Will Auto Insurance Cover Your Broken Mirror?
When it comes to car accidents and broken mirrors, there are often a lot of questions about what is covered by auto insurance. It depends on your specific policy and the conditions that led to the broken mirror.
So, does auto insurance cover a broken mirror? Generally, auto insurance does not cover a broken mirror, but it depends on the terms and conditions of the particular policy. Some policies may have provisions that specifically mention mirrors, while others might not. If you are unsure whether your policy covers a broken mirror, contact your local professional for clarification.
Keep reading to learn more about whether or not your auto insurance will repair your broken mirror.
If The Damage Is Caused By An Accident
In some cases, auto insurance may cover a broken mirror if caused by an accident. For example, if a rock hits your mirror and shatters it, your insurer may cover the costs of repairing or replacing the mirror.
However, if you accidentally hit your mirror with a hammer, most insurers would not consider this to be an accident and would not cover the costs.
Contact Your Insurance
If you are involved in an accident, and your mirror is damaged, contact your insurer to file a claim. Be sure to have your policy number and other relevant information handy. Your insurer will investigate the accident and determine if the damage to your mirror is covered under your policy.
It is important to note that not all auto insurance policies are created equal. Policies vary from company to company and even from policy to policy within the same company. It is essential to read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
If you have any questions, contact your insurer for clarification. Your insurer will investigate the accident and determine if the damage is covered. Always read your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
Cases Where You Could Make A Claim
It is a case-by-case basis as it depends on the circumstances that happened to lead to the damage as well as your specific insurance policy. Although your insurer probably doesn’t typically provide coverage for mirrors, there are two cases in which you might be able to make a claim.
Previously Shattered Mirror
First of all, if the mirror was non-functional because it was previously shattered, you could claim comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive covers damage incurred by events other than traffic collisions or theft (windshield cracks from vandals are an example).
However, this is only true if the incident happened when your car was parked and not while driving. That said, since parking lots are often unsupervised, it may be possible that someone simply broke into your vehicle before stealing it.
If that was the case, then you could claim your comprehensive coverage for both the mirror and theft of your car.
Collision Coverage
The other situation is if you have replacement mirror glass included as part of your collision coverage. Collision coverage compensates for damages to your vehicle after a traffic collision or rollover.
You can file a claim for this type of damage regardless of whether the damage occurred while driving or parked since it’s still considered damage to your car rather than an event covered by comprehensive. For example, say someone backs into your vehicle in a parking lot and damages its rear quarter panel and tail light assembly.
You would need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier in addition to your insurer to have the damage repaired.
Your Liability
If you break your car mirror (obviously not common), you won’t be reimbursed for it under most policies. Broken side view mirrors are usually considered “wear and tear” or “damage from use”.
This is why most policies specifically exclude these types of claims. Preventive care like replacing old broken side-view mirrors is an example of something that would fall into this category.
If another person is injured as a result of your broken mirror, they may be able to file a claim against your insurance policy. This type of claim is known as “third-party liability”. It covers any costs associated with injuries that someone else suffers because of something you did.
Most policies include some level of third-party liability coverage, so it’s worth checking your policy to see what’s included. Also, you may be held responsible for any damage the broken glass makes when it falls onto the ground – but this usually isn’t an issue because most modern cars have plastic rear view mirrors anyway!
What To Do If You Get Into An Accident
So, what should you do if you get in a car accident? Here are some basic tips.
1. Get The Damage Appropriately Assessed By Your Local Garage
Find a local car garage that you trust and give them as much detail about it as possible so they can accurately quote you for repairs.
It is better to include photos to help them understand the full extent of the damage. Once you have a quote, you can move forward with repairs once it is ruled if insurance will be covering it or not.
2. Collect All Information For The Insurance Claim
The process of getting any type of car accident injury compensation through an insurance company does not start immediately. Therefore, it’s important to be proactive and deal with your claim before you leave the scene. If you don’t do this, there could be errors in your claim that will lead to delays or even rejection altogether!
3. Ask For Contact Details Of Anyone Else Involved
If you think that someone other than yourself might be responsible for the incident, make sure you get their contact details (name, address, and phone number before you leave. That way, if the police do get involved, they will be able to contact that person for their statement.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ll ensure that the process of getting your car repaired runs as smoothly as possible. Remember, always stay calm and collected after an accident – it will only help things in the long run!
How To Be Avoid Accidents In The Future
Although some accidents can be unavoidable, there are some preventative steps that we can each do to try to avoid being part of one.
Many accidents are caused by people not following the rules and being distracted. Therefore, we each must play our part in being responsible drivers to keep ourselves and our fellow neighbors safe.
1. Stay Alert
First, let’s talk about how to be a safe driver when you’re on the road. One of the most important things to remember is to stay alert and focused on the road. This means avoiding distractions, such as using your phone while driving.
2. Obey Traffic Laws
We all took driving school and know the basic rules of the road. It’s important to obey all traffic laws and signs and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
3. Keeping Your Car In Good Condition
Another key factor for staying safe while driving is keeping your car in good condition. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, your brakes are working well, and your engine is running smoothly.
You can also help improve your car’s performance by reducing the weight of any unnecessary items that are regularly transported in your vehicle.
4. Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is another important factor in staying safe while driving. This means being aware of other drivers and their actions and preparing for the unexpected.
5. Reacting Safely In Emergencies
If an emergency does occur, it’s important to know how to react safely. This includes learning how to properly use your car’s brakes, steering wheel, and other features to avoid or reduce the severity of an accident.
Unfortunately, sometimes accidents are beyond our control. Others may not be paying attention or simply human error. Use these tips to prevent accidents in the future- your insurance rates will thank you.
Deciding What Auto Insurance Is Best For You
There has been a big debate among car insurance companies and many people all over America for quite some time now. There are two sides to the argument; one side believes that everyone should buy coverage that covers everything under the sun. The other side argues that people should purchase only coverages they think they will need.
If you are prone to accidents or have had a few in the past, you might want to consider purchasing a policy covering everything. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that if anything happens, you are covered.
On the other hand, if you are a safe driver with no accidents on your record, you might want to think about purchasing only liability insurance. This is by far the less expensive option, and it still provides some protection in case of an accident.
In the end, it is up to each driver to decide what they think is best for them and their family. There is no one correct answer; every person’s needs are different.
Do some research, talk to friends and family members who have car insurance policies, and then make a decision that you feel comfortable with. In the long run, you will be glad that you made a choice and stuck with it!
