Lightning, Dog Bites, and Riots: 10 Unusual Things Insurance Covers
Lightning, Dog Bites, and Riots: 10 Unusual Things Insurance Covers
It’s an undeniably bad day when a car crashes into your garden wall or a power surge destroys your air conditioner on a 90-degree day. But there could be a silver lining to your stroke of bad fortune: Your insurance might just cover some of the damages.
“It’s a good idea to review your insurance policies so you know what coverage you have and if an unusual mishap will be covered,” said Stacey McConnell, Vice President of Insurance with AAA Western and Central New York.
Here are some of the more unusual things your auto, homeowners, or renters policy might cover:
Aircraft crashes into house
Although the chances of it happening are slim, aircraft occasionally crash into homes. The damage may be covered.
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Lightning strikes
The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) states that lightning strikes caused more than $900 million in insured losses in 2018. If your home is partially or destroyed by lightning-caused fire, the damage may be covered by a homeowners policy. Electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, and refrigerators that are damaged by lightning strikes could also be covered. Lightning also strikes autos, causing fires and damage to electrical systems, both of which may be covered by your comprehensive policy.
Riots
While rare, riots do happen. A homeowners or renters policy may cover damage to your home and possessions caused by rioting. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, damage to your car may be covered as well.
Identity theft
Millions of people are victims of identity theft every year. With an optional endorsement on your policy, your insurance may cover identity theft expenses up to a predetermined limit. These expenses may include reasonable attorney fees and earnings lost due to time taken off work to resolve the issue.
Dog bites
According to the I.I.I., dog bites and other dog-related injury claims account for more than a third of homeowners’ insurance claim dollars. Your homeowners or renters policy may cover dog bite liability expenses up to the liability limits, however, dog bite claims from dogs with a prior bite history and/or breeds that are classified as vicious are not covered.
Spoiled food
If an unexpected power outage occurs, food that spoils in your freezer and refrigerator may be covered under your homeowners policy, but the amount will likely vary from state to state.
Student possessions
If your children are students and live in a college dorm, their possessions may be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy. However, if they live in an off-campus apartment, they must have their own renters insurance.
Pothole damage
If you have collision coverage, damage to your car from hitting a pothole may be covered. Collision coverage is typically optional, so be sure to contact your insurance agent to ensure you have the coverage you need.
Tombstones/grave markers
Your homeowners policy may cover vandalism or damage to tombstones or grave markers, which are considered to be personal valuables.
Lost wages
If available in your state, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your auto insurance policy can be used to recover a portion of lost wages if you’re involved in an auto accident injury that causes you to miss work.
What does your insurance policy cover? Insurance agents are experts in finding the perfect coverage no matter what your situation is. Reach out to get a quote today.