Posts Tagged comprehensive insurance

Is damage caused by rioting covered by insurance?

Is damage caused by rioting covered by insurance?

Images of burning buildings and vehicles are dominating the news lately as some protests have turned violent. Many may wonder who pays for the damage caused by rioting and civil unrest. Can your auto or homeowners insurance cover the damage? Is it covered the same as vandalism or other criminal activity?

The short answer is yes. Insurance can cover your losses, less your deductible, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy of course.

On a “standard” personal auto policy, your vehicle’s comprehensive coverage covers damage caused by riot and civil unrest, just is it does for vandalism or theft. The “standard” homeowners policy (HO3) is an open peril policy, meaning it covers all types of loss to your dwelling expect for those that are specifically excluded in the policy. For example, flood and earth quake losses are excluded (not covered) in most homeowner policies. As long as riot or civil unrest isn’t excluded, and it usually isn’t, your loss should be covered.

Note that your personal property, things like furniture, clothing, electronics, etc. are generally not open peril, but named peril coverage. That means only perils which are named in the policy are covered. Although riot and civil unrest is often a named peril. Check your policy to be sure. Like auto insurance, your homeowner’s deductible will apply, which is usually at least $1,000.

Why the need for the disclaimer, “subject to the terms and conditions of your policy”? In order for any loss to be covered it must not violate any of the terms and conditions. This can include prompt reporting of the loss and it was accidental, not intentionally nor invited by the insured. The insured has an obligation to mitigate losses by taking reasonable measures to protect their property. For example, if a storm tears a hole in your roof you should have it tarped as soon as possible to mitigate any additional damage from rain. This doesn’t mean of course, you need to put yourself in harm’s way.

Hopefully, this helps give you a general idea of how it works. Contact Ed at Insurance Gurus for specific questions about your own circumstances.

Posted in: Insurance Tips

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How Deer Accidents Affect your Insurance Rates

Deer collisions can affect your insurance rates

Watch for deer and prevent injury and property damage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’ve always been a safe a driver. You’re heading down the highway at dusk and out the corner of your eye, you get a glimpse something moving and then, BOOM! After you calm down you realize you hit a deer and it really did a number to the front of your car. According to the Insurance Information Institute, car and deer collisions cost $4 billion a year. Iowa is ranked third in the nation for the likelihood of a deer collision.

Which insurance coverage pays for deer collisions?

Your auto insurance’s comprehensive coverage will pay for your car’s property damage caused by a collision with a deer or animal. Comprehensive coverage is sometimes called, “Other than Collision.” This is the same coverage that pays for damage to your car by many natural causes such as wind, fire, hail, flood or falling objects like a tree branch downed in a storm. Deer strikes are not considered a collision by insurance because the animal usually runs into your vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance claims are considered not at-fault. Therefore insurance companies don’t surcharge for collisions with a deer. Your deductible would apply, although some insureds maintain a slightly lower deductible on their comprehensive coverage than on their collision coverage. The reasoning behind this practice is some are willing to bear more of the risk for an accident they caused if they feel they are a relatively safe driver. The higher your deducible, the lower your premium cost.

Brake – don’t swerve

I had a customer who reported a deer related claim. Several deer had run onto the roadway at once and her instinct was to avoid them. She quickly jerked the steering wheel, putting the car into the ditch and damaging the car. The claims adjuster asked if she hit any of the deer. She said she wasn’t sure since it happened so fast. The adjuster asked if there was any physical evidence of the deer on her car such as blood or fur. There wasn’t any and subsequently the claim was ruled a collision, an at-fault accident. That triggered a premium surcharge and a loss of the safe driving discount, a double blow to the pocketbook!

No one deliberately wants to see an animal get harmed. However much more serious crashes can occur when you quickly serve out of your lane into the path of another car or object. Instead, stay in your lane and brake firmly if you see a deer coming into your path. Be on the lookout for deer especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.

Deer Season in Iowa

The regular shotgun deer season is roughly Dec. 5th through 20th this year. As deer are flushed out of their habitat they can end up running across roads and highways. Mating season or “the rut” also occurs in the fall of the year, typically late October to early November in Iowa. Be particularly vigilant and avoid an expensive encounter with a deer this season!

Learn More: Understanding your Auto Insurance
photo credit: Deer crossing the road

via photopin (license)

Posted in: Driving Tips, Insurance Tips

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