Car repairs can be expensive, and many drivers are unaware that their auto insurance policy can cover more than just the basics. While most people know that accidents and collisions are covered, there are several other types of damage and repairs that might be included under your policy, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. From natural disasters to damage caused by animals, your auto insurance may cover repairs you didn’t even know were possible.

In this blog, we’ll uncover five types of car repairs that are often covered by auto insurance, including damage from theft, vandalism, and even windshield cracks. Whether you’re dealing with damage from a storm or simply trying to fix a cracked windshield, knowing what your insurance covers can help you make the most of your policy and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Let’s dive into these lesser-known coverage options that could benefit you.

Damage from Natural Disasters

One of the lesser-known benefits of auto insurance is the coverage it offers for damage caused by natural disasters. While many people think of auto insurance as covering only accidents or collisions, comprehensive coverage can also protect your vehicle from a variety of unpredictable events, including hurricanes, floods, hailstorms, and wildfires. These types of natural disasters can cause significant damage to your car, and having the right coverage in place can save you from costly repairs or the need for a complete replacement.
When a natural disaster strikes, comprehensive insurance steps in to cover the repair costs, as long as the damage was not caused by an accident or event that falls under a different type of insurance. For example, if a tree falls on your car during a hurricane or if your vehicle is flooded during a heavy rainstorm, your comprehensive coverage would typically cover the costs of repairs. This can be a huge relief, especially considering how expensive it can be to fix a vehicle damaged by such events.
It’s important to note that not all natural disasters are treated the same by insurance policies, so the coverage may vary depending on the insurer and the specific event. Some insurance policies may have exclusions for certain types of events, like earthquakes or landslides, so it’s essential to review your policy to understand what is covered. However, in the case of floods, hail, or other common natural disasters, comprehensive coverage will usually pay for repairs or replacement up to the car’s value, minus the deductible.
In areas prone to specific types of natural disasters, such as hurricanes in coastal regions or wildfires in forested areas, having comprehensive insurance is particularly important. The coverage provides peace of mind knowing that, in the event of a disaster, your vehicle won’t be left unprotected. Make sure to check your policy to ensure that natural disaster-related damages are covered and that your deductible aligns with the potential repair costs.
In conclusion, natural disasters can cause significant damage to vehicles, and auto insurance can be a lifesaver in these situations. Comprehensive insurance is key to protecting your car from the unexpected and ensuring that you won’t face a hefty financial burden when disaster strikes.

Theft and Vandalism Repairs

Many car owners don’t realize that their auto insurance policy can cover repairs resulting from theft or vandalism. These types of incidents are unfortunate but can be handled through your comprehensive insurance coverage, helping to reduce the financial burden of replacing stolen parts or repairing damages caused by malicious actions. Whether your car is broken into, parts are stolen, or it’s defaced with graffiti or key scratches, your insurance might provide the coverage you need to restore your vehicle.
If your car is stolen, comprehensive coverage generally covers the cost of replacing the vehicle, minus your deductible. If the car cannot be recovered, the insurance payout would typically be based on the car’s current market value, which may not be the same as what you originally paid for it. In some cases, if your vehicle is recovered but damaged during the theft or as a result of the break-in, the cost to repair it can also be covered by your comprehensive policy.
Vandalism, on the other hand, includes damage to your vehicle that is caused by individuals with malicious intent. This can range from broken windows to more extensive damages like slashed tires or even keyed paint. In cases of vandalism, your comprehensive coverage can help repair the damages, allowing you to restore your car to its original condition. However, depending on the severity of the damage and your deductible, it may make more financial sense to pay for smaller repairs out of pocket, especially for minor issues like small scratches or window chips.
It’s important to note that your insurance provider may require a police report when filing a claim for theft or vandalism. This report serves as documentation of the crime and may be necessary to process your claim. The insurance company will typically investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure it was indeed a case of theft or vandalism and not something else, such as an accident or damage caused by negligence.
While theft and vandalism are unfortunately common occurrences, having the right insurance coverage in place ensures that you won’t have to shoulder the full cost of repairs or replacement. Comprehensive coverage offers protection against these unpredictable events, giving you peace of mind and helping you get your car back to its pre-damage condition.

Windshield and Glass Repair

One of the more common car repairs that is often covered by auto insurance involves windshield and glass damage. Many drivers may not realize that their comprehensive or collision insurance can help pay for repairs or replacements of cracked or shattered glass. Windshield damage is not only an aesthetic issue but also a safety concern, as a cracked or broken windshield can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and obstruct the driver’s view. Understanding when insurance can step in to handle these types of repairs can save car owners a significant amount of money and stress.
Comprehensive insurance typically covers windshield and glass repairs if the damage is caused by something out of your control, such as flying debris, rocks kicked up from the road, or a weather-related incident like a hailstorm. In these situations, your insurance can help cover the cost of repair or replacement without you having to bear the full expense. In some cases, minor chips or cracks may only require a simple repair, which is usually more affordable than replacing the entire windshield. Insurance will often cover these repairs, especially if the damage is within a specific size or location on the windshield.
However, there are certain limitations to this coverage. For instance, if the damage is caused by an accident or collision, your collision insurance would typically cover the repair costs. Some insurance policies might include a specific deductible for windshield repairs, which means you would need to pay that amount before the insurer covers the rest. Additionally, if the damage is extensive, requiring a full windshield replacement, the cost of this replacement would be factored into your comprehensive coverage, minus your deductible.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm how windshield and glass repair is handled under your policy. Some insurers offer additional coverage options specifically for glass repairs, allowing for lower deductibles or zero-cost repairs if you use an approved repair shop. Additionally, windshield repair and replacement services are often handled quickly, allowing you to get back on the road with minimal downtime.
Overall, windshield and glass repair is a common and essential type of repair that may be covered by your auto insurance, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and fully operational.

