Does an unregistered car need insurance? The short answer is yes. But many drivers run into a roadblock when they want to buy a car because they’re trying to figure out if a vehicle needs insurance first or registration.

Don’t worry, we’re here to answer your questions.

Our guide explains why some states have insurance before registration. Also, we’ll explore a car insurance guide to help you choose the best insurance policy in your area.

If you want to shop for insurance before purchasing a car, enter your ZIP code in the free online quote tool above.

Will insurance cover an unregistered car?

Yes, it will. Most states in America require proof of auto insurance before registering a vehicle. You can buy car insurance the day you purchase the car.

Some of the best insurance companies allow you to buy a policy over the phone, enabling you to drive off the dealer’s lot the same day you purchase the vehicle.

Will insurance cover an uninspected car?

No, it won’t. If your vehicle needs an inspection, the car insurance company may not insure it right away.

For instance, a vehicle with a rebuilt title needs an inspection to ensure insurance risk. Auto insurance companies won’t insure a car with a higher risk of filing claims or mechanical breakdown.

Inspections are also necessary if you live in a state that requires vehicle checks before getting or keeping a car insurance policy.

Will insurance cover unregistered cars that you don’t own?

It depends on your policy. Standard auto insurance policies won’t allow you to insure a vehicle you don’t own. However, non-owner car insurance provides coverage for someone else’s vehicle.

But you have to show insurable interest (reasons why you want to invest in insuring a vehicle). Non-owner auto insurance is more expensive, but it’s helpful for drivers who use a car owned by someone else.

Why won’t insurance companies allow me to insure a car that’s not in my name?

Auto insurance companies insist that your policy and registration must match. The car owner is typically the primary policyholder, and it would be their responsibility to get insurance on the car.

You could get non-owner auto insurance if you’re a high-risk driver. If possible, ask the vehicle owner to add you as a driver on their car insurance policy.

Which states require proof of car insurance before registration?

Most areas in the United States want you to show proof of insurance when you go to get your vehicle registered. Here’s a table that shows a complete list of states that require insurance coverage before registration.

As you can see, the majority of states in America require insurance before registration is issued. And you’ll have an opportunity to get insured while you’re at the dealership.

Most of the time, you can’t leave the lot until you insure the vehicle you purchased.

Does expired registration affect insurance?

An expired registration is a non-driving violation. Therefore, you won’t lose your auto insurance coverage if you’re caught with expired tags.

What happens if you get in an accident with expired registration?

The car insurance company will still cover you, depending on the nature of the accident. If you’re at fault in a car accident, your auto insurance company pays for damage and injuries if you have full coverage.

The other driver’s liability insurance policy covers your bodily injury and property damage costs when you’re not at fault in an accident. Your registration status doesn’t affect your insurance coverage.

Does car insurance cover unlicensed drivers?

Yes, they do. Insurance follows the vehicle but not the driver. If an unlicensed driver caused an accident, the insurance company still covers the not-at-fault driver.

And if an unlicensed at-fault driver is driving a car with full coverage, the insurance company covers injuries and property damage.

Can you file a car insurance claim on an unregistered vehicle?

Yes, you can. Since most states require that you get insurance first, your unregistered status shouldn’t affect your ability to file a claim.

For instance, you’re still covered if you get into an accident after buying an insurance policy and leaving the dealer’s lot. So, you can file a claim right after the car accident.

Does homeowners insurance cover damage to your unregistered car?

No, it doesn’t. You can only get coverage for your unregistered vehicle through comprehensive coverage.

For example, if a fallen limb damages your car, your comprehensive insurance will pay for the expenses. But you’ll need to pay a deductible before you can collect your claim.

Why should you shop around for car insurance quotes?

Before buying a vehicle, you should compare auto insurance quotes from multiple companies. The best insurance companies can provide quotes online, giving you more options as you shop for a car at a dealership or from private owners.

But your quotes are determined by various factors, such as driving record, age, where you live, and a vehicle’s make and model year.

If you’re not sure where to shop for car insurance, start with the top insurance companies in the United States.

Let’s look at a few estimates from America’s best auto insurance companies.

We included full and liability-only coverage to show you how car insurance varies based on coverage options and company. Geico and USAA have lower than average rates, but they could have different auto insurance rates for you.

Will Insurance Cover Unregistered Cars: The Bottom Line

Car insurance companies cover unregistered vehicles because the law dictates that drivers must have insurance before getting registration.

You can’t get your registration first in most areas in the nation, but you can shop for auto insurance coverage before leaving the car dealer’s lot. If you buy a vehicle on a regular business day, visit your local DMV to get the registration started.

Do you want to know which companies are best for your unregistered car? Use our free comparison tool below to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies in your area.

Do you need a rental car after an accident totals your vehicle? Insurance companies could provide a refund for rental car fees if your vehicle broke down after an accident.

Can you use your car insurance policy for a rental if you have a vehicle breakdown? Don’t worry – we’re here to help you answer this question and more.

Read this guide to learn how car insurance companies cover rental cars and why you must buy specialty insurance for sudden vehicle breakdowns.

If my car breaks down, will insurance cover a rental?

It depends on your car insurance policy. Liability-only policies usually don’t provide rentals after an accident. However, if you’re not at fault in a car accident, you could request a rental car from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

When you’re at fault in a car accident, you can get rental car assistance if you have rental car reimbursement on your policy. Auto insurance companies only provide coverage for car breakdown when it’s connected to an accident.

