Does car insurance cover fire?

Fire damage can sometimes total a car, depending on the extent of the damage. In order for a car to be declared totaled, the insurance company must determine that the amount required to repair the damage is higher than the actual cash value of the car.

Some states, such as Florida, Michigan and New York have a specific threshold for when a car can be declared totaled. In Florida the repair costs need to exceed 80% of the car's actual cash value, while in New York or Michigan, it only needs to exceed 75%. There are 22 states that don't use a threshold percentage at all. They instead use a formula, based on the repair costs and salvage value, to determine if a car should be declared totaled or not. For states where a total loss formula is used, the parameters for determining a total loss are set by the insurer, so the same car can be declared totaled by an insurer while another might decide to have it repaired.... read full answer

Yes, car insurance covers theft if you have comprehensive coverage, which is optional. Comprehensive auto insurance can help replace your car if it’s stolen or repair damage to your car resulting from break-ins or vandalism.

It is important to note that normal liability car insurance won’t cover theft because it only protects other drivers from bodily injury and property damage resulting from an accident you cause.... read full answer

What Insurance Covers If Your Car Is Stolen

• Your insurance company will pay your car’s depreciated value, or actual cash value (ACV), minus your deductible, if you have comprehensive coverage.
• If your vehicle is financed and you owe more than your car is worth, gap insurance will cover the difference between your car’s actual value and the balance owed.
• If you need help paying for transportation costs related to your car being stolen, rental reimbursement coverage will pay for a rental vehicle.

Car Insurance & Theft of Personal Items

Although comprehensive coverage will apply if your vehicle is stolen, no type of car insurance will cover theft of your personal items from your vehicle. Your phone, laptop, or other valuables should be listed on your homeowners or renters insurance policy, even if you often leave them in your car.

Next Steps

If your car is stolen, file a police report as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours. Not only will this improve your chances of recovering the car, but you’ll also need a police report to file a claim with your insurance provider. After you’ve filed a report, you should contact your insurer to start the claims process

No, traditional car insurance does not cover ordinary repairs or maintenance to your car. If your car is covered by comprehensive insurance, your insurance company will cover mechanical repairs caused by a car accident, natural disasters, or other unforeseeable events.

Insurance companies do offer a type of coverage that policy holders can use for repairs. This coverage is called ... read full answermechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), or repair insurance. MBI is offered by some insurance companies and comes with a deductible. MBI deductibles tend to be low, and in the event your car needs major mechanical repairs, this type of coverage could save you thousands of dollars. It usually covers repairs to your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, transmission, brakes, exhaust and power system.

With many policies, MBI coverage cannot be used for car maintenance, or for tire replacement, coolant replacement or other minor repairs. It’s also important to keep in mind that some insurance companies that offer MBI only do so for newer models and vehicles under a certain mileage.

If you’re considering purchasing MBI coverage, it’s a good idea to carefully read the provider’s policy in order to understand required qualifications for and limitations of the offered coverage.