Americans rely on their vehicles to get them to and from both personal locations and commercial businesses. But once you arrive at your destination, what if something happens to your car or truck while it's unattended in a parking lot? While you can't protect your auto from every possible risk, here's what you need to know about your insurance coverage and some of the most common parking lot problems.
1. If Someone Hits Your Car
Because vehicles are coming and going in the parking lot all the time, there's a distinct chance that another driver may cause a collision. The good news is that your collision auto insurance will generally cover this, even if you weren't operating the car at the time. Collision insurance is designed to deal with crashes between vehicles, and this usually qualifies.
2. If Your Car Is Vandalized
Any damage to your vehicle which isn't caused by another vehicle is generally covered by a different type of auto insurance. Usually called comprehensive coverage, it is a catch-all for damage caused by falling objects, vandalism, water damage, and more. However, comprehensive coverage isn't mandatory in most places, so you need to purchase it separately in order to be protected.
3. If Disaster Hits Your Car
As with vandalism, natural disasters are usually covered under comprehensive insurance policies. If a wind or hail storm hits the parking lot and your vehicle is unprotected, you can likely get compensation for the vehicle itself.
However, personal belongings are often not included in auto insurance policies. Things like mobile devices, purses, aftermarket equipment, and luggage left in a vehicle may be subject to limits under your home or renters insurance. Some homeowner policies may not cover all types of natural disasters.
4. If Your Car Is Stolen
Finally, what if the unthinkable happens and your car or truck is stolen from its spot? Again, comprehensive insurance should kick in.
But you may need additional evidence to prove the theft. Insurers are cautious about the theft of covered assets, so they may want to see the parking lot's camera footage of your vehicle entering the lot and a thief making off with it. Fortunately, modern lot owners tend to have security systems that can show this.
Where to Start
Is your auto fully insured if something happens to it while you're off enjoying your day or earning a paycheck? Find out today by meeting with an auto insurance agent in your state.
Share11 November 2022