You can’t add rental car reimbursement immediately after an accident. Therefore, you should get rental car reimbursement at the start of your insurance policy.

Your car insurance company won’t pay for rental car expenses if your vehicle breaks down due to normal wear, faulty repairs, or lousy car parts.

This also applies to no-fault insurance coverages like collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance pays for car damage regardless of who’s at fault in a car accident.

Meanwhile, comprehensive coverage pays for unforeseen accidents that don’t involve collisions, such as animal damage, fire damage, flooding, storms, and vandalism.

What is rental car reimbursement?

Rental car reimbursement is coverage that provides a refund for any rental car fees you paid after an accident. Your insurance company will provide a refund once your vehicle repairs are finished.

Insurance companies provide a refund once your vehicle repairs are finished.

What’s the difference between rental car reimbursement and rental car insurance?

Rental reimbursement is coverage you receive from the insurance company. The renal company provides rental car insurance.

Some car insurance companies extend your liability limits to a rental car, but you can get an extra layer of protection when buying rental insurance. Both policy types don’t pay for vehicle breakdowns outside of car accidents.

How much is rental car reimbursement coverage?

Rental reimbursement costs about $2 to $15 per month. However, some car insurance companies may charge more. Try shopping with the best insurance companies in your area to get the best deal.

Is rental car reimbursement included in full coverage insurance?

Yes, it is. If you’re buying full coverage car insurance, rental car reimbursement will likely be part of the package. If not, ask your insurance agent about adding the coverage to your policy.

Full coverage insurance is about $94 per month. However, the factors that affect the price of car insurance can lower your monthly rates or drive them up.

Your insurance rates are significantly impacted by where you live. Let’s look at the average cost of auto insurance by the state.

Your full coverage rates could be more expensive if you add rental car reimbursement to your insurance policy. However, full coverage insurance likely has rental reimbursement coverage.

If my car breaks down, will insurance cover towing costs?

Yes, it will. If your vehicle breaks down, your insurance company covers the towing costs.

Sometimes, it depends on the company and your car insurance policy. Most car insurance companies provide emergency roadside assistance, even with liability insurance policies.

Be sure to check the perks of your insurance plan before you purchase a quote. Understanding your policy is essential to receiving the best car insurance service.

How do you get insurance coverage when a car breaks down?

Many drivers invest in mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). MBI is like a car warranty because it covers sudden breakdowns of engines, transmissions, and other essential parts of your car.

Companies like Mercury, AAA, American Family, and Geico have MBI. You can add MBI to your policy for about $100 a year.

A vehicle warranty can provide the same coverage. Car warranties last between three and five years, depending on the manufacturer or dealership.

Therefore, if your car breaks down while it’s under warranty or MBI, use your car insurance policy to tow your vehicle to a mechanic shop or a dealership.

Does mechanical breakdown insurance cover rental car costs?

No, it doesn’t. MBI only covers sudden expenses when your car breaks down. You’ll need to use the rental reimbursement coverage from your insurance policy.

What’s the difference between mechanical breakdown insurance and a car warranty?

MBI provides coverage for older vehicles that can’t get a warranty. A vehicle warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer to fix any defective issues with the most recent model year cars.

For example, it’s unlikely that Toyota would provide a vehicle warranty for a 1999 Toyota Camry. So, you’ll have to find a company that sells MBI to get coverage for the car’s most significant parts.

Will Insurance Cover a Rental if My Car Breaks Down: The Bottom Line

Your insurance company will cover you when your vehicle breaks down due to an accident, but you’ll need rental car reimbursement on your policy. Most insurance policies with comprehensive coverage have rental reimbursement attached.

If you’re not at fault in an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should cover rental car fees for you.

You won’t receive a rental car or rental reimbursement because your vehicle suddenly broke down. However, a car insurance company can provide free towing for you.

Unfortunately, windshield damage often happens when you spend time behind the wheel. However, Progressive covers windshield replacements and repairs quickly and efficiently to get you back on the road.

While Progressive repairs windshields with no cost to you, your deductible comes into play for windshield replacements.

However, the state you live in determines the costs for glass repair. Some states like Florida and South Carolina have no-cost glass repairs.

Learn more about Progressive windshield replacements and determine what coverage you need for windshield damages.

Does Progressive cover windshield replacement?

Progressive covers windshield repairs and replacements if the correct coverages are in place. In fact, Progressive glass coverage with your collision and comprehensive insurance may be free.

While Progressive repairs windshields at no charge, replacement may require paying your deductible.

Progressive prefers windshield repairs over replacement since costs are lower and leaks are less likely. In addition, most windshield damage is minor and only requires small repairs.

The general rule is that damages less than six inches long are easily repaired. However, multiple damaged areas or longer cracks require a windshield replacement.

Which Progressive car insurance coverage provides windshield replacement?

While most states require drivers to carry liability coverage, it only offers property damage and bodily injury coverage. However, damages to you and your vehicle are not covered.

Collision covers damages to your vehicle from an accident. Damages include a broken windshield or broken windows from hitting another vehicle or object like a fence or tree.

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damages to your vehicle unrelated to an accident. This includes fire, theft, vandalism, falling debris such as a tree limb, or acts of nature, including floods, hail, and tornados.

So, if an accident damages your windshield, collision coverage pays. However, if hail damages your windshield, comprehensive coverage pays.

Full coverage insurance combines liability, collision, and comprehensive to protect others as well as you and your vehicle. Although most states only require liability coverage, experts recommend full coverage for better protection.

This table shows the average Progressive car insurance rates based on coverage type. Although full coverage rates are higher, more significant coverage is offered.

Progressive full coverage car insurance is around $50 a month higher than liability-only coverage. However, full coverage pays for damages to your vehicle from accidents, vandalism, acts of nature, and more.

How do you file a Progressive windshield claim?

To file a Progressive claim, log into your account online, use the Progressive app, or call 1-800-776-4737. Progressive completes most glass claims within 48 hours.

Although Progressive recommends Safelite for windshield repairs or replacement, drivers can use any glass repair service they wish.

Windshield repairs usually take around 30 minutes and are completed at your home or work. However, you must take your vehicle to a repair facility for windshield replacement.

It’s important to file your claim quickly before damages to your windshield increase. A crack in your windshield makes the glass vulnerable to more significant breaks.

Not only can this cause windshield replacement instead of repairs, but you are also less protected in an accident.

If your windshield damage is significant, park in a covered area such as a garage, and use a tarp or plastic to protect the inside of your vehicle until repaired.

Remember, your car insurance rates may increase from filing a car insurance claim. Find out from Progressive if your rates will change.

What are the state laws regarding windshield repairs and replacement?

Your state laws also determine costs related to windshield repairs and replacement. According to CarWindshields.Info, each state has windshield and window repair and replacement laws.

For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina require car insurance companies to provide free windshield replacement and repairs. In fact, insurance companies in Florida and South Carolina must repair or replace all windows at no cost, not just the windshield.

Additionally, car insurance companies in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York must offer $0 deductible glass coverage.

Drivers in other states are charged their deductibles for windshield replacement with Progressive. However, there is usually no charge for windshield repairs.

How can drivers save on Progressive full coverage car insurance?

Drivers need full coverage to pay for windshield damages. While full coverage car insurance rates are higher than liability coverage, discounts offer significant savings. Moreover, most drivers qualify for more than one discount for even more substantial savings.

This table shows typical Progressive car insurance discounts. The savings amount is listed if available.

Not only does full coverage give you the windshield coverage you need, but many of the discounts also lower rates to make full coverage affordable.

Progressive Windshield Replacement: The Bottom Line

While Progressive repairs windshields at no charge, you may be required to pay your deductible for a windshield replacement if you have collision and comprehensive coverages.

Progressive drivers can choose any glass repair company they want, and claims are managed in 48 hours. The technicians will complete windshield repairs at your home or office, but windshield replacements must be done at a repair facility.

Drivers need full coverage car insurance to cover windshield damages from accidents, vandalism, hail, and more. Collision and comprehensive coverages handle windshield damage and cover damage to your vehicle from accidents and other events.

Be sure to have the proper coverages in place to take advantage of Progressive windshield replacements and repairs with little to no charges.

If you spend any time on the road, your windshield will more than likely be damaged at some point. While chips and cracks are an inconvenience, glass repair is relatively easy. Avoid hefty out-of-pocket expenses by having the necessary Geico coverages.

Geico windshield replacement and repair coverage will quickly get you back on the road with little to no charge.

While Geico offers windshield repairs at no charge, Geico will charge your deductible to replace your windshield.

In addition, collision and comprehensive coverages have to be in place. Otherwise, you’ll be paying out of pocket for windshield damage.

Keep reading to learn more about Geico windshield replacement and repairs. In addition, find out what coverages you need to avoid paying for windshield damage yourself.

What is Geico windshield replacement?

Most states require drivers to carry liability coverage. However, while liability covers property damage and bodily injuries to others, it doesn’t provide coverage for your vehicle.

Full coverage car insurance combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages for more protection for you and your vehicle.

Combining collision and comprehensive coverages will cover all damage to your vehicle. Most repairs fall under comprehensive insurance coverage when it comes to windshield damage.

Most windshield damage consists of cracks and chips. Glass technicians can repair damages smaller than a dollar bill. And since replacing your windshield costs more and potentially leads to problems such as leaks, Geico prefers repairs over replacement when possible.

In addition, Geico waives your deductible for windshield repairs. However, the Geico windshield replacement cost is usually your deductible.

Although Geico’s windshield replacement involves your deductible, the state you live in can save you money. According to CarWindshields.info, your state laws determine what you pay for windshield damage.

For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina require car insurance companies to repair or replace windshields at no cost to the driver. While Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York require car insurance companies to offer $0 deductible glass coverage.

Keep in mind, you have to have collision and comprehensive coverages in place for windshield repairs and replacement to be covered no matter where you live.

How much does Geico car insurance with windshield coverage cost?

You need full coverage car insurance for windshield damage to be covered no matter the circumstance. Although full coverage is more expensive, your vehicle is better protected.

Take a look at this table to compare average Geico car insurance rates based on coverage types. While low or liability-only coverage costs less, coverage is also significantly reduced.

Geico full coverage car insurance is about $35 a month more than basic liability coverage. However, full coverage pays for damages from accidents and other events. You can end up paying for those damages yourself if you only carry liability coverage.

How do you file a windshield claim with Geico?

File your Geico windshield claim quickly and easily. Begin the claims process as soon as your windshield is damaged. In some cases, technicians complete repairs the same day.

Submit a claims form online or call the Geico windshield replacement phone number 1-800-510-2291.

If your windshield is broken and leaking, take measures to protect the inside of your vehicle. If possible, park in a covered area like a garage, and cover the broken windshield with a tarp or plastic.

Once your claim is submitted, a glass technician comes to your home or work to complete the repairs. The process generally takes around 30 minutes.

Although a service technician comes to you for windshield repairs, your car must go to a repair facility for replacements. A windshield replacement usually takes around an hour. Geico also recommends repairs through a reputable repair service such as Safelite, but drivers can choose their own repair shop.

Drivers generally leave favorable Geico windshield replacement reviews. However, complaints revolve around windshield replacement costs for their vehicle being higher than Geico limits, causing high out-of-pocket expenses.

Beware of glass repair contractors that encourage you to sign an Assignment of Benefits form. While windshield repair is at no charge to you, the form allows the repair company to charge Geico whatever they want for repairs. As a result, your car insurance rates may increase.

What do collision and comprehensive car insurance cover?

As we’ve discussed, collision and comprehensive coverages must be on your car insurance policies for windshield repairs or replacement.

Collision insurance covers damages to your vehicle from an accident. So if you hit another car or an object like a tree or fence and damage your windshield, Geico’s collision coverage kicks in.

On the other hand, comprehensive covers damage unrelated to an accident. Damages from theft, vandalism, fire, falling debris like tree limbs, and acts of God are covered.

What are acts of God, and when are they covered? Acts of God include hail, floods, tornados, and hurricanes.

Remember, although full coverage car insurance costs more, your vehicle is protected from accidents, theft, vandalism, and acts of God.

Geico Windshield Replacement: The Bottom Line

Collision and comprehensive coverages must be in place to cover Geico windshield replacements and repairs. Although Geico repairs windshields at no cost to the driver, Geico requires your deductible if you need a replacement.

Your state also affects what you pay for windshield damage. Each state creates its own laws regarding windshields.

For example, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina require windshield repairs and replacements to be completed at no charge.

Full coverage car insurance rates are higher, but coverage includes damages due to accidents, fire, theft, vandalism, and acts of God.

Since windshield damage is inevitable, make sure you have the correct Geico car insurance coverages in place to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Road debris is one of the dangers of the road that every driver faces at one point or another. Even the most cautious drivers will eventually come across something on the road that shouldn’t be there.

Road debris is one of the most common causes of accidents. Road debris includes construction materials, furniture, broken car parts, and anything else that becomes loose during transit.

If you can’t avoid coming across road debris, you can prepare for the worst with the right insurance. While not every type of insurance will protect you against road debris, you can find a policy that does.

So, does car insurance cover road debris? While it does, you should shop around to find the best quotes. If you’re ready to see what quotes might look like for you, enter your ZIP code into our free tool to get started.

Does car insurance cover road debris?

AAA found that road debris is responsible for over 50,000 car accidents every year. Those are just the accidents reported to the police — the number of collisions with road debris is much higher.

Whether your car insurance will cover damage caused by road debris depends on your policy.

For example, comprehensive insurance covers you if you hit road debris. On the other hand, if you have liability-only, you’ll be responsible for any damage done to your car.

If you have comprehensive coverage, you should evaluate the damage done before you file a claim. If the damage is minor, such as a small ding or dent, it might be better to leave it unreported.

Comprehensive claims (or claims for things like road debris, bad weather, or vandalism) don’t make your car insurance rates go up as much as driving-related claims will, but it still affects your rate.

However, if your car has moderate or severe damage, you should report the incident. This includes scratches in your paint, which can lead to rusting. If you think your car is damaged, have it inspected.

What’s the difference between comprehensive, collision and liability coverage?

• Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle from other events, such as fire, glass damage, theft and animal collisions
• Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle from accidents related to driving, no matter who’s at fault.
• Liability coverage helps pay for the other person’s expenses if you cause an accident.

Who is responsible for road debris damage?

Unfortunately, it can be almost impossible to find the person who is responsible for road debris.

If you see something fall off a truck or car and get its license plate, you might be able to claim them as the responsible party for damage caused to your car. Even better, work trucks sometimes realize they’ve lost something and pull over, giving you the chance to collect their insurance information.

However, the most common situation for road debris is that you’ll have to go to your own insurance.

What should you do if your car is damaged by road debris?

If your car is damaged by road debris, and you know that you will need repairs, the best information you can get is the responsible person’s information. Since that’s not always possible, you should do the following:

• Pull over somewhere safe. If anyone pulls over to help, ask if they saw anything and get their information if they did. They might act as a witness for you later.
• File a police report. If the damage is intensive enough that you want to make a claim, or if anyone in the car was injured, you should get the police involved, so there will be a permanent record.
• Contact your insurance agent. If you require advice or have questions about what information you need after an auto accident, your agent can tell you everything you need to know.

After you have the information you need, you can go about your day as long as your car is safe to drive. If it’s not, take your car to your favorite mechanic.

You don’t need to do it right away, but you should file your claim as soon as possible. The sooner you get your claim started, the sooner you’ll get the money you require for repairs.

If you’re worried about potential incidents involving road debris, you can invest in a dashcam. Drivers use dashcams all over the world to provide video evidence of what they experience on the road.

If you hit something, a dashcam can help figure out who pays for road debris damage.

Get Insurance to Protect Your Car From Road Debris

It’s an unfortunate truth of driving — you’ll eventually see something in the road that’s not supposed to be there. If you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll be protected from paying the total cost of repairs for damage done by road debris.

The Bottom Line

When you’re buying insurance–or upping your coverage–you’ll want to pay specific attention to the types of physical damage coverage the policy offers.

