Thursday, September 4, 2008

What Type of Auto Insurance Covers Vandalism and Damage to a Car?

Insurance needs can be confusing. That is why you must sit down with the agent representing the insurance company that you are considering. Find out everything about the policy before you purchase it. The time to find out that you are not covered for something is not when you file a claim. Know what your insurance policy is going to pay for should something happen and what is not covered, because you can add items that you want covered.

Comprehensive insurance is one type that many people do not understand. It is not typically covered under a general liability insurance policy. This is the insurance that will cover damage to your vehicle whether it is caused by fire, theft, weather, or animal collisions. Many people have this type in the area where deer are commonly found. Vandalism is another type of damage that comprehensive insurance covers.

If you have full coverage insurance due to your vehicle being financed or just because it is a newer vehicle and it makes sense, the comprehensive insurance is part of your policy. If you do not have full coverage, comprehensive will have to be purchased separately.

Many people choose to purchase this insurance because the chances of theft or some unforeseen incident can be high in certain areas. If something happens to total your car and you do not have coverage, you are left without transportation. Not to mention there will be no money coming to purchase another vehicle.

The type of coverage you have will actually depend on the insurance policy that you have purchased. If you are in doubt as to what your policy covers, look at the 'Extras' page which will tell you what ones are available and what ones you have or do not have.

If your policy is the type that only offers third party protection, you will not have coverage if you car is stolen or damaged by fire. However, it does not cost that much more than a third party plan to get the third party fire and theft included so that you will be covered in the event that this happens.

Some insurance policies that you have comprehensive insurance with may provide you with a courtesy car if repairs are being done on your vehicle. Read your policy to make sure this is an option. Most people do not know this but if your car is under a year old and gets damages that are going to be over 60% of the value of the car to repair, your car can be totaled. If it is totaled by the insurance company, they will pay you the current market value of your car.

The best thing you can do is to read your policy and know what it covers. If you have any doubts, call your insurance agent and find out about certain aspects. They will be happy to let you know what your insurance policy includes and excludes. It may benefit you to know what options are available from different companies and the price difference between the premiums before you make a choice as to which company you will go with.

By Kian Chew Chong

Lifted from this source: http://ezinearticles.com

About the Author:

Kian Chew is a car insurance expert and owner of Car Insurance Hot Zone. Car Insurance Hot Zone helps those who wish to lower their car insurance cost for life by using a few basic rules and some strategies which few people know. You can instantly view the secrets by visiting http://www.CarInsuranceHotZone.com.