What does car insurance NOT cover?
Doug Stockman • March 10, 2025
Don't get caught by surprise.
TL;DR - Quick Read, Detailed Info. Below
Intentional Damage is Excluded:
Car insurance won't cover damage you cause on purpose.
Maintenance and Wear & Tear Aren't Covered:
Routine upkeep and mechanical breakdowns aren't insurance issues.
Personal Belongings are Typically Excluded:
Items stolen from your car may be covered by homeowner's or renter's insurance.
Commercial Use Requires Special Coverage:
Rideshare, delivery, and other business driving need specific endorsements.
Policy Limits Apply:
Insurance pays only up to your policy's limits, and some natural disasters or modifications may not be fully covered.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dissect the hilarious fine print of your car insurance policy – the stuff they don't put in the shiny brochures.
Intentional Damage?
Nope! Think you can "accidentally" ram your ex's car because they "totally deserved it?" Insurance says, "Hold my deductible, you're on your own, buddy." They've got investigators, and trust me, they've seen it all. Plus, insurance fraud? That's a one-way ticket to super high insurance rates.
Wear and Tear?
Ha! Your car's acting up? Making weird noises? Leaking mystery fluids? Insurance is like, "That's cute. Call a mechanic, not us." They cover accidents or theft, among other things but not normal wear and tear. They don't cover mechanical issues unless it was caused by a covered claim.
Laptops and Wallets?
Adios! Your car's basically a rolling treasure chest for thieves? Think about the items in your car, sporting equipment, drones, and cell phones are just to name a few. Your insurance company is like, "Bless your heart, but that's what renter's or homeowner's insurance is for!" Plus, you can bundle it with your auto and save money! Click here for a quick renter's insurance quote. Bundle and save money.
Ubering or Delivering? Think your regular policy covers your side hustle as a pizza delivery ninja or a rideshare rockstar? Think again! They call that "commercial use," and it needs its own special endorsement. Ask your agent, to make sure you are covered.
Racing and Reckless Driving?
You're kidding, right? If you're turning your daily commute into a "Fast & Furious" sequel, insurance is gonna tap out faster than a toddler at naptime. "High-risk activities" can cause the policy to be cancelled.
My insurance pays for all of the other party's damages? Those state minimums? $25,000/$50,000/$25,000? That's insurance speak for "We'll cover a light fender bender, maybe. But if you total a Lamborghini and send someone to the ER, prepare to sell your prized collection of Beanie Babies." Those numbers are how much your policy will pay out, per person, per accident, and for property damage. If you do more damage than that, you may be paying out of pocket.
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Your insurance will only pay up to the limits specified in your policy. If damages exceed those limits, you'll be responsible for the remaining balance.
Let's take a deeper look:
South Carolina State Required Minimums:
$25,000 for bodily injury per person.
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
$25,000 for property damage.
Think of it like this: that's the bare minimum to keep you from getting a letter from the DMV and to be legal. But let's be real, is "bare minimum" ever enough? Especially when you're talking about protecting your precious ride and your even more precious self. And what about the other party in your at fault accident? Higher limits are recommended. Limits into the millions are available.
What exactly do those numbers $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 mean? Alright, let's decode those seemingly random numbers: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. Essentially, that's your insurance company's way of saying, "We'll cover up to $25,000 (the 1st number) if you hurt one person, $50,000 (the second number) if you hurt a whole bunch of people in one go, and $25,000 (the last number) if you turn someone's shiny new pickup into a crumpled work of modern art." Think of it as a financial "oops" buffer, but one that might leave you saying "oh dear" if you really do some serious damage. In today's world of very expensive medical bills, and very expensive vehicles, these limits can be used up extremely quickly. If you don't have enough insurance to pay for the other party's damages, what happens next? Higher limits are recommended. Limits into the millions are available.
Customizations? Extra, Extra, Read All About It! Your ride's decked out with spinners and a subwoofer that could shake the earth? Your standard policy might shrug and say, "We only cover stock, buddy." You'll need extra coverage for your bling.
The Moral of the Story? Read the Fine Print! Your insurance policy is like a legal love letter – full of promises, but also a bunch of "ifs" and "buts." So, read it, ask questions, and don't assume anything. And remember, when in doubt, call your insurance agent. They're there to help.