Comprehensive physical damage coverage usually pays for damages from non-vehicle-related causes, like hitting a deer, a falling tree limb hitting your car, road debris damage, or even random vandalism.

If you find yourself worrying, “Does car insurance cover road debris?” you should consider comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive car insurance can be expensive, so it’s best to shop around for quotes. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see what quotes might look like for you.

If you need car insurance coverage for electrical fires, you’ll most likely need to enroll in comprehensive coverage. This car insurance coverage can help you pay for fire damage repairs after an accident not caused by a collision.

When does car insurance cover electrical fires? Continue reading to learn when your auto insurance company would cover an electrical fire.

If you need to compare insurance companies, we offer a free online comparison tool that can help you find the comprehensive coverage you need.

Does car insurance cover electrical fires?

Whether or not your auto insurance will cover electrical fires will depend on a number of factors, including the type of car insurance you currently have. Comprehensive car insurance covers most non-collision events, which would include: 

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fire
• Natural disasters/weather
• Falling tree limbs or other debris

As you can see, you are covered for many situations you have no control over, not the least of which is a fire. However, car insurance does not cover intentional bad acts by the insured.

When does auto insurance cover electrical fires? If you have comprehensive coverage, you can expect your car insurance to cover the cost once you meet your deductible.

What is comprehensive car insurance?

As mentioned above, comprehensive car insurance is meant to cover any damage to your car that happened unexpectedly and not in a collision. This type of coverage can protect against anything from theft to dangerous weather conditions to animal-related damage while driving.

Comprehensive doesn’t focus on accidents or anything that happens to your car during a collision, but rather on the other incidents that can occur on the road. Hitting a deer, a tree falling onto the hood of your car, and even arson. 

How much does comprehensive car insurance cost?

According to Time, comprehensive coverage can run a customer around $136 a year. That price is in addition to the cost of minimum liability coverage required in your state. If you have to file a claim, you can expect your rates for this coverage to go up.

Comprehensive policies do depend on the individual, so your overall cost for comprehensive insurance may be different than other drivers you talk with. Factors such as the type of car you drive, your age, and where you’re located can all affect potential auto insurance quotes you receive.

What can cause an electrical fire in your car?

Vehicles naturally go through wear and tear throughout their lives, and sometimes that leads to a fire. Electrical fires can be more common in older cars, especially without proper maintenance. But what causes electrical fires to happen? It could be anything from an accident on the road to natural wear and tear.

Some of the more specific examples include:

• Collisions
• Leaking fuel systems
• Poor maintenance
• Overheating engines or catalytic converters

You can fix many of these things before they cause a fire. If you make sure your car is operating at its best, you can significantly decrease your chances of dealing with repairs or getting a new vehicle.

What should I do during an electrical fire?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the most important thing you can do is get everyone out of the car. Once everyone is safely away, you should:

• Pull over to a safe location where you don’t pose additional hazard to other drivers/are not in danger
• Call 911
• Don’t go back to the vehicle
• If you use a fire extinguisher, stand a safe distance away
• Be wary of dangerous vapors and other hazards from fire

The best advice you can take is to stand back and let the emergency workers put out the fire when it becomes unmanageable.

How can I prevent electrical fires in my car?

Since electrical or mechanical malfunctions commonly cause car fires, you’ll want to make sure you stay current on car maintenance. If you’re worried about vehicle fires, you can prevent them by:

• Fixing any fluid leaks as soon as you notice them
• Securing all fluid caps
• Taking your car to a mechanic if it is overheating
• Not smoking in your car

If you can take a little bit of time to ensure that your car is in excellent working condition, you can avoid the hassle of a fire.

How do I file a claim for electrical fires?

When your car catches fire, you should try to file a claim with your comprehensive coverage as soon as you put the flames out. To get repairs or money for a new vehicle, you should:

• Get evidence of the damages as quickly as possible
• Contact your insurance company
• Have the damages appraised and cooperate with any investigations
• Get your check once you meet your deductible

Your insurance company will be happy to help you get a new vehicle. However, you should be aware that one factor affecting the price of car insurance is how many times you’ve filed a claim.

Car Insurance for Electrical Fires: The Bottom Line

Many car insurance companies will help you when your car catches fire. If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, you’ll be covered by all manner of fire that occurs as a sudden accident.

Do you need quotes for car insurance coverage for electrical fires? Enter your ZIP code to see how much you could pay for comprehensive coverage today.

A hydrolocked (also called hydrostatic lock) engine occurs when water gets in your engine, specifically the combustion chamber, and causes it to seize. If this happens to your vehicle, it won’t run, and the cost of repairs can be quite expensive. At this point, you’ll need to figure out how to fix a hydrolocked engine and whether your insurance will provide you with any help for that.

So is a hydrolocked engine covered by car insurance? Is car water damage covered by insurance? Does Geico cover hydrolock?

Hydrolocked engine repair costs can be high, but whether or not those costs will be covered by insurance depends on what kind of coverage you have. It’s important to understand the different types of car insurance coverage to make sure you’re protected. Read this article to find out everything you need to know about coverage for a hydrolocked engine.

Start shopping for affordable car insurance for a hydrolocked engine by using your ZIP code in our tool to get a free quote right now.

Is a hydrolocked engine covered by car insurance?

Car insurance may or may not cover a hydrolocked engine, depending on how the damage occurred. To be protected, you’ll need more than just liability or collision coverage, because these don’t cover water damage to your engine; you’ll need car insurance for a hydrolocked engine.

