Coverages

• There are a variety of coverages available to you that protect you in the event there is property damage to your, or someone else's property, as a result of an accident. Collision coverage pays the person whose property you damaged, but does not pay for the damage to your car. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your car and another person's property. Each of these coverages contain their own exclusions as allowed by state law. Each carrier's policy is different so it is important to check the exclusions section of your policy to ensure you will be covered in the event of an accident.
  
  

Collision Coverage

• Your basic auto policy covers the car or property of the other person, but not you. If you hit a light pole, the pole will be repaired, less the deductible you must pay, but damage to your car is your responsibility. If you purchase collision coverage, your car will be covered for repairs and, less the deductible, must be paid by the insurance company. Certain exclusions can apply. For example if you loan your car to someone not covered on your policy, you may run into problems depending on your carrier. Some carriers cover anyone you let drive your car with permission, others require that the person be a listed driver. These exclusions vary depending on what is allowed by state law, but regardless must be specifically named in your policy documents.
  
  

Comprehensive Coverage

• Comprehensive coverage, also known as no-fault insurance, covers things you have no control over. It covers hail damage, theft, hit-and-run accidents, fire and many other events. If you don't have this coverage, and you may not as it is expensive, your company will not pay the claim for property damage. If you do have the coverage, there can also be exclusions such as terrorism, which could require a separate rider.
  
  

Other Exclusions

• Like homeowners insurance, auto insurance typically will not pay off in the event of damage caused by war, civil unrest, rebellion or revolutions. It also won't pay off if your premiums were unpaid at the time of the incident. Any deliberate acts by you that cause damage to the car will not be paid. However, state laws, such as those in Illinois, can require that the insurance company pay if the deliberate act was caused as a result of a pattern of domestic-violence attacks, provided you prosecute the perpetrator.