If My Vehicle Is Damaged in my My Garage, Which Policy Does That Fall Under?
Homeowners insurance does not cover damage to vehicles that are licensed for road use, even when they’re in the garage. Instead, optional comprehensive coverage through your personal car insurance policy comes into play. This coverage addresses damage resulting from causes other than accidents, including fire, vandalism, and theft. Our experienced Michigan auto insurance agents at Hartman Insurance Agency, Inc., have the knowledge and skill to help.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance in Michigan
You are not required to carry comprehensive auto insurance to register your vehicle or to drive it in Michigan. The only requirements in the state are no-fault and liability coverage. If, however, you have a car loan, the lender will almost certainly require comprehensive coverage until the loan is paid off.
Comprehensive coverage addresses losses that relate to events other than collisions, which include fires, flooding, vandalism, and theft. It also covers damage caused by nature and animals, which include all the following:
- Being damaged by falling objects
- Being damaged while parked, such as in your garage
- Being damaged in an accident that was caused by hitting an animal
- Being damaged by a storm
Collision coverage is another optional form of auto insurance that covers you if your car is damaged by you crashing into another driver or object. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers non-collision events. Together, the two are often referred to as full coverage, and lenders typically require both.
If your car is damaged in your garage, you’ll very likely turn to your comprehensive auto insurance to cover your losses. Discuss your claim with a trusted car insurance agent today.
How Comprehensive Claims Are Handled
Suppose your car is damaged while in your garage. In this case, you’ll seek fair compensation through your comprehensive coverage. Settlements for claims like yours are based on the actual cash value of the damages. This means that depreciation is taken into consideration, and as a result, damage to a newer car will support a higher claim than the same damage to an older model would.
If the cost of repairing your vehicle exceeds its overall value, it will likely be totaled, meaning it is treated as a total loss. In this case, you’re entitled to the cash value of the vehicle minus the deductible that applies.
Deductibles in Michigan generally range from $250 to $1,000. While a lower deductible affords greater coverage, your premiums are very likely to be higher; ultimately, the cost of comprehensive coverage is typically significantly lower than that of a single uncovered claim.
Turn to Our Experienced Michigan Auto Insurance Agents for the Help You Need
In the event that your car is damaged while parked in your garage, you’ll address your losses through your comprehensive coverage. Our seasoned car insurance agents at Hartman Insurance Agency, Inc., are well-equipped to help you define your car insurance needs and to help you balance cost and budget within this context. Learn more by contacting us online or giving us a call at 734-245-2678 today.