Unexpected Coverages on your Auto Insurance Policy
Have you ever wondered if you could file a claim on a car seat after a car accident? Or if you could file a claim on your dog’s injuries after being in a car accident? Depending on your policy, the answer may be yes. You probably know the major coverages on an auto insurance policy, but there are some surprising coverages, too! Read below and maybe you’ll learn something new – but remember, every policy is different and would only provide coverage up to the coverage limit.
1. Car seat replacement coverage
Does insurance cover a car seat replacement?
Yes! If you have collision coverage, your insurance will replace a car seat involved in an accident.
How do I replace a car seat after an accident?
Whether it was a moderate or severe crash, we recommend replacing your child’s car seat. Even if there is no visible damage to the car seat following an accident, it is still a good idea to file for a replacement just to be safe.
When filling your auto claim, make sure your insurance provider knows that you will need a new car seat. Insurers typically will reimburse you for a replacement car seat that matches the quality and type of the damaged one, so make sure you tell them what type of car seat was damaged.
Even if your child was not in the car seat at the time of the crash, it is still important that you replace the car seat.
How do I file a car seat claim?
If the other driver was at-fault for the accident, you can include the damages to the car seat in your property damage liability claim.
Make sure you include:
- Pictures of the car seat
- Copy of the manufacturer’s instructions manual
- If you had to purchase a new car seat after the crash, save those receipts so that you may be reimbursed.
If you are at fault or you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you will need to file a collision claim with your insurance company. If you do not have collision coverage, you will be expected to pay the costs of the claim out-of-pocket, so it is crucial that you have this coverage.
How should I dispose of a car seat after a car accident?
When your insurance company pays to replace your car seat after an accident, they may ask you to cut the straps out of the damaged one to make sure no one else can use it.
A few things you can do with the damaged car seat are:
- Trade it in: some stores will offer a trade-in for damaged or expired car seats and will give you a gift card or store credit toward other baby items.
- Recycle: if you have a recycling center near you, you can take the damaged car seat there where they will dispose of it properly.
- Destroy it: if you cannot find a recycle center, your other option is to throw it away. Be sure the straps are cut out so that no one else will be able to use it.
2. Coverage for a pet’s vet bills
What happens if I’m in a car accident and my pet is in the car?
Your pet’s injuries or burial costs may be covered up to the coverage limits.
What if I am the at fault driver?
Collision coverage would cover your pet’s vet expenses only if it is stated in your policy. If your policy does not extend coverage to pets and you often take your dog or cat on car rides, it would be a good idea to add this endorsement, if available.
What if I am not at fault?
Insurance companies view pets as property, so if someone else causes the accident and your pet is injured, the other party’s property damage coverage would cover the expenses. Be sure to file a claim with the other party’s insurance company so they can pay or provide reimbursements for vet bills, burial costs, etc.
Pro tips: Safe driving tips with your furry friend
- Make sure your pet is not roaming the vehicle freely. Keep them in an area, with a seatbelt or in a kennel, so they will be in one spot and not distracting you during your drive.
- Train your dog at a young age how to calmly ride in a vehicle. The more you let them ride, the more they will get used to it.
- Consider pet insurance if you often drive with your pet in the vehicle. No matter who is at fault, vet bills can be expensive, so give yourself peace of mind by adding pet insurance. Alabama Farmers Federation members have access to pet insurance through Pumpkin as a member benefit.
3. Funeral expense coverage
Are funeral expenses covered by auto insurance? In some cases, yes. If the unthinkable happens and someone dies as a result of a car accident you’re responsible for, your auto insurance may pay for funeral expenses, up to the coverage limit, if that coverage is included in your policy.
4. Loss of Income
Loss of income is a common coverage on business insurance policies, but did you know some auto insurance policies have loss of income coverage, too?
What is auto insurance loss of income coverage?
If you’re unable to work after you’re in a car accident, loss of income coverage may cover part of your wages, up to your policy limits. With Alfa®, loss of income coverage pays 85% of your monthly income, up to $750 per month for up to one year after the date of the accident due to continuous total disability (for you, your spouse, family member or any other person occupying your car).
Don’t confuse loss of income with another common coverage – loss of use. Loss of use coverage on an auto policy covers, up to the policy limits, the cost associated with getting a rental car while your vehicle is inoperable due to a covered loss. So if your car is in the shop being repaired after an accident, you’re going to need to rent a vehicle to make sure you can get to work, take your kids to school, and continue living. Loss of use coverage helps with the cost of the rental car.
5. Luggage and clothing replacement coverage
After a car accident, you’ll have enough to worry about - paying to replace the items that were inside of your car is an added worry. Thankfully, if your luggage and clothing is lost or damaged in a car accident, you may have coverage, up to the policy limits. Alfa covers this up to $500.
When it comes to auto insurance, even the little lesser-known coverages can make a difference. Making sure you have these coverages will help you if the unexpected happens. Talk with your Alfa agent today to make sure you are covered.
* This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the coverages, conditions and exclusions. All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. Your Alfa agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy.