6 Common Causes for Auto Insurance Claims & How to Avoid Them

Car accidents are scary, and single-car accidents are no exception. Many single-car accidents involve bad weather conditions or swerving to miss an animal. After a single-car accident, the driver often does not feel at fault, but according to insurance companies, unless it was a flying object which damaged your vehicle, you are at fault.

Collision and comprehensive insurance both cover your car. However, collision insurance covers car accidents, including single-car accidents, whereas comprehensive insurance also covers events that are deemed out of the driver’s control. Understanding the difference between these coverages is important when considering your auto insurance needs.

Here are a few things that can cause single-car accidents, plus tips to avoid them.

1. Distracted Driving:

Today there are more distractions than ever before. Smartphones, GPS, and other technology all take the driver’s attention away from what is important, the road. Make sure you shut off your phone or put it away and minimize multitasking.

2. Slick Road Conditions:

Slick road conditions are a major cause of single-car accidents. Even when most of the roadways are clear, black ice can go undetected, potentially causing major accidents. Try and stay home when road conditions are unfavorable, drive at a slower speed, and leave plenty of distance between you and everyone else on the roads.

3. Sun glare:

Sun glare can cause problems when driving, especially at dawn and dusk. Even if the sun is blinding you, you are responsible for your vehicle at all times. Blaming the sun is not going to protect against an at-fault accident if you damage your vehicle while driving. Try to keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle at all times and use your sun visor!

4. Potholes:

Many drivers feel not at fault when potholes are unavoidable, but insurance companies cannot be responsible for repairing vehicles damaged by potholes because they are too prevalent and are often easy to avoid. Make sure you are alert and cautiously, and slowly, maneuver around the potholes!

5. Swerving to miss an Animal:

Swerving to miss an animal is often a natural reaction. However, it is also extremely dangerous. Nobody wants to hit an animal intentionally, above all someone’s pet, but swerving isn’t the solution. Unfortunately for the animal, it is safer for the driver and passengers to hit the animal versus swerving into oncoming traffic, hitting a ditch and rolling, or hitting a light pole. A collision with an animal is considered a comprehensive claim. But swerving to miss a deer and hitting a ditch or tree would be considered an at-fault collision.

6. Flying Objects:

Flying objects hitting a vehicle technically could be considered a single-car accident, but it is also the only time a single-car accident would not be considered an at-fault accident. Rocks hitting your windshield, or a tree branch falling on your vehicle while driving, are considered comprehensive claims. Comprehensive claims are typically not treated as severely by insurance companies as at-fault accidents. Usually, flying objects hit so suddenly nothing can be done, just keep control of your vehicle.

Being prepared for the unexpected is key! Even the safest drivers can encounter situations beyond their control. Auto insurance can help provide financial protection in the event of an accident.

Having the right auto insurance coverage in place is essential. ACCESS Insurance is the best auto insurance broker in Edmonton which can help you shop around and compare different policies to find the coverage that best meets your needs.