When you think about auto insurance, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a fender bender. You hit another car, or another car hits you, and insurance helps cover the damages. And while liability and collision coverage are certainly cornerstones of any good auto policy, they’re far from the whole story.
At Bucher Insurance, we want you to know that your auto insurance is a much more robust shield than you might realize. It offers crucial protection in scenarios you might not even consider. Here are three surprising ways your policy has your back, even when your keys are safely in your pocket!
1. The “Acts of Nature” & “Not-Your-Fault” Protector: Comprehensive Coverage
Imagine your car is parked safely in your driveway in Huber Heights. A fierce summer storm rolls through, and a tree branch falls, smashing your windshield. Or, you step outside one morning to find a significant dent – a hit-and-run in the night. Or, perhaps a deer darts out on a rural road, causing damage to your grille. These aren’t “collisions” with another vehicle or object you hit, but they are very real threats to your car.
That’s where Comprehensive Coverage (often called “Other Than Collision” coverage) steps in. It protects your vehicle from damages that aren’t caused by a collision, including:
- Theft or Vandalism: Someone tries to steal your car, or defaces it.
- Weather Events: Hail, floods, fire, wind, falling objects (like trees or branches).
- Animal Collisions: Hitting a deer, elk, or other animal.
- Glass Breakage: Damaged windshields or windows (often with a lower or no deductible).
Without comprehensive coverage, you’d be paying out of pocket for these often costly repairs.
2. The “What If They Don’t Have It?” Safeguard: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
It’s a frustrating reality: despite legal requirements, not everyone on the road carries adequate (or any!) auto insurance. What happens if you’re involved in an accident that isn’t your fault, but the at-fault driver either has no insurance (Uninsured Motorist coverage) or not enough insurance to cover your medical bills and car repairs (Underinsured Motorist coverage)?
This is a critical, often underestimated, protection. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage helps pay for:
- Your Medical Bills: If you or your passengers are injured.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for non-economic damages.
- Vehicle Damage: Repairs to your car if the other driver can’t pay for them (in some policies/states).
This coverage acts as your personal safety net, ensuring you’re not left with massive bills because of another driver’s lack of coverage. In many instances, it also applies to hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
3. The “Help, I’m Stranded!” Lifeline: Roadside Assistance & Rental Reimbursement
Your car is your lifeline, but breakdowns happen. Maybe you get a flat tire on the way to work, your battery dies in a parking lot, or you simply run out of gas further from a station than you expected. And if your car is in the shop after a covered incident, how do you get around?
- Roadside Assistance: This optional add-on can be a lifesaver. It typically covers services like:
- Towing to a repair shop.
- Jump-starting a dead battery.
- Flat tire changes.
- Fuel delivery if you run out of gas.
- Lockout services.
- Rental Car Reimbursement: If your vehicle is damaged in a covered accident and is undrivable or in the shop for repairs, this coverage helps pay for the cost of a rental car, public transportation, or other alternative transport, so your life isn’t put on hold.
These coverages provide practical, day-to-day peace of mind, ensuring you’re never truly stranded or without transportation.
Review Your Auto Policy Today!
Your auto insurance is more than just a legal requirement; it’s a comprehensive protection plan for you, your passengers, and your valuable vehicle. Don’t wait for an unexpected incident to discover what your policy covers.
Contact Bucher Insurance today for a full review of your auto insurance policy. We’ll help you understand all the ways your current coverage protects you and ensure you have the peace of mind you deserve on (and off!) the road.
