MA auto insurance collision coverage applies to any damage to your vehicle during a “collision” with another vehicle. Collision is the most common type of accident. So, it’s important to understand collision coverage, especially if you are deciding whether to purchase this coverage to begin with.
What Is Included in Collision Coverage
MA auto insurance collision coverage applies regardless of who is at fault for an accident. It ensures that your vehicle will be repaired. Here are a few scenarios…
- You cause an accident.
Your insurance company will pay to repair your vehicle. You will only be responsible for your deductible. - Another driver is at fault for an accident.
Your insurance company will pay to repair your vehicle and then recuperate that cost from the other driver’s insurance company. In some cases, you may initially pay the deductible. If the full cost of the repairs is obtained from that other insurance company, then your deductible will be returned to you. - An unknown party is responsible for an accident.
There are cases where your vehicle may be damaged but you are unable to find the responsible party. For example, your car may be hit while parked or it may be a hit-and-run. In these cases, your insurance company will cover the repairs (less your deductible).
Collision Coverage Exceptions
There are a few scenarios where your insurance company will deny coverage even if you have MA auto insurance collision coverage. For example, if you were racing at the time of the accident (either on public roads or on a race track), your insurance company will likely deny the claim. Another scenario is if you use your vehicle to intentionally cause an accident. Anything that the insurance company views as avoidable or malicious will fall into an exception.
Is MA Auto Insurance Collision Coverage Necessary
In some cases, you will be required to have some level of collision coverage. Lenders typically require collision coverage for leased vehicles or those with loans against them. If you purchased your vehicle with cash or have paid off the loan, collision coverage is optional. Before deciding to drop MA auto insurance collision coverage, consider whether you can cover the cost of any potential damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident? What if your vehicle is a total loss,… will that create a financial hardship for you. If so, it would be best to purchase collision coverage and protect your investment.