Specifically, you’ll need comprehensive insurance coverage, which provides financial protection when your vehicle is damaged by something other than a collision (this can include weather and fire damage, vandalism, and even theft).

If the damage occurred due to poor vehicle maintenance or irresponsible driving (i.e., intentionally driving through deep puddles, etc.), your insurance won’t cover the cost of damages.

Keep reading about average car insurance rates for a hydrolocked engine, how to save, and more.

How much does car insurance coverage for a hydrolocked engine cost?

The average rate for comprehensive coverage is $12 per month, or $148 per year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, but you’ll need more than just comprehensive. Take a look at this table to see average rates for various core coverage options.

Keep in mind these rates are an average, and what you pay may vary based on several factors, including where you live, your age, driving record, and more.

You can save on your insurance coverage by asking about discounts and comparing car insurance quotes for a hydrolocked engine from multiple companies.

When and how should you file a hydrolocked engine insurance claim?

If you find yourself with a hydrolocked engine, you’ll need to call your insurance company (or follow your insurer’s preferred method for claim filing) to file a hydrolocked engine insurance claim.

The insurance company will be looking for clues as to how the hydrolock occurred, and what they find will determine whether your hydrolocked engine insurance claim will be accepted (recall the difference between acceptable damage and damage that results from negligence or abuse/misuse of your vehicle).

The company will also consider how long you’ve carried comprehensive coverage. If your insurer can prove that you bought a comprehensive policy after the damage occurred, your claim will be denied (and you might even be accused of fraud).

So how much does a hydrolocked engine repair cost? If you choose not to use your insurance coverage (or your policy doesn’t cover your situation), you’ll have to pay out of pocket, and repair costs for a hydrolocked engine can average between $3,000 and $8,000.

How do you know if your engine is hydrolocked?

When attempting to start the engine, there will be a loud thump. A sudden stalling of the engine, sputtering unremarkable, engine failure. Engine failure causes the vehicle to stall. 

Does hydrolock happen immediately?

Why is this important? Depending on the exact situation, hydrolocks can occur in engine types running both on the run-flat but also on rest-flat. If a hydrolock occurs suddenly, it can cause the engine to stall, particularly in diesel engines, where various internal components are at risk. 

Is a hydrolocked engine covered by car insurance?: The Bottom Line

Depending on when and how the damage occurred, a hydrolocked engine may or may not be covered by your comprehensive insurance policy.

Most insurance companies will accept your claim if the damage is weather-related, but if it results from poor maintenance, foolish driving, or misuse, your claim will be denied.

You should always comparison shop before deciding on the best car insurance company for a hydrolocked engine to meet your needs.

You can reduce your chances of experiencing a hydrolocked engine by listening to and adhering to all storm and severe weather warnings and evacuations, not purchasing a vehicle that has been in a flood, and avoiding puddles, particularly if you can’t determine the depth.

Are you ready to buy car insurance for a hydrolocked engine? If so, enter your ZIP code in our rate comparison tool to get your first free quote and start shopping today.

A broken side mirror is nothing to overlook. If your mirror is scratched or completely broken, you may be curious whether your car insurance will cover the cost of repairs.

To discover whether a broken side mirror is covered by car insurance, you will need to assess how the mirror was damaged, the different types of car insurance coverage that could help, and whether paying the deductible is worth it.

Once you learn more about broken side mirror car insurance, enter your ZIP code above to compare car insurance costs from multiple companies.

What car insurance types will cover a broken side mirror?

While most auto insurance coverage is fairly self-explanatory, it can be difficult to remember which types cover what when it comes to minor incidents and accidents.

Let’s take a look at the most common types of auto insurance available to see which would be most helpful when it comes to a broken side mirror.

Your options for car insurance are fairly broad. However, only two main types of coverage will protect you in the case of a broken side mirror on your own car. These types are comprehensive and collision.

Comprehensive coverage is likely required if you’re making payments on your car. This type of coverage protects your car from a non-collision event, such as bad weather, theft, or vandalism.

If your car was parked when someone broke your mirror, comprehensive coverage is what you need to fix it.

Collision coverage, which is also typically required by your lender, protects your car in the event of a car accident. If your car mirror is broken when another car causes an accident, collision coverage would help repair it.

Is it worth it to pay the deductible to repair a broken side mirror?

Regardless of how your mirror was broken, you will need to decide whether it’s worth it for you to file a claim for the incident with your insurance company.

The main thing to consider here is when to use your deductible. If your deductible is $500 and repairs to your side mirror are less than that amount, then you should not file a claim.

If the cost of repairing the mirror is higher than your deductible, then you may want to file a claim.

No matter the reason for the repair, filing a claim with your insurance company could cause your insurance rates to increase.

It’s up to you to decide whether paying out of pocket in the short term could reap better long-term benefits when it comes to car insurance.

What do you do if you hit the mirror of a parked car?

If you hit the mirror of another car — regardless of the specifics of the incident — you will be held responsible for the damage. This means it will be your job to pay for repairs.

The first thing you will need to do is check to see what type of coverage you carry in your car. Because you are likely legally required to carry liability insurance, your auto insurance will cover the cost of fixing the mirror.

You will want to consider whether paying the deductible — and the inevitable increase of your own car insurance rates — is worth the help your insurance would offer in covering the cost of the broken side mirror.

What can I do if someone broke off my side mirror?

If another driver or pedestrian is responsible for breaking your mirror, it should be their responsibility to pay for the damage.

