Florida Auto Insurance Claims Questions - Am I Covered?


by Clifford Schimek - Date: 2009-03-05 - Word Count: 670 Share This!

Am I covered if I drive someone else's vehicle in Florida?

Yes. The Florida insurance policy on the vehicle being driven is primary, meaning it would pay for injuries or damages first. The liability portion of a car insurance policy you own and are not driving is secondary, paying out if the primary insurance is inadequate.

Am I covered if my car is borrowed by a friend or family member?

Yes. However, if the family member is a household resident and/or the friend is a regular operator of the vehicle, they must be listed as drivers on the policy or a claim can be denied due to a material misrepresentation.

Am I covered for items purchased at the shopping mall and stolen from the car?

No. Coverage for personal items inside your vehicle may be covered by a homeowners or renters insurance policy.

Am I covered if I drive my car in a different state?

Yes. If necessary your Florida auto insurance policy will automatically increase liability limits to be in compliance with another states minimum requirements.

Am I covered for a rental car if someone else is at fault in an accident and my car is in the body shop for repairs?

Yes. Part of the settlement by the at fault drivers insurance company will be reimbursement for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. If you are the at fault driver than the rental car option, and its additional premium, must be indicated on your declarations page for rental car reimbursement to apply.

Am I covered when driving a rental car on vacation?

Yes. An insured vehicle includes a temporary substitute such as a rental car. A common exclusion to this coverage is when the rental vehicle is used for business or in the course of your occupation.

Am I covered if my car is damaged by fire or hurricane while in the garage?

Yes and no. If the comprehensive option was selected, and is indicated in the declarations page, your policy will pay to repair or replace your vehicle, less any deductible. A homeowners or renters insurance policy will not cover a motor vehicle under any circumstances.

Am I covered for attorney fees if I cause an accident and am being sued?

Yes. The insurance company will make the decision to defend or settle any law suit which is brought against you arising out of the use or ownership of your motor vehicle. It is not necessary for you to retain and pay for an attorney.

Am I covered for towing if my car is disabled from an accident?

Yes and no. When at fault in an accident you must have collision coverage on your auto policy for towing to be a covered expense. If you are not at fault in the accident the other drivers insurance will pay for the tow.

Am I covered for water damage if I drive through a puddle too deep for my car?

Yes and no. Unlike a homeowners or renters policy a separate flood insurance policy is not needed for your car to be covered by water damage. However, the Comprehensive coverage option must be selected to receive compensation for water damage.

Am I covered if my car engine catches fire?

Yes and no. Fire damage is paid for under the Comprehensive portion of your policy. If there is no Comprehensive option on your policy than no coverage will apply.

Am I covered for specialized equipment installed on my vehicle?

Yes and no. If you have Collision and/or Comprehensive options on your policy than most insurance companies will provide a limited amount of payment for specialized equipment ($1,000 is a typical amount). For additional coverage to apply you may be able to pay an extra premium with your insurance company for more coverage.

Am I covered if my vehicle was damaged while being parked by a valet attendant?

Yes and no. You must have the Collision coverage option on your policy for coverage to apply. Your insurance company may subrogate (collect money) from the valet companies insurance policy to compensate for any monies paid to repair your vehicle.

Related Tags: car, auto, vehicle, insurance, policy, florida, injuries, collision, liability, coverage, claims, damages, comprehensive, fault

Author, Clifford Schimek is President of Auto Plus Insurance, a family owned and operated Florida auto insurance agency. For additional helpful auto policy information please visit our website at floridaautoplusinsurance.com

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