What Types Of Car Insurance Cover Accidental Damage?
Not all car insurance policies are created equal, and the level of cover you have may determine whether accidental damage is included. Comprehensive car insurance is typically the only type of policy that covers accidental damage to your own vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of different types of cover:
- Comprehensive Insurance: This is the most complete type of car insurance and usually covers damage to your vehicle, whether you’re at fault or not. Accidental damage is generally included under this cover.
- Third Party, Fire and Theft: This level of cover may not pay for accidental damage to your own car. It only covers damage to other vehicles and property, and your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
- Third Party Only: This is the minimum level of cover required by law in the UK. It doesn’t cover any damage to your own vehicle, accidental or otherwise, and only covers damage to others.
What Counts As Accidental Damage?
Accidental damage refers to unexpected and unintentional harm caused to your car. It doesn’t include wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns, but it does cover incidents like:
- Scraping your car whilst parking
- Reversing into a post or wall
- Cracking the windscreen
- Dents from opening your door into something
- Accidental interior damage, such as spilling liquids or damaging seats
These everyday mishaps can happen to anyone, and whilst some may seem minor, repair costs can quickly add up, which is why having accidental damage cover can be a lifesaver.
Will Your No-Claims Bonus Be Affected By An Accidental Damage Claim?
If you make a claim for accidental damage, it could affect your no-claims discount (NCD). Insurers offer this discount as a reward for not making claims over a certain period, and it can significantly lower your premium. However, a claim-even for accidental damage-can reduce or eliminate your NCD unless you have no-claims protection in place.
No-claims protection allows you to keep your discount after making a claim, but this doesn’t always prevent your premium from rising overall. It’s important to weigh up the costs of making a claim versus paying for repairs out of pocket, particularly if the damage is minor.
Can You Get Insurance That Includes Accidental Damage Protection?
Yes, most comprehensive car insurance policies include accidental damage as part of the standard cover. If you’re shopping for insurance and want to be sure that accidental damage is covered, it’s worth looking into the details of each policy. You’ll want to ensure that:
- Accidental damage is explicitly listed as part of the cover
- You understand the excess amount (the portion you pay towards repairs before the insurer covers the rest)
- Any exclusions or limitations are clear-certain insurers might not cover damage in specific circumstances
Accidental damage protection can offer peace of mind, particularly for newer vehicles or those with high repair costs.
How Does An Excess Affect Your Accidental Damage Claim?
The excess is the amount you’re required to pay towards any repair before your insurance kicks in. For example, if you have an excess of £250 and the cost to repair your car is £500, you’ll pay the first £250, and your insurer may cover the rest. When making a claim for accidental damage, it’s important to know what your excess is and how it applies. There are two types of excess to consider:
- Compulsory Excess: Set by the insurer, this is the amount you’re required to pay as part of your policy agreement.
- Voluntary Excess: This is an additional amount you choose to pay on top of the compulsory excess. Opting for a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but it also means you’ll pay more in the event of a claim.
Before making an accidental damage claim, check if the cost of repairs is more than your total excess. If the damage is minor, it might not be worth making a claim and losing your no-claims bonus.
Does Your Policy Include Windscreen Cover?
Accidental damage to your windscreen, such as chips or cracks, is one of the most common issues drivers face. Whilst it may seem like a small problem, a damaged windscreen can affect your visibility and safety. Fortunately, many comprehensive car insurance policies include windscreen cover as part of accidental damage protection, but it’s not always automatic.
If windscreen cover is included, the terms may vary. Some insurers could repair chips for free without affecting your NCD, whilst others may charge an excess. If your policy doesn’t include windscreen cover, you might be able to add it for an extra fee, so it’s worth considering.
Can You Prevent Accidental Damage?
Whilst accidents are by nature unpredictable, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of accidental damage to your vehicle. Some of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of damaging your car include:
- Parking in well-lit, spacious areas to avoid scrapes or collisions
- Using parking sensors or reversing cameras if available
- Staying focused when driving in tight spaces or unfamiliar areas
- Protecting the interior with covers for seats and other surfaces
Taking these preventative measures can reduce the chances of needing to make a claim for accidental damage, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Is Accidental Damage Cover Worth It For Older Cars?
Whether accidental damage cover is worth it depends largely on the value of your car. For newer or high-value vehicles, comprehensive insurance that includes accidental damage is usually worth the investment, as repairs can be expensive. However, for older cars with lower market value, it might not be as significant.
If the cost to repair accidental damage is higher than the value of the car, some owners opt for third-party, fire and theft cover, which doesn’t include accidental damage. In these cases, it may make more financial sense to pay for repairs out of pocket or replace the car entirely if the damage is severe.
What Happens If Accidental Damage Is Caused By Someone Else?
If another driver causes damage to your car in an accident, their insurance should cover the cost of repairs. However, if the driver isn’t insured or flees the scene, things can get more complicated. In these cases, your own comprehensive insurance might usually cover the damage, but making a claim could affect your NCD. Additionally, you may need to pay an excess, though you could potentially recover these costs later through legal means.
How Can You Make A Claim For Accidental Damage?
If your car has sustained accidental damage and you need to make a claim, follow these steps:
- Report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible, providing full details of the incident.
- Provide any necessary evidence, such as photos of the damage or repair estimates.
- Pay your excess if required. Your insurer might inform you of how much you need to contribute.
- Your insurer might then assess the claim and arrange repairs through an approved garage or repair centre.
It’s important to keep in mind that making a claim could increase your future premiums, so weigh up the costs carefully.
What Should You Do Next?
Whether you’re looking to protect your car against accidental damage or simply want peace of mind that you’re fully covered, comprehensive insurance can provide the protection you need. It’s always worth comparing car insurance policies to ensure you’re getting the best deal and the right level of cover for your needs.
Explore your options today and look for the insurance policy that offers the right protection for you and your car.
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