Alright, folks, settle in for a crash course (pun intended!) on the fascinating, slightly bewildering world of car insurance. Yes, I know, it's about as thrilling as watching paint dry, but trust me, understanding how it works can save you from a world of headaches and wallet-emptying woes. Here at Select Source Insurance, we're here to break it down, with a dash of humor to keep you from falling asleep. Car Insurance: It's Not Just a Piece of Paper (Though It Feels Like It Sometimes) Imagine car insurance as a safety net for your four-wheeled friend. When things go sideways (literally or figuratively), it's there to catch you, or at least cushion the financial blow. But how does this magical safety net actually work? The Basics, Explained (With Minimal Jargon): You Pay, They (Hopefully) Pay: You pay a premium (think of it as a monthly subscription to "avoid financial ruin"), and in exchange, your insurance company agrees to cover certain losses if you have an accident, your car gets stolen, or a rogue squirrel decides to use your windshield as a trampoline. Coverage: It's Like a Menu, But Less Delicious: Car insurance policies come with different types of coverage, each designed to protect you in specific situations. Liability Coverage: This is the "oops, I hit someone else" coverage. It pays for their injuries and property damage (up to your policy limits) if you're at fault in an accident. It's like saying, "Sorry about that, let my insurance handle it." Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your own car if you hit something (another car, a tree, a particularly stubborn mailbox). It's like a band-aid for your car's boo-boos. Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damage to your car from things other than collisions, like theft, vandalism, hail, or a herd of stampeding llamas. It's helps with damage other than collisions with limitations. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if you're hit by someone who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough. It's like having a backup plan for the backup plan. Deductibles: Your Share of the Pie (or Wrecked Bumper): A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. It's like a co-pay at the doctor's office, but for your car. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium, but make sure you can actually afford it if you need to file a claim. Claims: The "Please Don't Make Me Cry" Part: When you have an accident, you file a claim with your insurance company. They investigate, assess the damage, and (hopefully) pay for the repairs or replacement. It's like a detective story, but with less dramatic music and more paperwork. Why It's Important to Have a Good Insurance Agent (Like Us!): We Speak Insurance-ese: We can translate the confusing jargon into plain English, so you actually understand what you're paying for. We Shop Around for You: As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers, so we can find you the best rates and coverage for your needs. We're like your personal insurance shoppers. We're Here When You Need Us: When you have a claim, we'll be there to guide you through the process and make sure you get the help you need. We're like your insurance therapists, but with better advice. We can help you avoid the "I tried to parallel park my boat" situation: Yes, that was a real claim. The Moral of the Story: Car insurance is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to be a confusing one. At Select Source Insurance in Spartanburg, we're here to make it as painless as possible. So, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're always happy to help, and we promise to keep the insurance jokes to a minimum (mostly). 864-585-8318 or get a quote at Auto Insurance Quote
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Let's talk about the thrilling, edge-of-your-seat drama that is... car insurance claims. Yes, I know, riveting stuff. But hey, when you're cruising down the highway, singing along to your favorite questionable 80s power ballad, the last thing you want is a fender-bender followed by a "denied" stamp on your claim. Here at Select Source Insurance, we've seen it all. From the "my dog ate my steering wheel" excuse (surprisingly common, apparently) to the classic "a rogue squirrel ninja attacked my side mirror." So, let’s dive into the burning question: Can your car insurance company actually tell you "no"? Spoiler alert: Yes, they can. And sometimes, they have a point. Think of it like this: your insurance company is less like a benevolent fairy godmother and more like a slightly grumpy accountant who's really good at reading fine print. They're there to help, but they also have rules. And those rules are written in a language that would make a seasoned lawyer weep. While this list below is not all inclusive it does cover some common issues. Reasons Your Claim Might Get the Boot (and how to avoid them): Your policy lapsed: You were too busy watching cat videos to notice: Insurance is like a gym membership; you have to keep paying for it to keep using it. Let it lapse, and you're driving without coverage. That's a big no-no, and your claim will be as rejected as a pineapple on a pizza at an Italian restaurant. You were doing something... "unconventional": If you were using your car as a submarine, a monster truck, or a time machine (and yes, we've heard those stories), your insurance company might raise an eyebrow. Policies are generally designed for normal road use. So, stick to the pavement, folks. You didn't report the accident fast enough: Insurance companies are not fans of suspense. They want to know what happened, and they want to know now. Delaying the report can make them suspicious, and the incident information is still clear in your mind. It’s like waiting three weeks to tell your doctor about a suspicious rash. Not a good idea. You failed to cooperate with the investigation: If your insurance company asks you questions, answer them. If they want photos, provide them. If they want a statement, give them one. Playing hard to get with your insurance company is a surefire way to get your claim denied. In this day of spam calls, many people don't answer unknown numbers, me included. Remember if you have a claim that, unknown number could the claims adjuster. Using your vehicle to make money: You see, your trusty steed of the asphalt jungle, the one you lovingly named "Bessie," has a secret life your insurance company might frown upon. If Bessie moonlights as a delivery vehicle for your artisanal pickle business or ferries clients for your dog-walking empire, well, let's just say your personal auto policy might politely decline to foot the bill after that fender-bender. They tend to get a bit twitchy when they discover you use your personal auto covered by a personal auto policy, and your weekend joyride is actually a weekday workhorse. It's like they envision Bessie sipping champagne on Sundays but sweating it out with spreadsheets and invoices during the week. So, unless you want your claim to be met with the insurance equivalent of a polite yet firm "not on my watch," keep those commercial capers under wraps – or, you know, get the right kind of coverage! So, what's the moral of this story? Read your policy: Yes, it's as exciting as watching paint dry, but it's important. Be honest: Don't try to pull a fast one. Insurance companies have seen it all. Report accidents promptly: Don't wait until your car starts growing moss. Cooperate with the investigation: Be nice and provide the information they need. And most importantly, if you're ever unsure about anything, give us a call at Select Source Insurance. We're here to help you navigate the wild world of car insurance, and we promise to do it with a smile (and maybe a few bad puns). Because at Select Source Insurance, we believe that insurance shouldn't be a headache, it should be a... well, slightly less painful experience.