In much the same way that you would be responsible for breaking someone else’s, that individual would have to pay for your mirror to be replaced.

If they decide they want to file the claim with insurance, then their insurance company may cover it for you. But it is also an option for them to pay for your broken mirror out of pocket.

If someone is responsible for breaking your mirror while your car is parked, and that individual then leaves the scene without admitting fault or addressing the issue, things can be a bit tricky.

Ultimately, it is still that person’s responsibility to pay for the damage. But if you do not know who broke your mirror, then you will end up paying for it yourself. This scenario is one in which it matters what type of car insurance coverage you carry.

Are side mirrors covered under warranty?

Damage to your side mirror may be covered under your car’s warranty. To know whether this is the case, you will need to check with your lender or the company that provides the warranty.

Your car’s warranty will not cover damage to someone else’s side mirror. This is when you will need to use your car insurance.

Where can I get my car side mirror fixed?

Finding someone to repair your broken side mirror shouldn’t be too difficult. Most auto repair shops would likely be willing to take on the task. Where you go to have your mirror fixed depends on whether you are using insurance or paying out of pocket.

If you’ve decided to pay your deductible and have your insurance cover the rest, then you will need to research which companies your insurance will pay to do the work to your side mirror.

If you’re going to pay for the repairs yourself, you can choose whoever you’d like to do the work. The cost to repair side mirror damage should determine which option you decide.

The Bottom Line

Does insurance cover a side-view mirror that’s broken? If you have full coverage insurance that includes comprehensive and collision, you should be covered.

Comprehensive auto insurance covers damage caused by accidents that aren’t your fault. For example, if debris damages your car or if someone sideswipes it while it’s parked, that’s covered under comprehensive insurance.

On the other hand, if you’re the one who caused the damage, that’s covered by collision insurance. If you sideswiped a stationary object or if you caused an accident with another vehicle, that’s covered by collision insurance.

The cost of replacing a side mirror replacement can vary drastically depending on the car.

Getting the replacement part can cost anywhere from $35 to $90. If you aren’t installing it yourself, parts and labor will cost from under $200 to over $300.  Even though mirror repairs may sound like a trivial amount of money and time, the cost doesn’t have to be your own financial responsibility.

If you’re searching for broken side mirror car insurance rates, enter your ZIP code below to explore your best options.

While there are some things you just can’t change, such as the allowed driver age or damage policies, you can always argue unnecessary charges or just take your business to another car rental company. Here are eight important things to know before renting a car.

1. Do you have to pay more on your insurance policy for extra drivers?

Additional drivers cost more: Just because your car is full of people over the age of 25 doesn’t mean each one needs to be registered to drive the rental. In fact, some car rental companies charge drivers a fee for each additional driver added to the policy. While it’s not a bad idea to register at least two drivers to share the rental agreement, you may want to consider keeping it to one person if the driving distance or trip is short to avoid unnecessary fees on top of what you are already paying for rental prices.

2. Did you inspect your rental vehicle?

Inspect your rental beforehand: Before you hop into your rental vehicle and drive off in the wind, you should inspect the rental for scratches, dents, and other signs of damage first. Be sure to also take a look inside for any stains, tears, or marks on the interior. The rental office should already have these damages filed, but it’s always smart to take the extra time and double-check to make sure they have these dings noted. Otherwise, you could be charged for that rental damage on their return inspection. When you return the rental, don’t just hand over the keys and take off. Make sure someone inspects the car and you verify existing damages to avoid an accidental charge.

3. What types of roads will you be traveling on?

Stay on the paved roads: unless you’ve planned an off-road trip. If you’ve planned to go off-road, work with a rental agency that sends out those types of cars. When in doubt, stay on the paved roads. This information may or may not have been brought to your attention at the car rental facility, but it’s a common company policy that drivers tend to forget about. Driving on gravel and uneven surfaces can damage the car tires and vehicle. So be sure to avoid unpaved roads at all costs. In some cases, even when you buy collision damage protection or rental car insurance, companies can and will still charge you for damage caused by unpaved surfaces.

4. What are the policies for your credit card?

Know your credit card’s policies on rentals: Before you hand over your credit or debit card and go on your merry way to your next location in a rental car, be sure to verify what exactly is covered by your credit card policy. Know what rental car damages, fees, and extras are covered on the credit card beforehand and you’ll avoid any surprising costs when the bill comes. Credit card companies don’t always take care of misunderstandings as easily as you might think.

5. Did you fill up your gas tank before returning the vehicle to the rental car location?

Pump gas elsewhere: One of the standard rules is to fill up the tank before you return the car. A common mistake so many drivers make is returning the car without a full tank of gas and letting the rental car company add the difference. Most rental car companies will overcharge drivers who didn’t return a fully gassed-up vehicle. Their rates are significantly higher than what you’d pay if you just filled up the car yourself. Go to a nearby gas station and you’ll save a little money.

6. Are you renting from airport locations?

Airport car rental counters charge a fee: Airport car rental desks are notorious for tagging on an airport fee when you rent a car from their counter. Unfortunately, car rental companies are required by law to collect these surcharges for the airport and they can’t do much about it. If you want to avoid this fee, consider taking a shuttle or taxi to a car rental company outside of the airport where you won’t get dinged with this extra cost.

7. Do you need to add extras?

Bring your own extras: When renting a car, little things like child-safety seats, GPS systems, and DVD players can add up quickly on your bill. Save yourself some money by bringing these travel extras yourself. If you get a rental car with unnecessary extras, ask to have them removed, or get a new vehicle so that you don’t get stuck with a higher bill.

