Accidents are terrifying, but you know you are safe if something happens because your car insurance will cover it. But you might not be sure about the accidents on private property. Auto insurance provides coverage for car accidents on private property coverage. It is similar to an accident on a public street, excluding an accident where the property owner is at fault. Despite the situation, you need auto insurance.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the total coverage cost of insurance is approximately $1,030/yearly or $86/monthly. Read more to learn about auto insurance coverage on private properties, where the property owner might be responsible for your property damage, or you incur any bodily injury. The article will discuss conditions where auto insurance will provide coverage or where the property owner will be held responsible.
Auto Insurance Coverage and Accidents on Private Property
For instance, if your car collides with an object or vehicle on private property, an at-fault condition will apply. Immediately call the police and your insurance agent to follow up on your insurance claim. However, the property owner will cover the cost of damage incurred to you or your vehicle due to the owner’s negligence.
There are certain conditions where the property owner is held accountable for your bodily injury or vehicle damage incurred. But auto insurance company requires standard claim reports to know what happened. However, if accidents occur due to negligence of another driver on the owner’s property; in that case, the property owner will not be held responsible. However, the property owner will not be responsible if an accident occurs due to another driver’s negligence on the owner’s property. Thus, your car insurance will provide coverage for you.
1. Car Damaged on Private Property
If your car is damaged on private property, contact your insurance agent without delay and update them on what happened. Please don’t delay in calling your insurance agent; the sooner they get the information, the better it will be for you. Deal with accidents on private property the same way you might handle accidents on a public street.
Yes, you have a right not to call law enforcers, but it might complicate your policy claim process. Gather proofs to validate your case, and in case the property owner is responsible for the accident, contact the owner’s insurance agency to avail compensation.
2. Accident on Private Driveway
Driveway accidents on private property are similar to any other accident. Minor accidents don’t require you to call law enforcers, but you need to inform your insurance company to claim your policy. However, your insurance policy can provide coverage to you if you have collision insurance. It will cover minor accidents or damage either on public streets or private property.
3. Hit and Run Accidents on Private Property
As per the law, hit and run is a crime, and if found guilty, you will be charged with a fine or prison time. The law deals with hit and runs irrespective of the place where they happened.
Few states in the U.S. require you to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) in their policy. UM/UIM insurance will provide coverage for damages or bodily injuries in hit and run cases.
Which Auto Insurance Coverage Do You Need?
There are different auto insurance types you can purchase to provide coverage from accidents. Each insurance coverage serves a different purpose.
For instance, liability auto insurance provides coverage for the property damage or bodily injury of another driver. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and collision car insurance provide coverage for your property damage and bodily injury regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive insurance provides coverage from non-collision events such as theft, fire, storms, and others.
The cost of an insurance policy depends on the company. NAIC states that the least expensive cost of insurance is $553 per year. However, liability insurance is the most expensive type of insurance policy. And if your car has a high value, the cost of comprehensive and collision will ultimately increase. Thus, the cost of your insurance policy depends on the car you own, the insurance company you choose, and the state where you live.
John Miller
