Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Some may think that buying an auto insurance policy comes down to finding the lowest price. However, before you decide on what might look like the best deal, make sure you are educated about what might not be covered under the quote. While price might be the top priority when everything is going well, the true value of an insurance policy is evident when you need to file a claim. Our Personal Insurance team not only has access to over 80 insurance companies to find you pricing options, but we ask the questions and listen to your needs to find the right policy to keep you protected. Sometimes, that might be telling you to stay with your current policy, and we are ok with that. Below are 12 auto insurance exclusion scenarios worth considering. Thanks to Bill Wilson of IA Magazine for sharing these. If you would like to talk with a Lawley Insurance professional about your current auto insurance policy and what might not be covered, get in touch here.

Are undisclosed household residents excluded? Do you have “boomerang” kids that moved back into your home? They might not be covered if they got into an accident.

Is business use of non-owned autos excluded? Have you ever borrowed a friend’s car or made a business stop in a dealer loaner auto?

Business use of ANY auto may be excluded. Do you ever run to Staples or the post office on work business? That may not be covered.

Use of ANY non-owned auto excluded? It might be better to not drive anyone’s car but your own. Vehicles over 10,000 pounds may be excluded Don’t assume your liability coverage automatically extends when you rent a U-Haul truck or an RV.

Is any type of delivery excluded? If you deliver pizza, newspapers, Mary Kay cosmetics or business documents to customers, your claims might be denied.

Permissive users – what limits apply? This can mean people who borrow your car or even unlisted household drivers are not covered.

“Street racing” is probably excluded! Google “street racing” and see how often people are killed or critically injured doing this senseless act. Criminal acts may be excluded or limits reduced. DUI’s or even speeding tickets may preclude coverage.

Are there medical payments coverage limitations? One injured driver incurred a $25,000 “life flight” helicopter fee that would not be covered, even in part, by a policy with this exclusion.

Is theft without evidence of forced entry excluded? One example is of $1,000 of items stolen out of his car, but his claim was denied because he left his keys in it.

Sales tax may not be covered under loss settlement. One person lost more than $2,000 out-of-pocket for sales tax on a replacement auto.

, ,