Will my auto insurance coverage pay for a cracked rim?

Auto insurance is sold in different categories of coverage so whenever you ask the question “will auto insurance cover” something you really need to understand the types of auto insurance.

Almost any kind of vehicle damage is covered under auto insurance but only if you have the right type of coverage.

What are the types of auto insurance?

Learn how auto insurance works then compare auto insurance quotes for new and used cars online.

A cracked rim falls under comprehensive or collision coverage depending on how the rim was cracked and the details of your policy. Drivers with only liability insurance for example would not be covered for a cracked rim.

How do I know which type of auto insurance covers a cracked rim?

When filing an auto insurance claim the type of damage is certainly important but a key factor for whether or not a claim is approved will be what kind of accident the damage was caused from.

Did you collide with another vehicle? Did a piece of debris hit your vehicle? Was the car parked in your driveway or operating on a road?

Every auto insurance claim takes into consideration all the facts which led to the damage so they can define what type of insurance coverage will apply. Drivers with a full coverage auto insurance policy often have no problem filing a claim for a cracked rim.

However if you choose to choose purchase only select types of auto insurance then you may find yourself uninsured.

Who are the best rated auto insurance companies?

For example, collision coverage insures you against damage resulting from a collision. This could be with another vehicle, a sidewalk, pothole or even a fence.

Comprehensive car insurance will apply if the cracked rim damage resulted from non-collision events such as auto theft, acts of god, vandalism or while your car was parked.

Should I have my auto insurance pay for a cracked rim?

Once you figure out if your auto insurance policy covers damage to your rim then its time to make a choice of whether or not to file a claim. This is where auto insurance also gets a little tricky since most rims cost between $500 and $1,000. Anytime you file a claim there is a chance your auto insurance rates may go up.

Furthermore you may have a $250 or $500 deductible making the total reimbursement to you minimal so it may not even make sense to file a claim for a cracked rim if that is the only damage to your vehicle.

While auto insurance is mandatory filing a claim is a personal choice and many drivers who have only cracked rim damage often end up just fixing it out of their pocket.

Is it cheaper to just fix a cracked rim or buy a new one?

Not many drivers repair a cracked rim rather they opt to fully replace a rim. Not only is recommended by many auto repair professionals but even rim manufacturers believe simply repairing a rim has serious safety issues to the operation of the vehicle.

Since the rim is essentially the housing for your tires it’s probably a good idea just to buy a new one.

If you do choose to file an auto insurance claim even auto insurance companies will generally never approve a rim repair but will pay for a new one.

How much will my auto insurance rates go up after filing a claim?

This depends on your profile, auto insurance company and more. Many drivers see no increase in auto insurance rates after filing a claim while others have their policy premiums increase by up to 30% or more come renewal time.

Filing a claim really is a personal choice however it’s important to understand that anytime you file a claim not to be surprised if you suddenly get higher auto insurance rates.

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes today and learn how much full coverage auto insurance is for new and used cars online!

Related posts:

1. What is Uninsured and Underinsured auto insurance coverage?
2. What is Uninsured Motorist or Under-Insured Motorist Coverage, and Do I Need it?
3. Full Coverage Car Insurance vs Liability Insurance
4. How to File a Car Insurance Claim
5. Types of Auto Insurance