the insurer deems you at fault, your rate can rise more.

Some insurers offer accident forgiveness for the first accident. You can ask your agent if you have that feature. You can shop around after a claim. You can also raise your deductible to lower future premiums.

Florida and weather-related claims

Florida has a lot of severe weather. Hurricanes, strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge can damage cars and homes. You may file an auto claim for car damage. You may file a home claim for house damage.

Auto comprehensive normally covers wind and hail damage. It often covers flood damage too. You should check your policy language. If you live in a flood zone, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance for homes. NFIP does not insure cars.

If you have damage to your home and your car from the same storm, you may file two claims: one with your auto insurer and one with your homeowner’s insurer. The homeowner’s claim covers the house, roof, and personal property (inside the house), not the vehicle.

When a public adjuster or loss adjuster helps

You want someone who works for you. A public adjuster works for you. A public adjuster inspects property damage. The public adjuster documents the damage. The public adjuster writes an estimate. The public adjuster negotiates with the insurer for you.

Public adjusters usually handle home and business property claims. Public adjusters do not usually handle routine auto claims. Auto insurance firms use independent auto appraisers and mechanics to set car repair costs. A public adjuster can still help in special situations.

Here are situations when a public adjuster helps with car-related loss:

• A storm damages both your house and your car in the garage. The garage structure and house damage go to the homeowner’s claim. The public adjuster documents house and structure damage. The public adjuster helps you get a fair payment for the home claim. This payment can help you pay for other losses while your car is repaired or replaced.
• A roof or tree collapse hits your car while parked at home. The public adjuster documents the fallen tree, roof damage, and any related home damage. The public adjuster negotiates with the homeowner’s insurer for all home-related repairs.
• You need strong documentation for a dispute. The public adjuster can provide detailed photos, reports, and estimates. These items can help your auto and home insurers see the full scope of loss.

If you have a claim that involves both house and car, call a public adjuster. The public adjuster cares about your home claim. The public adjuster can coordinate with your auto claim and with the insurer.

Public adjuster vs. insurance company adjuster vs. independent appraiser

• The insurance company sends an adjuster. The company adjuster works for the insurer. The company adjuster evaluates the claim for the insurer.
• You can hire a public adjuster. The public adjuster works for you. The public adjuster tries to get you more money from the insurer.
• Independent auto appraisers and mechanics evaluate car damage. They focus on cars and parts.

You can hire one or more of these people. The public adjuster helps with home claims. An independent auto appraiser helps with car claims. You get extra help when you need it.

Why you might hire Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals

You live in Florida. A storm damages your house. You need someone to inspect the damage. You want a professional who knows Florida insurance rules. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals does public adjusting and appraisals. They serve homeowners across Florida. They handle hurricane damage, water damage, mold, roof leaks, and fire. They inspect your property for free. They work for you and only get paid when you get paid.

You can call Otero if you want someone to document home damage. You can use that documentation to support your home claim. If your car is also damaged in the same storm, Otero can help you gather home reports that show the storm severity. That evidence can sometimes help with a stronger auto claim.

Contact details:

• Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
• 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
• (850) 285-0405
• https://oteroadjusting.com/

Examples that show who pays and why

You want simple examples. I will give them.

• Example 1: You back into a pole in a parking lot. You pay your collision deductible. Collision pays for repairs.
• Example 2: A falling branch smashes your roof and your car in the driveway. Your homeowner’s insurer covers the roof and house damage. Your auto comprehensive usually covers the car damage. A public adjuster inspects your house and helps with the home claim.
• Example 3: A thief steals your car. Your comprehensive coverage pays the actual cash value, minus deductible. If you owe more than the car is worth, gap insurance pays the difference.
• Example 4: You get hit by a driver who has no insurance. Your uninsured motorist coverage pays for repairs and medical costs according to your policy limits.
• Example 5: A hurricane floods a neighborhood. Your car fills with water. The auto insurer may pay under comprehensive. Your home may have flood damage that the NFIP or a private flood insurer must cover. A public adjuster can review and document your home loss.

How to choose the right auto coverage

You should think about money and risk. You should ask these questions:

• How much can you pay for repairs right now?
• How much can you pay for a deductible?
• Do you live in a flood or hurricane zone?
• Do you lease or finance the car?
• Do you want rental car coverage if your car is in the shop?

