Is Your Auto Insurance Earthquake Proof?
by Alex Gregory
Insurance policies cover us for the unexpected - however, few events were as unpredictable as the earthquake that struck Britain at the end of February.
It was the largest earthquake in the UK for almost a quarter of a century, and although injuries were minimal, people are still counting the cost to their homes, possessions and even their motor vehicles.
Earthquakes are unlikely to be high on motorists' minds when they take out car insurance, but clearly a car is just as much at risk as a home should an earthquake cause damage in your area.
Frustratingly however, most motorists will not be covered unless they take out comprehensive car insurance cover.
If you have a third party auto insurance policy only, you could only make a claim if, for example, a brick fell from a neighbour's home and damaged your vehicle - therefore allowing you to make a claim against your neighbour if the chimney was already in a state of disrepair.
Indeed there are many exceptions on a typical car insurance policy that you may not think about in usual circumstances. These include:
- Riots - Many insurers will not cover you if your car is damaged during a riot.
- Pollution - Accidents or injuries caused by pollution or contamination.
- Hazardous goods - Generally you will not be covered if damage is caused by carrying hazardous materials.
- Use on airfields - Some insurers implement exclusions if your car is used in an area where planes land or take-off.
- War - Most insurers will not offer cover should loss or damage occur during a war or invasion.
