Latest news with #comprehensivecoverage
Khaleej Times
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
New UAE insurance briefing introduces the case for full-cover vehicle policies
A newly released report has highlighted the rising demand for car insurance in Dubai with more vehicle owners opting for comprehensive coverage that offers broader financial protection beyond the mandatory third-party liability policies required by law. As the UAE's roads become busier and weather-related risks more frequent, industry experts are observing a shift in consumer preference toward all-inclusive policies that cover not just third-party damage but also personal vehicle loss or repairs due to accidents, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. The announcement emphasises how comprehensive motor insurance is gaining relevance among both individual car owners and fleet operators in the country. Compared to third-party plans, which are only designed to compensate affected third parties, comprehensive policies also cover the insured's own vehicle, making them a more practical solution for long-term road safety and financial security. "Comprehensive coverage is no longer seen as optional. It's increasingly viewed as a smart investment, especially in regions where unpredictable road conditions and high repair costs are common," said a company spokesperson involved in the release of the overview. With insurance providers offering optional add-ons such as roadside assistance, personal accident cover, and regional extensions, policyholders now have more control over tailoring their plans to suit their lifestyle. Additionally, optional natural disaster riders are becoming more sought-after following seasonal flash floods and rain-related incidents across the Emirates. This overview aims to raise awareness among UAE residents about the practical benefits of enhanced motor insurance - helping drivers make more informed decisions and reduce financial vulnerability. For motorists navigating the UAE's fast-moving roads, comprehensive car insurance is no longer just a choice - it's a safeguard for the future.
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Does Your Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage? What You Need To Know Before The Next Storm
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Flooding can wreck your car in minutes, and if you're not prepared, it might wreck your wallet just as fast. As extreme weather becomes more common across the U.S., more drivers are asking an important question: If my car gets caught in a flood, will my insurance cover it? The answer depends on the kind of coverage you have. And if you only have basic liability coverage, you likely won't have protection against flood damage. Does Your Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage? In July, heavy rains led to severe flooding across parts of New York and New Jersey. Flooded streets and subway stations caused major disruptions throughout the region. If rising waters damaged your car, it could have suffered serious damage, from engine and electrical issues to soaked interiors. Unfortunately, regarding flood damage, not all car insurance policies offer equal protection. If you want protection against floods, you need comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance typically covers fire, theft, vandalism and flooding. It's usually optional but included in many full coverage plans. Liability insurance, which most states require, won't cover damage to your vehicle. It only pays for damage or injuries you cause to others. Collision coverage won't help either, as it only applies if you crash into another car or object. So, if rising waters catch you off guard, comprehensive coverage is what you'll want to have on your side. What's Covered Under Comprehensive Coverage? If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover: water damage to the engine or electrical systems ruined upholstery or interior mold or mildew caused by flooding repairs—or even a complete replacement if the car is totaled What's not covered? Your belongings inside the car. If a flood soaks your laptop or new handbag, this would fall under your renters' insurance or homeowners' insurance policy, if you have one. What To Do If Your Car Gets Flooded If a flood damages your car, here's what to do: Don't try to start the vehicle. Turning on a flood-damaged car can worsen the damage. Take photos. Document the damage from every angle. Call your insurance company. File a claim as soon as possible. Wait for the adjuster. A claims representative will inspect the damage and help you figure out the next steps. Depending on the extent of the flooding, your insurer will decide if the car is repairable or should be declared a total loss. Is It Worth Adding Flood Coverage? Adding comprehensive coverage is a smart move if you live in an area where storms, hurricanes or flash floods are common. It's not free, but it's usually affordable, often around $100 to $300 extra per year, depending on your car and where you live. Here's something many drivers don't realize: You usually can't wait until the last minute to add flood coverage. Once a storm is named or on the radar, most insurance companies pause new policies or changes. If you're considering adding comprehensive coverage, don't wait for the clouds—get it sorted before the forecast turns. Here are some of Forbes Advisor's picks of the best car insurance policies to choose from. Bottom Line Floods aren't just a coastal problem—they can hit almost anywhere, and your car is often one of the first things at risk. If you're unsure what your insurance covers, now's the time to look. Once the water starts rising, it's too late to make changes.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Does car insurance cover hail damage?