TL;DR: Lapsed car insurance is like forgetting your pants – awkward and potentially expensive. It happens due to forgetfulness, autopilot payment issues, moving without updating info, or the risky "winging it" approach. Consequences include fines, higher future rates, and potential financial ruin if you cause an accident uninsured. Avoid this by setting up and double-checking automatic payments, using reminders, keeping your info updated, and simply not driving uninsured. Select Source Insurance in Spartanburg can help you stay covered. Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive into the thrilling saga of… lapsed car insurance. Yes, I know, it's a topic that's about as exciting as watching a snail race, but trust me, the consequences can be far more dramatic. Here at Select Source Insurance in Spartanburg, we've seen the aftermath of lapsed policies, and let's just say, it's not a pretty picture. Lapsed Insurance: The Vehicular Equivalent of Forgetting Your Pants. Imagine this: You're cruising down the highway, windows down, hair blowing in the wind, feeling like a star in your own personal car commercial. Then, BAM! You get pulled over. The officer asks for your insurance, and you realize… you forgot to pay that bill. Your insurance is lapsed. It's like showing up to a fancy dinner party in your pajamas. Awkward and potentially expensive. Why Does Insurance Lapse Happen? (And How to Avoid It): The "I'm Too Busy Being Awesome" Excuse: Let's face it, life gets hectic. Between work, family, and trying to remember where you left your keys, paying the insurance bill can slip your mind. But trust me, your insurance company doesn't care how awesome you are. Their system is designed to process payments to maintain continuous coverage. The "I Thought It Was on Autopilot" Snafu: You set up automatic payments, thinking you're a responsible adult. But then, your card expires, or your bank account decides to play hide-and-seek with your funds. Suddenly, your insurance is gone, and you're left wondering, "Where did I go wrong?" The "I Moved and Forgot to Tell Anyone" Fiasco: You packed up your life, moved to a new address, and forgot to update your insurance information. Now, your renewal notice is sitting in a pile of junk mail at your old place, and your insurance is doing a disappearing act. The "I Thought I Could Wing It" Gamble: Some folks think they can drive without insurance. It's like playing Russian roulette with your finances. One wrong move, and you're facing fines, license suspension, and a whole lot of regret. The Consequences: It's Not Just a Slap on the Wrist (It's More Like a Slap on the Wallet): Fines and Penalties: Driving without insurance is illegal in most states. You could face hefty fines and even have your license suspended. Increased Rates: When you finally get insurance again, you'll likely pay higher premiums. Insurance companies see lapsed coverage as a red flag. It's like showing up to a job interview with a criminal record. Financial Ruin: If you get into an accident without insurance, you're on the hook for all the damages. That could mean medical bills, car repairs, and even lawsuits. It's like trying to pay for a mansion with pocket change. The "Walk of Shame": Explaining to a police officer why you have no insurance is a unique form of public humiliation. How to Avoid the Lapsed Insurance Blues: Set Up Automatic Payments (and Double-Check Them): Make sure your card is up-to-date, and your bank account is healthy. Smart Phone App: Download the Insurance company's smart phone app and set up notifications. Paperless Notices: Many companies give you the option of receiving electronic notices (except notices that are required to be mailed by law) or receiving notices in the mail. Chose the one that works best for you. Electronic or paperless notices sometimes come with a discount. Mark Your Calendar: Set reminders for your insurance renewal dates. Keep Your Information Updated: If you move or change your contact information, let your insurance company know. Don't Gamble with Your Insurance: It's not worth the risk. At Select Source Insurance, we understand that life can get crazy. But we're here to help you keep your insurance in check. We can help you set up automatic payments, find the best rates, and answer any questions you have. Because let's be honest, nobody wants to deal with the consequences of lapsed insurance. It's like a bad date that just won't end. South Carolina DMV