Animal Collision Damage

Colliding with an animal is an unfortunate event that can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Many drivers are surprised to learn that auto insurance, specifically comprehensive or collision coverage, may cover the cost of repairs resulting from such accidents. While the thought of hitting an animal, such as a deer, is not something most people anticipate, it is more common than you might think. Understanding how insurance handles these types of accidents can help you navigate the process and reduce the financial burden of repairs.
When a driver hits an animal, the damage can range from minor dents to severe impacts, often affecting the front of the car, the grill, or the windshield. If the accident occurs in an area where wildlife is common, like rural roads or areas near forests, hitting an animal may be more likely. Comprehensive insurance generally covers damage caused by animal collisions, as long as the damage is not the result of a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object. For example, if you hit a deer or another animal while driving, comprehensive insurance would typically cover the damage to your vehicle, whether it involves the body, suspension, or other parts of the car.
In some cases, collision insurance may also come into play, especially if the animal collision happens during a situation where you are forced to avoid another vehicle or obstacle. If the collision is the direct result of an accident involving another car, collision insurance would cover the damages to your vehicle. However, if no other vehicle is involved and you hit the animal on your own, comprehensive coverage is likely to apply.
It’s important to note that insurance providers may have specific conditions for animal collision coverage, including what animals are covered and whether there are any exclusions. For example, some insurance companies may not cover collisions with smaller animals or may require a police report or documentation of the incident. It’s essential to review your policy and confirm what is covered when it comes to animal collisions.
In conclusion, animal collision damage is often covered by comprehensive or collision insurance, offering valuable protection when unexpected wildlife encounters occur. Knowing that this type of coverage is available can give drivers peace of mind, especially in areas where animal collisions are a common risk.

Tire and Wheel Damage

Tire and wheel damage is a common issue faced by many drivers, but surprisingly, it is often covered under certain auto insurance policies, particularly if the damage is caused by specific circumstances. While most people understand that accidents and collisions are typically covered by auto insurance, tire and wheel damage is sometimes overlooked. However, under the right conditions, your comprehensive or collision coverage can help with the repair or replacement of damaged tires and wheels, potentially saving you a significant amount of money.
Tire damage can occur for various reasons, with one of the most common being hitting a pothole. Potholes can cause severe damage to your tires and wheels, resulting in blowouts, flat tires, or bent rims. This type of damage often occurs unexpectedly, especially in areas where roads are poorly maintained or have large, deep potholes. Comprehensive insurance may cover the cost of tire repair or replacement if the damage is caused by road hazards such as potholes, debris, or other obstacles. However, coverage for tire and wheel damage depends on the specific terms of your policy and whether the damage falls under the provisions of your comprehensive or collision coverage.
In some cases, collision insurance can help with tire and wheel repairs if the damage happens as a result of a collision with another vehicle or an object. For example, if you hit another car or a stationary object and your tires or wheels are damaged, your collision coverage may step in to cover the repair costs. However, if the damage is caused by regular wear and tear or neglect, such as driving on underinflated tires for an extended period, your insurance likely will not cover the damage.
It’s essential to be aware that some insurance policies have exclusions or limitations regarding tire and wheel damage. For instance, tire damage caused by a puncture from sharp objects like nails or glass might not be covered unless it occurs as part of a larger incident that is covered by your policy, such as a car accident. Additionally, some policies might require that the damage meet a certain threshold for coverage to apply, meaning minor cosmetic damage or slight bends in wheels may not be covered.
To ensure that tire and wheel damage is covered under your policy, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of your insurance. If you live in an area where potholes and road hazards are common, consider discussing your coverage options with your insurer to make sure you have the protection you need for unexpected tire and wheel damage. Understanding how your policy applies to this type of damage can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure your vehicle is properly protected.

Endnote: Overlooked Coverage Can Be a Budget Lifesaver

Auto insurance can cover a variety of unexpected repairs that many drivers may not realize are included in their policies. From damage caused by natural disasters to vandalism, theft, and even animal collisions, comprehensive and collision coverage can provide significant protection for a wide range of situations. Tire and wheel damage, often caused by road hazards like potholes, can also be covered under certain conditions, offering drivers relief from costly repairs. However, it’s essential to review your policy to understand the specifics of what is covered, as exclusions and limitations may apply.
By staying informed about your coverage options and working with your insurer to ensure that your car is fully protected, you can have peace of mind knowing that many unexpected repairs are within reach.