6 Things Your Car Insurance Policy Doesn't Cover
Mar 13, 2024
2 min read
Auto insurance can safeguard you from racking up debt in the wake of an auto accident, car theft or other automotive emergency — but even the best policies have their limits and restrictions. Here’s what you need to know about standard car insurance exclusions.
What Does Car Insurance Not Cover?
A typical auto insurance policy will include several exclusions, which eliminate coverage for some types of risk and help you understand what protection you may need to fill any gaps. Often, you can address many exclusions with additional coverage called an endorsement.
Routine Car Maintenance
Does insurance cover car maintenance? In most cases, the answer is no. Car insurance may help cover the cost of repairs if the issue is the result of a collision or another covered incident, such as theft or fire. But repairs for routine wear and tear or mechanical problems are typically not covered by a car insurance policy.
Regular maintenance is a vital part of keeping your car running smoothly for years to come, so be sure to set aside money each month so that you can cover the cost of oil changes and other upkeep, as well as repairs if something breaks.
Using Your Car for Business
Standard car insurance doesn't cover you when you're driving your car for business purposes. Commuting to and from work doesn't count, but if you use your car to perform any commercial activity like delivering goods or driving clients, you'll need business auto insurance. This excludes farming and ranching purposes.
The same holds true when you drive for rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft. Although rideshare companies typically provide limited insurance for their drivers, these policies have gaps in coverage that can put you at risk. Talk to your agent to see what type of coverage you need to drive for a rideshare service. With Farm Bureau, our Transportation Network Companies Driver Endorsement helps drivers get coverage for most of these types of situations.
Roadside Assistance
Standard auto insurance doesn't pay for roadside assistance or towing if your car breaks down while you're driving, but most insurers offer it as an add-on.
When you add Emergency Roadside Assistance coverage to your Farm Bureau Member’s Choice insurance policy, you’re buying peace of mind. Our 24/7 dispatch service will send fast, reliable help from a robust network of towing and road-service professionals.
Damage From Kids or Pets
From ripped upholstery to sticky messes, the cutest family members can often be the hardest on cars. But in most cases, your auto insurance policy won’t cover damage to your vehicle incurred from kids, pets and daily life. Collision coverage pays to repair your car from damage due to colliding with another vehicle, tree, fence or other object and comprehensive coverage protects you from losses incurred by things like hitting an animal, fire, theft, hail and vandalism, but when it comes to normal wear and tear, the owner typically foots the bill.
Other Uninsured Drivers
If you’re in a car accident involving an uninsured motorist, you could be the one who winds up paying. Most standard policies don’t include uninsured motorist coverage, but it can usually be added to an existing policy as an optional coverage for a minimal premium.
Rental Car Reimbursement
If your car cannot be driven due to a covered loss and is being repaired or maybe totaled, you may need to rent a car to get around town. Our Auto Rental Reimbursement Coverage provides you with reimbursement for a rental car during that time.
We’ve Got You Covered
Our car insurance plans are designed so that when the unexpected happens, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the coverage you need. Request a quote from a Farm Bureau agent to see how we pair features like replacement cost coverage and roadside assistance with our competitive rates, customized coverage options and personalized local service to create a car insurance plan that fits your needs.