A child can understand this: If you have little money saved, pick lower deductibles and add rental coverage. If you have money saved, pick higher deductibles to pay less each month.

Compare quotes. Read the policy. Ask the agent to explain what they mean in plain words.

How to document damage well

You want proof. Proof makes claims easier.

• Take clear photos of all damage.
• Take wide photos that show location.
• Take photos of license plates and other cars.
• Keep repair estimates and receipts.
• Save police reports and names of witnesses.
• Note the time and date.
• Keep notes of every phone call with the insurer.

The public adjuster can take photos and write a report. The public adjuster can collect contractor estimates for home repairs. These items help your claim.

If the insurer denies or low-balls your claim

You can contest the decision. You can hire a public adjuster for the home claim. For car claims, you can hire an independent appraiser or a lawyer. The insurer must explain why it denied the claim.

A public adjuster reviews your homeowner’s claim and finds missing items. The public adjuster negotiates with the insurer. The public adjuster may file an appraisal or demand letter. The public adjuster helps you get more money if the insurer underpays.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals does not charge you until they get money for you. They inspect your home damage for free. You can call them at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/ to set an inspection.

Simple table of coverage types

Coverage type	Pays for	Helps you when
Collision	Damage from hitting another car or object	You hit a pole, you crash into a guardrail
Comprehensive	Damage from theft, fire, hail, vandalism, animal strike, glass, some flood	Storm damage, theft, vandalism
Property damage liability	Damage you cause to others’ cars or property	You hit another car or home
Bodily injury liability	Injuries to others you cause	You hurt someone in an accident
Uninsured/underinsured motorist	Damage or injuries from drivers without enough insurance	Other driver has no coverage or low limits
Glass/windshield	Repair or replace glass	Windshield chip or crack
Rental reimbursement	Pays for a rental car while yours repairs	Your car in the shop after a crash
Towing and labor	Tow and minor roadside help	Your car breaks down or needs towing
Gap insurance	Pays difference between loan and car value if totaled	You total a new car and still owe a lot

Common myths and the truth

You hear many myths. I list the truth in simple lines.

• Myth: Your homeowner’s insurance will fix your car. Truth: Your auto insurance usually covers car damage. Homeowner’s insurance covers your house and some personal property, not most vehicles.
• Myth: A public adjuster works for the insurance company. Truth: A public adjuster works for you.
• Myth: Filing a claim always makes your rate skyrocket. Truth: Your rate may rise after a fault claim, but one claim does not always mean a huge increase. Rates depend on insurer rules and your record.
• Myth: If you have insurance, the insurer pays everything. Truth: You pay deductibles and your policy has limits and exclusions.

Tips to protect your car and lower your risk

• Park under cover when you can. A garage protects your car.
• Keep emergency cash or a low-cost roadside plan for towing.
• Check your policy limits and deductibles every year.
• Keep maintenance records. The insurer may ask for proof if wear and tear is an issue.
• Take photos before storms if you expect bad weather.

A short story about a bad day and a good helper

You drive to drop off a cake for a party. A storm comes. A tree branch falls and smashes the roof of your house and the hood of your car. You feel small and tired. You call your auto insurer and your homeowner’s insurer. The auto adjuster tells you how the car gets fixed. The homeowner’s insurer sends a company adjuster for the house. You worry the company adjuster will miss things.

You call Otero. Otero comes. The public adjuster walks the roof and looks at the broken soffit and the hole. The public adjuster takes photos and writes a clear list of damage. The public adjuster gives you a report. You send the report to your homeowner’s insurer. The insurer pays to replace the roof. Your auto insurer pays to fix the car. You feel better. You do not pay Otero until you get paid. You call (850) 285-0405. The public adjuster works for you.

Final steps you can take today

• Read your auto policy. Look for collision and comprehensive sections.
• Check your deductibles and limits.
• Decide on extra coverages like rental, towing, gap, and glass.
• Save photos and receipts if anything happens.
• If a storm damages your home, call a public adjuster. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals offers a free inspection and serves homeowners across Florida. You can contact them at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/. Their address is 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.

You now know the types of insurance that pay to fix your car. You also know when a public adjuster matters for home damage. You know that damages from crashes usually fall under collision. You know that non-crash events fall under comprehensive. You know liability pays others and not you. You know who to call in Florida for help with your home: Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals. You can keep your car safe and your claims clear.