Will My Insurance Cover All Damages?
I was recently involved in a car accident where the other driver ran a stop sign and collided with me. I managed to brake hard, and even though I hit their vehicle at around 10 mph, I only sustained minor damage — a small dent and a cracked headlight. Fortunately, both of us were able to drive away after exchanging insurance information.
After filing a claim with my insurance company and detailing the incident and the initial damage, a few days went by, and I began to notice that my brakes felt spongy. I assumed it might be low on brake fluid or that some air got into the lines from the accident, so I topped off the brake fluid. However, that didn’t help. Upon further inspection, I discovered that both brake hoses were leaking due to cracks.
While I was checking these issues, I also found that my vehicle was leaking a significant amount of oil — about one drop every two seconds. I take pride in maintaining my car and had recently checked everything, so this sudden leak was concerning.
Now, I’m left wondering: will my insurance cover these new problems? I’m worried that they might not, since I can’t prove the issues didn’t exist before the accident. The only evidence I have are some photos taken after the fact and my girlfriend’s testimony, as she was with me during the incident. Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about your accident and the issues with your car. Whether insurance will cover the damages can depend on a few factors.
Fault of the Other Driver: Since the other driver was at fault and ran the stop sign, their insurance should generally cover damages to your vehicle. However, it’s crucial to report all the issues you’re experiencing, both the visible damage and any subsequent problems.
Documenting Damage: It’s great that you took pictures of the damage after the accident. If you can demonstrate that the new issues (spongy brakes and oil leak) arose after the incident, that will strengthen your case. Your maintenance routine and the fact that you recently checked the car can also support your claim.
Insurance Adjuster Evaluation: When you file your claim, the insurance adjuster will likely evaluate your vehicle and determine the extent of the damage. They may ask you questions about the condition of your car before the accident, so be honest about everything.
Pre-existing Conditions: The burden of proof can sometimes shift to the insured to show that the damages were not pre-existing. They might consider a professional mechanic’s evaluation to determine the timeline of the new issues.
Get a Mechanic’s Opinion: If possible, have a mechanic inspect your vehicle and document their findings. This assessment could help establish that the brake and oil issues were not present prior to the accident.
Comprehensive Claims: Depending on your policy, you may also want to check if there are coverage specifics regarding parts that fail due to an accident, as the insurance may not cover everything if they determine that certain issues were unrelated.
In conclusion, documenting everything thoroughly and communicating openly with your insurance can maximize your chances of getting the coverage you need. Good luck!