Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a runaway vehicle?

Most policyholders understand car insurance claims for damage caused by human error, bad judgment, and poor driving skills. But does car insurance cover mechanical failures and other factors that cause vehicles to wreak havoc on their surroundings?

These can seem like freak accidents, and if you are in a situation like this, you may wonder if your car insurance even covers damage caused by a runaway vehicle.

Does car insurance cover damage caused by a runaway vehicle? Read on to learn more about how this works — and how to know if you’re covered.

What kind of insurance covers runaway vehicle damage?

Comprehensive coverage car insurance protects against damage caused by runaway vehicles. Hazardous weather, falling objects, fire, and vandalism, also fall under the comprehensive coverage window. (For more information, read our “Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a falling object?“)

Comprehensive coverage reimburses you for repair costs caused by events outside your control. It costs around $13 per month, depending on your deductible, age, car type, driving record, and more.

You may also wonder what happens if your vehicle is runaway. In this case, you need liability coverage, which helps pay for the other driver’s expenses. Again, it’s critical to remember that all scenarios have different types of car insurance coverage.

How to Know if Your Car Insurance Covers Runaway Vehicle Damage

If you have a comprehensive coverage plan, there is a good chance your car insurance covers damage caused by a runaway vehicle. The best way to learn if your car insurance covers damage caused by a runaway vehicle is to research your policy and consult your insurance company.

If you don’t yet have car insurance, you should look into the best insurance companies and select the comprehensive coverage plan that works for you.

Remember that not all comprehensive plans are created equal, and your plan’s terms and conditions may outline specific rules to file a runaway vehicle damage claim. For instance, you may need to prove that you contacted the police after a runaway vehicle collision.

Car Insurance For Runaway Vehicle Damage Vs. Hit and Run Damage

Runaway vehicle damage occurs when a human does not control a vehicle. However, you may be a victim of a hit-and-run accident where the driver was fully aware of their actions and abandoned the scene.

In a scenario where you return to your unattended parked car, and there is damage and no clear evidence why, you may need to research to determine the cause.

Hit-and-run and runaway vehicle damage fall under two types of insurance coverage. Hit-and-runs are included in a collision or uninsured motorist coverage policy, while runaway vehicle damages are included in comprehensive coverage.

How to File a Claim for Runaway Vehicle Damage

Submitting an insurance claim for damage caused by a runaway vehicle involves similar steps to what you’d take when filing other claims.

First, you should take photos and videos of the damage. They will serve as proof of the validity of your claim. You should also assess whether any people nearby saw what happened and report the incident to the police, as your insurance company may require this action.

If a runaway vehicle hits your car, there is also a good chance it will linger close by or directly next to your car, so be sure to capture that image as well.

Immediately contact your car insurance company to report the incident. Let them know you have a police report if they need it, and explain the extent of the damage by using your photos and videos. One of the company’s adjusters will assess the damage and determine the amount of your claim.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Runaway Vehicle Damage

Case Study 1: Emily’s Unfortunate Parking Incident

Emily parked her car on a hill without properly engaging the parking brake. Due to a mechanical failure, her car started to roll downhill and collided with another parked vehicle. The impact caused significant damage to both cars. Thankfully, Emily had comprehensive car insurance coverage, which includes protection against runaway vehicle damage.

She immediately contacted her insurance company and filed a claim, providing all the necessary documentation and explaining the circumstances of the incident. The insurance company assessed the damages and approved Emily’s claim. Her comprehensive coverage covered the repair costs for both vehicles, and she paid her deductible. Emily learned a valuable lesson about parking safely.

Read more:

• Does my car insurance cover damage to my car if I hit a parked car?
• Parked Vehicle Insurance: What To Know & How To Save

Case Study 2: Michael’s Windstorm Mishap

During a severe windstorm, a large tree branch fell onto Michael’s parked car, causing extensive damage to the roof, windshield, and hood. The force of the impact also pushed his car into a neighboring vehicle. Fortunately, Michael had comprehensive car insurance coverage that protected him against runaway vehicle damage.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage to my windshield?

He immediately contacted his insurance company and filed a claim, providing photographs of the fallen tree branch and the resulting damage to his car and the other vehicle. The insurance company processed the claim and approved the necessary repairs. Michael’s comprehensive coverage paid for the repairs to his car and the other vehicle, and he paid his deductible.

Case Study 3: Sarah’s Mechanical Malfunction

Sarah was driving on the highway when her car experienced a sudden mechanical malfunction. She lost control of the vehicle, and it veered off the road, colliding with a roadside barrier. The impact caused significant damage to the front of her car. Luckily, Sarah had comprehensive car insurance coverage, which includes protection against damage caused by a runaway vehicle.

She immediately contacted her insurance company and filed a claim, providing all the necessary documentation and explaining the mechanical malfunction. The insurance company reviewed the claim and approved the repairs. Sarah’s comprehensive coverage paid for the repairs to her car, and she paid her deductible. She was grateful for having the right insurance coverage.

Car Insurance Coverage for Runaway Vehicle Damage: The Takeaway

Leaving vehicles unattended should be easy, but oversights and extenuating circumstances may cause a vehicle to move freely without a human behind the wheel. If you are the victim of damage caused by a runaway vehicle, contact your insurance company immediately for financial peace of mind.