If hail strikes your car during a storm, it could result in minor scratches or dings or a serious problem like a cracked window, windshield, or major body damage. Your auto policy may help cover the costs of hail damage, but you'll need a type of coverage called comprehensive insurance. In this article, we'll cover the basics of car insurance and hail damage, including how coverage works and the basics of filing a claim. This embedded content is not available in your region. Learn more: How does car insurance work? The basics explained. What type of car insurance covers hail damage? Comprehensive coverage is the type of car insurance that covers you against hail damage. According to 2022 data from the Insurance Information Institute, 80 percent of insured drivers purchase comprehensive coverage in addition to liability insurance, and 77 percent buy collision coverage. Here's a bit more about each of those coverages: Liability insurance: Helps pay for medical bills and legal expenses if you cause a crash that injures someone else or damages their property. Liability insurance is required by nearly every state. Collision insurance: Covers some costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it's damaged in a crash. Collision insurance isn't a legal requirement in any state, but most lenders require it as a condition of leasing or financing a vehicle. Comprehensive insurance: Kicks in if your vehicle is stolen or vandalized, or is damaged by a severe weather event (like hail, storms, hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes), a falling tree or object, or a collision with an animal. Like collision insurance, comprehensive insurance isn't state-mandated but is a common auto-lender requirement. Is there a deductible for comprehensive insurance? Yes, both comprehensive insurance and collision insurance typically have a deductible, which is an amount you'll have to pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. (However, depending on your state and insurer, a deductible might not apply if you need your windshield replaced.) Choosing higher auto insurance deductibles often lowers your car insurance premiums, whereas lower deductibles usually come with higher premiums. Does liability cover hail damage? No, liability insurance doesn't cover hail damage. Liability coverage is required in most states and kicks in when you're legally responsible for a crash that injures someone or damages their property, while collision insurance (which isn't required in any state) covers hail damage. If you only carry state-mandated auto insurance, you'll have to foot the bill for hail damage on your own. How to file a car insurance claim for hail damage If your car sustains hail damage, you'll need to file an auto insurance claim for reimbursement. You can do so by following these steps: Check your policy and deductibles. Before starting a claim, check your policy to confirm that you have comprehensive coverage and make note of your deductibles. If the damage is fairly minor, repair costs could be lower than your deductible, in which case you wouldn't bother filing a claim. Contact your insurer. You can often initiate your claim by phone, online, or through a mobile app, depending on your insurer. Document the damage. Take photos or videos as evidence after your car is damaged by hail. You can send the images or video to your carrier or insurance adjuster after you've filed the claim. Get an estimate. Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. However, some insurers require you to get an estimate on your own. Your insurance company will use the estimate to determine your payout. Have your car repaired or replaced. Once your claim is approved, you can take your car to whatever repair shop you choose. Your insurer will send the payment directly to the mechanic. If your insurer determines your car is totaled or damaged beyond repair, they'll cut a check for the value of the vehicle to you. Your insurer will subtract your deductible from any payout it makes. Up Next Up Next What is the average insurance payout for a hail-damaged car? According to State Farm data, the average insurance payout for a hail-damaged car was around $5,000 in 2021. Your exact payout will depend on repair costs (if the car is salvageable) or the car's actual cash value (if the car is totaled), and your deductible. Your payout will be capped at your policy's limit. Will my insurance go up if I file a claim for hail damage? Filing a comprehensive insurance claim for hail damage typically won't increase your premium, as you're not at fault. However, you could still see your rates rise after a major hailstorm or another severe weather event as insurers attempt to recover their losses. Insurers also adjust their risk models to estimate the likelihood of similar events following a major disaster, which can lead to higher rates. Learn more: How much does car insurance increase after an accident? How is hail damage repaired? If your vehicle has minor cosmetic hail damage, a body shop may be able to repair it using a technique called paintless dent repair. The repair shop will repair dents using tools to gently apply pressure to the backside and stretch the metal until the dent disappears without repainting or refinishing the surface. However, if hail causes the paint to chip away, more extensive repairs are usually needed. Your car will also require substantial repairs in some circumstances, like if the windshield shattered or your car doors or trunk won't open due to the hail damage. Can hail total my car? Yes, hail can total your car, particularly after a major storm. Your insurer will compare the estimated repair costs against your vehicle's cash value. If repair costs exceed the car's market value immediately before the damage, your insurance company will total the vehicle. You'll receive a check for the car's actual value minus the deductible, up to your policy's limits. Do I have to fix hail damage with insurance money? Your lender may require you to use insurance proceeds to repair hail damage if your car is financed or leased, since the lender has a financial stake in your vehicle's condition. If your car is totaled and you still owe money on it, your insurer will pay the lender first to satisfy the lien and send you any remaining funds. Your payout will go directly to the leasing company if you lease your vehicle. You have a lot more leeway in deciding how to use insurance money for hail damage if you own your car outright. If your car's hail damage is only cosmetic, you can usually pocket the check instead of using it for repairs as long as your policy doesn't prohibit it. Keep in mind, though, that even minor dents and dings will affect the car's resale value. If the damage poses a safety hazard (for example, if the windshield cracked) or affects how the vehicle operates, it's essential to get it repaired. Learn more: Does insurance cover windshield replacement? Is a hail damage claim worth it? To decide if a hail damage claim is worth it, you'll need to look at the extent of the damage and your deductible. If the damage is fairly minor and will cost less than your deductible to repair, filing a hail damage claim isn't worth it. But if the repair bill will significantly exceed your deductible, it's worth filing a claim with your insurance company. Tim Manni edited this article.