The Bottom Line for Those Interested in Rental Insurance

Generally, your standard auto insurance will cover you during your rental period. You will want to double-check this, though. Also, know the terms. What’s covered and when? What’s not covered? If you buy rental car insurance from the company, they don’t report any accidents to your insurance, meaning your rates won’t go up. You also won’t be responsible for any deductible. Especially on longer trips, though, the daily cost can add up quickly.

If you’re renting a car, always make sure you’re informed. The rules change in a foreign country. Just as you would with your regular auto insurance, it’s important to know how much you are responsible for in the event of an accident or if your regular auto insurance covers rental accidents. There are many more rental tips available. To review car insurance options, enter your ZIP code and run quotes today.

We think “acts of God” is a term with an ominous tone, but despite how it sounds, it doesn’t really mean to attribute blame to an event on God.  So what does act of God insurance mean?

An “act of God” typically refers to any natural disaster that cannot be foreseen or prevented by humans, in this case, one that causes your vehicle to be damaged. Things we cannot prevent include any naturally-occurring catastrophe, such as earthquakes, tornados, erupting volcanos, hail, lightning, windstorms, and of course, hurricanes. This is why “acts of God” are also called acts of nature or natural disasters. An act of God clause in insurance, also known as a force majeure clause, usually limits or removes liability for injuries, damages, and losses caused by Acts of God.

Do I need act of God insurance?

Most insurance companies will cover natural disasters and other “acts of God” as covered by Act of God car insurance, or Comprehensive coverage. If they exclude something from your homeowners policy, you’ll get an exclusion credit on your insurance premiums. Depending on the area you live in, you may need to buy a separate hurricane or other similar policy.

Acts of God insurance typically also covers theft and vandalism, and may include allotments for stolen or damage property that is kept inside your vehicle, such as clothes, valuables, or custom stereo equipment. Unless events are specifically excluded, this is where payment comes for acts of God or nature.

What types of loss are covered by comprehensive coverage?

Most insurance companies offer specific definitions of what is and isn’t covered by Comprehensive coverage. This includes car insurance act of God coverage. Some examples include:

• Contact with an animal (including a bird).
• Explosion or earthquake.
• Fire.
• Malicious mischief or vandalism.
• Missiles or falling objects.
• Riot or civil commotion.
• Theft or larceny.
• Windstorm, hail, water, or flood.
• Breakage of glass not caused by collision.

How else can you cover act of God insurance?

Certain types of car insurance coverage besides Comprehensive may be activated in the event of a natural disaster. For example, your insurer may deny that a claim was “caused” by a natural disaster or other Comprehensive type of loss, and may tell you that the claim must be filed under another type of coverage. Additionally, if you don’t have Comprehensive coverage, these types of coverage may be used to cover your act of God insurance claim. 

• Liability: This covers injuries to others or damage to the property belonging to others in the event of an accident where you are at fault. Most states require basic liability coverage for an auto insurance policy. Liability car insurance includes two types of coverage: bodily injury liability insurance coverage and property damage liability coverage. Bodily injury liability coverage pays for the costs you are responsible for, while property damage liability coverage pays for the damage caused to another person’s property.
• Comprehensive: Comprehensive car insurance or homeowner’s insurance may come into play if a person’s tree falls on your car, or if you run into a deer or other animal. In events like these, you weren’t necessarily in a collision, but your car is damaged. Comprehensive coverage fills in the gaps in auto insurance. Some degree of comprehensive insurance is built into a homeowners policy for single family residences. Comprehensive claims are handled differently depending on your insurer. This can include car insurance act of God coverage.
• Collision: This will cover items including the repair of your car in both at fault collisions and crashes, as well as in accidents where you are not your fault. In some cases, this might cover damage to a house or other property if you collide with the house. If you don’t have Comprehensive coverage, you can use your Collision coverage instead, however doing this may affect your rates differently than if you have Comprehensive.

What are “proximate cause” rules, and why do they matter?

Some states have precedence set in the state law or jury instructions on how to interpret chains of events. In some states, the first event in a chain of events can be considered as the “cause” of damage. For example, if a volcano eruption is covered under your policy, and it causes a dam to break and subsequently flood your home, some states might consider the volcano to be the “cause” of the flood damage. If you have coverage for volcanic eruptions but not flood protection, you could still get your act of god insurance claim paid. Mortgage lenders typically require you to carry act of God insurance coverage that makes sense for where you live. So if you live in a high flood and volcano risk area, you would be expected to carry both.

Chances are, you may have to go to court and do battle with your insurance company if they try to deny this type of circumstance. So it’s best to consult with an attorney if your insurer is denying all or part of a claim for a natural disaster.

If your state does not recognize “proximate cause” as a contributing factor, then you would have to rely on flood insurance to cover your damage, even though it was initially started by a volcanic eruption. In these cases, your insurer may only cover the amount directly associated with the covered risk. Knowing what your comprehensive insurance covers before you have a claim is essential so you know if you have insurance for acts of God.

Some Exceptions
Some insurers have exceptions for floods, storms, or other factors depending on where you live. Drivers in coastal regions and high-risk storm areas may have to buy extra insurance for these types of disasters. Drivers in midwestern states may have to purchase extra coverage for tornadoes or hail damage, as well. As always, check with your insurance company about Acts of God insurance coverage and read your policy to make sure you’re fully covered.