Driving without air conditioning can be miserable during the hot summer months, especially during a heat wave. As important as it is to your and your passengers’ comfort, car air conditioning can be expensive to repair or replace when it breaks or malfunctions.
In many cases, when the air conditioner does not work, it is considered normal wear and tear and is not covered by car insurance. However, there are some situations where insurance coverage may be available for air conditioning damage.
Mechanical breakdown insurance
This coverage option is available when you buy a new car. It works in a similar way to a warranty or extended warranty, although it covers repairs outside the scope of the warranty. The air conditioning system is a mechanical component of the vehicle. Although wear and tear in the air conditioning system is not covered by mechanical breakdown insurance, it is likely that manufacturer defects would be covered.
Comprehensive coverage for A/C damage
Comprehensive coverage applies to losses other than those resulting from an accident or collision. It covers situations such as theft, vandalism, fire and floods. If your air conditioning system has been damaged or destroyed as a result of a fire or other event covered by your comprehensive auto insurance, repairs to your air conditioning may well be covered.
Compensation for damage to air conditioning in an accident
Car accidents can happen in many different ways and cause a variety of injuries to the vehicles involved. Like other mechanical components in a car, the air conditioning system can be seriously damaged in a collision.
When A/C damage is caused by an accident, it may be possible to file a claim to cover the cost of repairs. The types of auto insurance policies that cover vehicle damage resulting from an accident include collision, liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Liability claims are directed against the driver who caused the accident. If collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is used, you will file a claim with your own insurance company, as there is usually a deductible. If the accident has caused significant damage to your car̵
7;s A/C that exceeds the deductible, it may be well worth filing a claim.Review car insurance coverage with your insurance agent
We have car insurance to protect us against liability, damage and property damage to our vehicles. To ensure that you have adequate coverage for all possible types of losses, it is important to discuss your car insurance policy with an experienced agent.
Our local agency will be happy to review your car insurance with you. We can help ensure you have the coverage and policy limits to provide the comprehensive protection you need.
Many different factors affect car insurance premiums, including age, gender, occupation, marital status, location, the age and size of the vehicle, and your driving record. Our agent can help you find the auto insurance coverage you need at the lowest rates available.
