5 Common Auto Insurance Exclusions

One thing that must be purchased at the time of buying, leasing or renting a car is auto insurance.  Oftentimes, the excitement of driving takes over and you may not read your auto insurance policy handbook as closely as you should. This may not cause immediate problems, but it usually does when  there's an accident or you need to claim on your policy and discover that what you're claiming for is excluded from cover.

What is an Auto Insurance Exclusion?
An auto insurance exclusion is something that isn't covered on your policy either without an endorsement (being added on for an extra fee) or it isn't covered at all.  Auto insurance exclusions are not just items, they can also be other drivers or actions.

Auto insurance companies may have several exclusions, and although many companies will recite these exclusions to you at the time of purchase, there are just too many for some companies to make you aware of, so they almost always refer you to the manual for these exclusions.

Common Car Insurance Exclusions
Below is a list of five auto insurance exclusions, which most insurance companies can write into the policy:

• Overlapping insurance policies - Although it isn't a common practice for the average driver to have dual coverage, some drivers do choose to have their car ensured through more than one company. This is usually due one company offering better liability coverage, while the other offers more in the ways of endorsements. Either way, both auto insurance companies will write exclusions into your policy. This will cover how much they will insure you for and what type of insurance they will provide.
• Bodily injury - Although medical is almost always covered in an auto insurance policy, bodily injury caused to yourself while carrying passengers or hauling materials for compensation (such as a limo driver, deliveryman or cabdriver) is normally excluded. This usually falls under the term livery.
• Intentional damage - Part of this exclusion is rather new to most auto insurance policies. This involves acts of rage such as using your car as a weapon. This also includes setting your own car on fire or kicking your car to blow off steam.
• Acts of nature - Hail damage, damage caused by flying degrees or a tree falling on your car are all considered acts of nature.  You may think that all insurance policies cover these acts, but they don't. Unless you have comprehensive cover, your car will not be insured from damage caused by acts of nature.
• Drag racing - Injury caused to yourself or your vehicle while drag racing will be excluded from collision coverage.

Before getting behind the wheel of your car, read your insurance policy closely to look for any specific exclusions from cover. Some things may not written in your policy, so if you don't see it there, don't assume that it's covered.  For additional information on insuring your car and Tampa auto insurance exclusions, call an Adcock-Adcock Insurance agent at 866-933-6691 today.