So I Hit My Garage With My Car
It has been reported in a scientific study that people tend to be overconfident when driving near their homes. The idea that I hit my garage with my car isn’t impossible. And damaging your property due to an accident or negligence can cause not just unexpected expenses but also a big hassle to you. Now, you will have to file a claim to fix it.
The first thing you need to do is decide whether you file it under your Homeowner’s Insurance or your Auto Insurance? This situation is quite tricky but the good part is, if you are properly insured, you can be at ease that you will be covered.
What You Should Know
Your Auto Insurance’s Liability Coverage will only cover when you hit other people’s property. Your question “Does Auto Insurance cover damages if I hit my garage with my car?” Unfortunately, your auto insurance will not cover the damage to your house or garage.
However, it can cover the damage you made to your car due to the accident. And regarding your damaged house, don’t worry because your home insurance will pay for that if proven that the damage is not intentional.
On another note, If your vehicle is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or an inanimate object like a fence or tree, Collision Insurance may assist cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Leasing or financing a vehicle almost always necessitates collision insurance. Collision insurance is not required if your vehicle is paid in full.
What To Do After I Hit My Garage With My Car
So, ok, I hit my garage with my car. What do it do? The next thing you need to do is to decide whether you really need to file a claim or not. Why? Well here’s the thing, accidents can cause mild to severe damage to your home and car. In this case, the car backed into the garage door in this insurance claim.
Let’s say your house’s wall broke down, then that’s really something that you need to file for. The cost of the damage is too much for you to pay. But, if the result of the accident is just minor and can be repaired easily, consider fixing it yourself. For example, a dent in your garage’s sliding door. That one can be fixed and the repair won’t cost you much.
Here’s why you should consider it. Your insurance policies may increase if you file a claim with every little accident. Insurance companies keep records of the people who file claims often. So if you are the type who wants to file a claim on every small issue, then there’s a big chance that your insurance policy rates will go up.
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Filing A Claim To Your Homeowners Insurance
This is the time when you realize that having insurance that can back you up, especially during this unfortunate event is very important. Now, let’s say you already decided to file a claim. You need to know first what to do. How are you going to explain what happened? Do you need to clean up the mess and the damage that was made or just leave it like that? Should I Get An Estimate For Damage To My Home Before Filing A Claim?
Also, regarding your auto insurance, you must determine as well what step to make. Like What Questions Should I Ask Before Filing an Auto Insurance Claim? Surely there are lots of things that you want to know first. So here are some of the important factors that you need to know:
- If any belongings in your property were damaged, your possessions insurance coverage will pay for that. Although some policies may only pay it based on cash value. Therefore, you better ask your insurance agent about this to make sure.
- Other home insurance policies reimburse the Actual Cash Value under the Other Structure Coverage. While some will just pay you for the replacement cost.
- Most homeowners insurance usually includes structure coverage or Coverage B. Generally, standard home insurance covers everything from your house, detached garage, and protective fence. So in case of a claim regarding damaged property, this policy will save you from the costs of repairs.
What are other structures?
Other structure coverage is the policy on your home insurance that covers the things that are your property but are not attached to your main house. If ever these detached parts of your property are damaged due to a qualified cause, the other structure coverage of your policy will cover them. Here are the usually covered structures:
- Gazebos
- Fences
- Sheds
- Garages
- Mailbox
- Walkways
- Storage house
Filing a claim to your Auto Insurance
Filling a claim request to your auto insurance is needed if your car crashed pretty badly. However, minor scratches can be fixed easily and you may consider not filing a claim at all. Having a clean record of claims is more important than fixing a small scratch by yourself. But if the damage is severe, repairs for cars can be very expensive. Hence, you have no other option but to file a claim. And worst, since it is your fault, this can be a bad record for you.
Contacting the police and filing an accident report
Although these are the standard procedures when caught in an accident. Since smashing your property using your car is your fault and no other party is involved. You can skip this process if the accident is just minor.
However, if the accident is too much for you to handle, you can call the police to have proper documentation of what happened. Having a police report that is detailed and accurate can also make your claims clearer.
Moreover, if you are hurt or injured, police officers can easily call for an ambulance or emergency services. Professional help can also handle any fuel or oil leaks if the impact is really severe.
While some states have laws when it comes to filing an accident report. When you experience one, make sure to file it to the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV. Understanding your legal responsibilities is a must. But if you are not sure what step you should do first, you can always contact your insurance agent to guide you.
Most people are surprised to learn that they don’t have enough insurance. Make sure you have the right coverage.
Call your insurance company ASAP
Again, this is true for both your home insurance and your car insurance. Many insurers require you to phone them immediately after an accident. They will provide you with clear next steps.
First, your insurance company sends a claims professional or adjuster when you file a claim. Adjusters handle claims. The adjuster will answer your questions, explain what to expect, and how payment will be made.
Also, home and car repairs. Here, your paperwork is needed. Provide all required details for speedy claim processing. More details regarding the accident helps the adjuster assist you.
After the adjuster reviews your information, he or she will estimate the damage. The estimate describes how the work will be done and what materials will be used. If you agree, then work can begin.
You’ll be told whether there are any deductibles and what to do next.You may not get paid. Without the company’s approval, no repairs can be made.
Always read your insurance policy because it states that you’ll let them analyze the damage and deal with them on settlements.
In a nutshell, if I hit my garage with my car, it will result in two claims. Your best defense against the unexpected is having enough homes and auto insurance. Since accidents can happen anytime, read your insurance contract. Talk to your agent about your coverage.
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Why do you need insurance? Because life is unpredictable! Don’t get caught without protection. Now is the time to make sure your family is secured. It’s time to talk to an Auto Insurance Expert.