When it comes to auto insurance, there are certain circumstances and events that won’t have coverage. This applies even if you have foolproof coverage for your vehicle. To save you time and limit your stress, we have the top examples of what isn’t covered by your auto insurance.
1. Mechanical failure
In the unlikely event of a full-blown mechanical failure, your auto insurance will not be able to assist. Specifically, this lack of coverage will occur if your vehicle fails due to freezing or rusting. However, if your vehicle experiences mechanical failure due to a collision, coverage will be applied.
2. Worn down items
Another thing your auto insurance won’t cover are worn down items or wear-and-tear over time. These items can include car batteries, seatbelts, or tires. The reason why these items are not covered is because as the owner of the vehicle, you are expected to maintain them throughout the life of the car, not wait until they wear down. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your tires may be under a maintenance or protection plan. However, these plans only cover worn tires due to collision.
3. Impaired driving
If something happens to your vehicle (or to others) while you are under the influence, the damage cannot be covered by your auto insurance policy. An insurance provider can deny any policy coverage due to these circumstances, along with denying payment for any damages or losses.
4. Forgotten items in a rideshare vehicle
In the unfortunate event a valuable is left behind in a ride share vehicle (such as an Uber), your policy will not be able to cover these losses. However, this limitation only applies to rideshare vehicles that are not your own. For example, if you left valuables in your own vehicle and it is broken into, your policy will typically cover that if the item is required for commercial work, such as your job.
5. Unauthorized rideshare vehicles
If you are using your car as a paid rideshare service without the proper authorization or policy, both you and your passengers won’t be eligible for coverage. A rideshare vehicle can be defined as a sightseeing vehicle or a taxicab, including those registered with Uber or Lyft. If you are accredited to operate a rideshare vehicle, it’s important to check with your insurance provider that your policy covers this activity.
6. Transportation of dangerous goods
Finally, your policy will not be able to cover your vehicle if you are transporting dangerous goods, such as explosives or radioactive materials. If something goes wrong with these dangerous items, only professionals are able to receive coverage.
7. Being convicted of a Criminal Code offence
In the case you have been convicted of a Criminal Code offence in relation to a driving incident, you will not be eligible for coverage by your auto insurance. To specify, this includes any offence that involves the care of, control of, or use of your vehicle:
- Failure to stop at the scene of an accident
- Injuries caused by impaired driving OR with over 80mg/100ml of alcohol in the blood
- Causing death or injury (criminal negligence)
- Refusal to provide the police with a breath sample
- Driving the vehicle while disqualified
8. Someone driving your car without permission
Unfortunately, if someone takes your car for a drive without your consent and damages it, you will not receive coverage. Additionally, if an individual is excluded from your policy using the OPCF 28A (Excluded Driver Endorsement), they will not receive coverage through your auto policy.
We hope this article helps you understand what is and isn’t covered by your auto insurance. If you have any questions regarding your auto insurance policy, contact a member of our isure team today!
