Every now and then, residents of Washington come across startling images on their Facebook feeds of cars or trucks colliding into homes. Naturally, the immediate question is: Who covers the repair costs? Imagine a Wenatchee homeowner relaxing with the latest Stranger Things episode when suddenly a sports car crashes into their living room. The flat screen goes flying, the cat freaks out and the night is ruined. The urgency to find out who’ll fix everything is real. The answer is straightforward with a couple of twists.
Who’s Responsible?
Good News: The driver responsible for crashing into your home is liable for the damages, typically covered by the Property Damage section of their auto insurance liability. In a perfect world, they will be paying for everything. Sometimes perfection needs a hand.
Not-so-Good News:
There’s a catch. Roughly 20% of drivers in Washington State don’t have any auto insurance. In fact, the state ranks fifth in the number of uninsured drivers. This means if such a driver crashes into your home, you can’t claim any compensation from them.
Additionally, in Washington, the minimum Property Damage coverage for auto policies is $10,000. So, if repair costs exceed this amount, the insurance company will pay you up to this limit, leaving you to cover the rest. This underscores the importance of opting for more than just the minimum liability coverage.
How Do I Cover the Repair Costs?
Bright Side: Your Home Insurance is likely your savior here. Central to your policy are ‘Perils’, essentially risks or incidents, your policy covers. Most home insurance policies offer coverage for damages from car crashes. Your dwelling coverage steps in to facilitate home repairs, while personal property coverage compensates for damaged items. However, remember your deductible. If the damages (or the amount left after the auto claim payout) are less than your deductible, claiming might not be beneficial. Thus, consulting your insurance agent is key.
Understanding your policy’s ins and outs is crucial. Working with a local independent insurance agency like Wenatchee Insurance can help you customize a policy best suited to your needs. With their representation of multiple companies, you’re assured optimal coverage. Reach out to our team today for a comprehensive understanding of your options.
Topics: auto insurance, car insurance home insurance, independent insurance broker, deductible, Wenatchee Insurance, Chelan County, Douglas County, liability, property, local insurance,
