My Car Caught On Fire and My Auto Insurance is Claim Was Denied?
Reader’s Question:
I have full coverage on my car in Kentucky and a few weeks ago my car was caught on fire however when the claims adjuster checked my vehicle in a few days he said that all of my aftermarket parts such as amplifier, CD, etc. made hot leads to the battery and that is where the fire originated which was according to the fire department so the claim will be denied?
James
Louisville, KY
Insurance carriers in Louisville, Kentucky vary on their guidelines with regards to aftermarket parts or the customizing of automobiles. Usually your auto insurance carrier would need to be informed about the performance parts beforehand for these to be covered under your car insurance policy. Most insurance providers want to do an endorsement for these non-factory parts to be covered under your car insurance policy.
You will have to speak to your car claims adjuster regarding the custom parts to check if those will be covered.If you have the receipts, it will be useful if your car insurance carrier will permit your car insurance claim. Keep in mind to always let your insurance carrier be informed about any addition to your car so you will be sure your car insurance policy will cover these parts.
You can always shop around for auto insurance company in Kentucky that will permit customized parts and get auto insurance quote for your vehicle.
Car Insurance Claim and Diminished Value Question
Reader’s Question:
I was found to be at-fault in an accident and the other driver filed a claim against my car insurance company for property damage. He quoted about $5,000 that he said he lost in diminished value. Is there such a thing as “diminished value” claim that is payable under my auto insurance policy?
Chelsea
Fayette, KY
If you just heard about a “diminished value” claim, it does exist. This claim is based on the idea that any car that has been in an accident, regardless of how well the repairs are done, is worth less than the exact same car that hasn’t been in an accident.
The physical damage section of an auto insurance policy does not usually cover claims for a car’s “diminished value” after an accident. It applies to direct and accidental damage only. By definition, direct damage is the actual physical damage done to the car, not a loss in value.
This is the reason why some courts began to question this approach and ruled that since diminution in value was not specifically excluded by the terms of the policy, it was covered.
However, a diminished value claim is a liability claim for property damage and cannot be judged in the same light as a physical damage claim. Under a liability claim, the insurer agrees to pay damages for property damage for which the insured is legally responsible because of an auto accident. If you’re legally liable for the damages of the claimant, then whatever the amount for which you’re liable for is the amount the policy will pay. Be aware that it still is subject to the limit of liability amounts.
It’s always advisable to contact your insurance agent in Fayette, KY or your insurance company directly to have a further discussion regarding the terms of your policy.
How Many Traffic Tickets Can I Have Before My Auto Insurance Increases?
Q: How many speeding tickets will it take before my auto insurance premium is affected?
A: It depends both on your position with your auto insurance company, your history with them, your history concerning tickets, as well as the severity of the ticket itself.
If you have been with a car insurance company for a long time, then many times they will have an option for you to bypass any rate raises which come from an accident or a ticket. If you are already getting auto insurance, then it’s possible that you have already used this up if it was ever available to you, although some car insurance companies will allow you to do this as many as two times. You might see similar results if you are considered a preferred customer in your company. A preferred customer is someone with an impeccable record who has almost no chance of filing a car insurance claim. In many companies, it is difficult to have this status taken away from you once you have it.
Some tickets will be more likely to raise your rate than others, especially if you have auto insurance. Running a red light and driving over 15 miles over the speed limit are almost guaranteed, but driving with an expired registration sticker might not have any effect at all.
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