Does my car insurance cover damage caused by my own negligence?

In some cases, car insurance covers damage caused by your negligence. Coverage depends on the type of car insurance coverage policy you choose, the insurance company, and the circumstances of the damage.

Does your car insurance cover damage caused by your own negligence? Here’s some additional information about the types of car insurance that cover negligence, how laws vary in different states, and how insurance companies might determine negligence.

Does my car insurance cover damage caused by my own negligence?

Many types of car insurance cover damage caused by negligence. People often call accidents from negligence at-fault accidents. Some examples of negligence while driving that could lead to an accident include:

• Running a red light or stop sign
• Ignoring a yield sign
• Speeding
• Changing lanes abruptly or without signaling
• Texting while driving
• Tailgating
• Not using headlights in the rain or at night

The average cost of car insurance in the United States is $147. Even if you don’t have an accident, receiving a traffic ticket could increase your car insurance rates and make you seem more likely to be negligent.

An accident, from negligence or otherwise, increases car insurance rates by an average of 24%. To get a better rate, looking for the best car insurance company for people with accidents on their driving records is a good idea.

Liability Car Insurance for Negligence

Liability insurance pays for damage to other people’s vehicles caused by your negligence. It can help you avoid replacing someone else’s costly car, truck, or SUV. Without insurance, you might also have to defend yourself from a lawsuit. In many areas of the United States, liability insurance is required.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage to my own car if I am at fault in an accident?

Collision Car Insurance for Negligence

Collision insurance covers damages to your vehicle after an accident. If you cause a crash because of negligence, your collision insurance usually pays for repairs.

However, your insurance rates may increase. Searching for the best collision coverage car insurance companies can help you keep your rates as low as possible.

Comprehensive Car Insurance for Negligence

Comprehensive insurance pays for damage when your car is sitting still, and insurance companies don’t usually determine fault for comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance is optional, and policies with comprehensive and collision are often called full coverage.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by Negligence

Case Study 1: Liability Coverage for Property Damage

John was driving and accidentally rear-ended another vehicle while not paying attention. The other driver’s car suffered significant damage. Fortunately, John had liability car insurance, which covered the property damage caused by his negligence. His insurance company paid for the repairs to the other driver’s vehicle, saving John from paying out of pocket.

Case Study 2: Collision Coverage for Own Vehicle Damage

Sarah was driving in heavy rain and lost control of her car, causing it to collide with a tree. The accident was a result of Sarah’s negligence. Thankfully, Sarah had collision coverage as part of her car insurance policy. Her insurance provider covered the damages to her own vehicle, allowing her to get it repaired without incurring a substantial financial burden.

Case Study 3: Comprehensive Coverage for Non-Collision Damage

Mike parked his car outside his house, and a severe hailstorm struck the area. Hailstones damaged the car’s roof, hood, and windows. Since Mike had comprehensive car insurance, his insurance company covered the damages caused by the hailstorm, even though the incident was beyond his control. The comprehensive coverage protected Mike from having to pay for the repairs himself. (For more information, read our “Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a hailstorm or heavy rain?“)

Negligence and Car Insurance Coverage: The Bottom Line

Car insurance usually compensates others involved in an accident if you were negligent. To get payment for damage to your vehicle, it’s a good idea to choose collision and comprehensive insurance along with liability insurance.

This combination is often called full coverage. To select the type of car insurance that can protect you, compare car insurance and consider the options available carefully.