What do you know about car insurance coverage for parked cars? Regarding car insurance, most people think about coverage for accidents that happen while driving. However, it’s equally important to understand how your policy protects your vehicle when it’s parked.
Knowing the extent of your coverage can save you from unexpected expenses and headaches, whether your car is parked at home, at work, or in a public space. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about car insurance coverage for parked cars.
What is Parked Car insurance?
Parked car insurance, often called “comprehensive-only coverage” or “storage insurance,” is a specialized type of auto insurance designed to protect a vehicle that is not being driven and parked for an extended period.
This type of insurance is ideal for cars that are in storage, undergoing repairs, or not in use for any reason. It offers coverage primarily against non-driving-related risks such as theft, vandalism, weather damage, and other potential hazards that can occur while the vehicle is stationary.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
Let’s talk about the types of car or vehicle insurance available;
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is a fundamental component of car insurance policies. It covers the costs associated with damages you cause to other people and their property while driving.
This includes bodily injury liability, which pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees if you are sued, and property damage liability, which covers repairing or replacing the other party’s vehicle or property.
It’s important to note that liability insurance does not cover damages to your vehicle or injuries you sustain. Additionally, it does not extend to cover your parked car if it is damaged.
Collision Insurance
This coverage is designed to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your car if it is damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. It includes accidents involving another vehicle, hitting an object like a tree or a pole, or single-car accidents such as rolling over.
Collision insurance is precious for protecting your vehicle against physical damage from accidents, but it does not cover damage resulting from non-collision incidents. Whether your car is moving or stationary during the collision, this type of coverage ensures you can get it back on the road without bearing the entire financial burden.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance, sometimes referred to as “other than collision” coverage, protects a wide range of non-collision events that can damage your car. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters like hurricanes or floods, falling objects, and even damage from animals.
Comprehensive coverage is essential for safeguarding your vehicle against unpredictable and uncontrollable events that occur while your car is parked. For instance, if your car is stolen from your driveway or a tree branch falls on it during a storm, comprehensive insurance will cover the repair or replacement costs.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Commonly known as PIP, this is coverage that pays for medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
PIP coverage extends to you and your passengers, ensuring that necessary medical treatments are covered without the need to establish fault. This type of insurance can be particularly beneficial in no-fault insurance states, where each driver’s own PIP coverage pays for their injuries in an accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
This type of coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient. It also comes into play in hit-and-run situations, ensuring that you aren’t left with hefty out-of-pocket costs due to another driver’s negligence.
What Coverage Option Can I Get for My Parked Car?
Comprehensive insurance is the primary coverage option for parked cars. This type of insurance covers damages to your vehicle unrelated to collisions, making it ideal for protecting a parked car. Comprehensive insurance includes protection against theft, ensuring that you are covered if your vehicle is stolen while parked.
It also covers vandalism, so the repairs are paid for if someone damages your parked car by breaking windows or spray-painting it. Natural disasters like floods, hail, and storms can also cause significant damage to a parked car, but comprehensive insurance will cover these events. Furthermore, comprehensive insurance will handle repair or replacement costs if a fire or explosion damages your car.
This type of insurance even covers damage from falling objects, like a tree branch falling on your car during a storm, and incidents involving animals, such as if a raccoon or another animal damages your parked car. Overall, comprehensive insurance is designed to protect your vehicle from a wide range of non-collision incidents, making it the best choice for keeping your parked car safe.
Coverage for Parked Cars
When your car is parked, it’s still susceptible to various types of damage. Here’s how different aspects of your insurance policy can protect your parked vehicle:
Vandalism and Theft
If your parked car is vandalized or stolen, comprehensive insurance is the part of your policy that will cover the repair costs or replacement of your vehicle. This coverage typically includes incidents such as:
- Broken windows
- Graffiti
- Stolen parts (like catalytic converters)
- Complete theft of the car
Weather-Related Damage
Natural events can cause significant damage to parked cars. Comprehensive insurance also covers damages from weather-related incidents, including:
- Hailstorms
- Flooding
- Fallen trees or branches
- Lightning strikes
Fire and Explosions
Fire can cause total loss of a vehicle. Comprehensive insurance will cover the damage if the fire results from a nearby wildfire, an arson attack, or a mechanical fault. It also includes explosions, which are rare but potentially devastating events.
How to Fill a Claim for a Parked Car
When your parked car is damaged, the process for filing an insurance claim is similar to other types of claims. Here’s how it works;
- Document the Damage: Take clear photos and videos of the damage. Note the date, time, and location of the incident.
- Report the Incident: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary information and documentation.
- Police Report: If the damage is due to vandalism, theft, or a hit-and-run, file a police report. Your insurer will likely require this for the claim process.
- Assessment and Repair: Your insurer will assess the damage and either approve repairs or declare the car a total loss. If approved, take your car to an authorized repair shop.
Preventing Damage to Parked Cars
While insurance provides financial protection, it’s always better to prevent damage in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your parked car safe;
- Choose Safe Parking Locations: Park in well-lit, busy areas. Avoid secluded spots where vandalism or theft is more likely.
- Use Security Devices: Steering wheel locks, car alarms, and tracking devices can deter thieves.
- Avoid Parking Under Trees: Especially during storms, as branches can fall and cause damage.
- Garage Parking: If possible, park your car in a garage to protect it from the elements and reduce the risk of vandalism.
- Regular Maintenance: Ensure your car is in good working order to prevent spontaneous fires or other mechanical issues.
Best Parked Car Insurance
Here are some of the best insurance companies for a parked vehicle;
- State Farm
- USAA
- Progressive
- Allstate
- The Hartford
- Geico
- Travellers
- Nationwide
- Erie
- Liberty Mutual.
Conclusion
Understanding car insurance coverage for parked cars is essential for protecting your vehicle from various risks. In this article, we have discussed everything you need to know about car insurance coverage for parked cars.
