When you take out commercial auto insurance in Houston, TX, you may think that your business’s vehicle or fleet of vehicles are covered. While that tends to be the case, every policy has its limit. As such, you may be wondering if you can rely on your commercial auto insurance policy for engine repairs when necessary. To understand what you need to know about engine protection in your commercial auto policy, read on.
Car Insurance and Your Commercial Car’s Engine
The car’s engine is a vital part of the vehicle. The engine literally keeps the car running, so without it, you’re in trouble. Like most insurance coverages, there is no set answer for whether your commercial auto insurance will cover engine damage. The circumstances of the damage to your engine will determine whether or not your insurance will pay to repair it.
If the engine of your commercial vehicle has been damaged due to an accident, such as a car collision or a fire, then it is likely that you will be able to turn to your policy for assistance. To repair a damaged engine due to vandalism or fire, your comprehensive coverage will help to pay the repair costs. Collision coverage will help to cover the damage to your own vehicle after an auto accident. However, if the damage is too severe or if you intentionally caused the accident, you might not be covered.
When you file a claim such as this, the insurer will take into account the total damage to the engine when deciding on whether or not to replace it. If the repairs or the replacement of the engine exceed the value of the car, it could cause the insurer to “total” your vehicle. This is because the engine is one of the largest factors in deciding how much it will take to repair your vehicle. When purchasing collision and comprehensive coverage, consider the age and perceived value of the vehicle. If it is an older car, you may consider dropping this coverage. For newer vehicles, this coverage is essential.
Your basic liability insurance will cover damage to another driver’s vehicle after you cause an accident. Keep in mind that it does not cover damage incurred by your own vehicle. It will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged engine.
Your commercial auto policy is not designed to repair damage due to the normal wear and tear of your vehicles. That means if it suffers from mechanical failures or damage due to lack of maintenance, you cannot turn to your policy for assistance.
However, you may be able to add roadside assistance to your commercial auto insurance so that you and your team receive prompt assistance if you break down on the side of the road. This allows the vehicle to be towed to the nearest auto garage, or even get back on the road with professional locksmith services and gas delivery.
The right commercial auto insurance in Texas should address your risks while staying in line with your budget. At J. Archer Insurance Group, our experts help you find the best coverage for your needs. Serving Houston, Texas and beyond, contact us today.
