What Your Insurance Covers After a Car Accident

Does Your Insurance Cover Rental Cars and Towing?

If your car is damaged and needs repairs, you may need a rental or a tow. Here’s what your policy may cover:

• Rental Car Coverage: If you have rental reimbursement coverage, your insurance will pay for a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop. However, this is typically an optional add-on, and coverage limits apply (e.g., $30 per day up to a maximum amount).
• Towing Costs: If your policy includes towing and roadside assistance, your insurer will cover towing expenses after an accident. If you have collision coverage, your policy may also cover towing fees, but only if your car was damaged in the accident.

Does Your Insurance Cover Lost Wages?

If you’re injured in an accident and unable to work, your insurance may provide financial relief:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): In no-fault states, PIP coverage helps pay for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. Coverage varies by state and policy limits.
• Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Some policies offer MedPay, which helps cover medical costs but usually does not cover lost wages.
• Disability Insurance: If you have short- or long-term disability insurance, this can help cover lost income after an accident. However, this is separate from auto insurance.

Does Your Insurance Cover Damaged Personal Property (Phone, Laptop, Sunglasses)?

If personal belongings inside your car are damaged in an accident, your auto insurance may provide some coverage:

• Comprehensive or Collision Coverage: Some policies cover damaged personal items if they were affected by the accident, but this is not common.
• Homeowners or Renters Insurance: Your homeowners or renters insurance may cover personal belongings damaged or stolen from your vehicle. A deductible will likely apply.
• Gap Insurance: If your car is totaled and you owe more on your loan than its value, gap insurance helps cover the difference. While not personal property coverage, it’s an important protection for those financing their vehicles.

Surprising Costs Your Insurance May Cover

Beyond the obvious expenses, some policies also cover unexpected costs, including:

• Child Car Seat Replacement: Many insurers cover the cost of replacing a car seat after an accident, even if it appears undamaged.
• Pet Injuries: If your pet is in the car during an accident, some policies offer coverage for vet bills.
• Windshield Repairs: If you have comprehensive coverage, minor windshield repairs are often covered with no deductible.
• Hotel and Travel Expenses: If you’re in an accident far from home, some policies provide reimbursement for lodging, meals, and transportation while your car is being repaired.

What to Do Next – Get the Coverage You Deserve

If you’ve been in an accident and need help navigating your insurance claim, we’re here to help. At Retamar & Millian Personal Injury Attorneys, we work to ensure you get the maximum compensation available under your policy. Call us today for a free consultation:

📞 West Florida: (813) 200-5894
📞 East Florida: (954) 834-0404

Don’t settle for less than you deserve—let us help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.