What does property damage on car insurance cover?

Question

We recently had a freak accident, my husbands truck caught on fire while we were driving it. Thank god no one got hurt, but I am wondering what the property damage covers on the insurance policy because all of my husbands tools literally got burnt, I mean really bad metal hammers and drills and a latter all together probably 500 dollars worth which is not a big deal we can go buy them, im just wondering why they wont cover this. Also my sons car seat was burnt, again not a big deal at least he is ok, but I just want to understand a little better.

Answer 1

"Property damage" is short for, damage to property of others.  It covers damage your husband does, to other people's property, like their car, if he rearends someone.  It does NOT cover YOUR property.  

"Comprehensive" covers damage to YOUR CAR, if it catches on fire.  NOT the stuff in your car.  ONLY THE CAR (or truck).  So the damage to the car seat, and tools, if they were personal use and not business use, would be covered under your homeowners or renters policy.  

Answer 2

The fire damage to the car would be covered under Comprehensive coverage you have on the car. The deductible would apply. If you do not have comprehensive coverage -- then your insurance company can not pay for the damage to your car.

(property damage liability - pays for damage you cause to other peoples property. You can't be liable to yourself)

As far as the child safety seat goes -- some companies give the benefit of the doubt and cover that as part of the comprehensive claim on the car and others will put that under the homeowners.

As far as the tools and other personal property in the car go -- the auto policy will NOT pay for those. Those items would have to be claimed under your homeowners or renters policy -and your deductible would apply. If you do not have a homeowners/renters policy - then there is no coverage for these items.

The policies have language in them that prevents overlap.

The auto policy specifically excludes damage to personal property and the homeowners policy specifically excludes damage to automobiles. This way each is insured under the most appropriate policy.

Answer 3

that cover your vehicle and damage of human body

Answer 4

Property damage covers someone elses damages.  This is a comprehensive claim.  Equipment that is for the vehicle use is usually covered under this but there can be many limitations based on the state in which you live in.  The tools if covered may be very limited.  The car seat should be covered as they are designed for use in the car and was in the car at the time.  If you have homeowners insurance there may be coverage there.  But again you need to discuss this with your adjuster for a clearer picture due to difference in state policies