What’s Insured?

The coverage scope of your auto policy will depend on the nature of the vehicle it insures as well as the coverage features you have opted to include. Classic or collector car insurance will have different coverage stipulations from motorcycle insurance, for example. Likewise, the optional coverages you include in your car insurance policy will affect what it will and will not cover. Read on to find out how much various types of auto insurance cover.

Vehicle Types

When you think of car insurance, you probably think of a traditional policy that covers a standard passenger vehicle. However, auto insurance can cover almost any motorized vehicle, including motorcycles, quads, and RVs, to name a few. Here is a list of what several forms of specialty car insurance cover:

• Classic or historical auto insurance. Classic car insurance is also called antique auto insurance or collector car insurance. These policies apply to vehicles that are usually 20-25 years old, although the age requirements vary by carrier. Most carriers require that the vehicle be a factory original with no aftermarket modifications. Because classic cars are usually not driven as frequently as traditional vehicles, collector auto insurance tends to have cheaper car insurance premiums. A standard collector car policy may include relatively small liability coverage limits as well as collision and comprehensive coverage. Classic auto policies may have mileage restrictions and model-year limitations.
• Motorcycle insurance. Full coverage motorcycle insurance offers identical protection to a full-coverage auto policy, including liability, comprehensive, and collision. Riders also have the option of choosing a liability only motorcycle policy. The only real difference between car and motorcycle insurance policies is the price—motorcycle insurance tends to be substantially cheaper.
• ATV/Quad insurance. The most basic ATV insurance policies include only comprehensive and collision coverage, meaning the insurer will pay to repair or replace your quad if it is damaged or stolen. Home insurance policies typically do not cover all-terrain vehicles, so taking out a separate policy for your quad is a good idea. Moreover, some states require ATV riders to carry at least liability insurance on their quads if they operate them on state-owned land. ATV liability insurance includes both bodily injury and property damage protection.
• RV insurance. Also known as motor home insurance, RV insurance protects your recreation vehicle, you, and anyone who travels with you. Most carriers will provide coverage for Type A motor homes, Type B motor homes (camper vans), and Type C motor homes (mini motor homes). In addition to physical damage and liability protection, motor home insurance also offers a number of specialty coverages that allow drivers to customize their policies. For example, vacation liability coverage pays for losses at your vacation site, and total loss replacement will provide you with a new, similarly equipped RV if yours is totaled within the first five years of ownership. You can also include personal contents coverage on your RV insurance policy to protect the things you store in your motor home.

Glass Coverage

Depending on your carrier, your comprehensive coverage may automatically include glass coverage, also known as windshield protection, or it may be offered as a separate policy. When included with comprehensive coverage, glass coverage requires the same deductible that applies to the comprehensive portion of your policy. For example, say you have a $500 deductible, and a large crack requires you to replace your windshield. You would likely be responsible for the entire cost of the new windshield because your deductible is probably higher than the cost of the replacement.

On the other hand, if you pay for separate glass coverage, carriers usually offer a lower deductible for windshield replacements (typically $50-$100). With many carriers, a glass coverage claim also does not count against you, meaning your premiums will not go up after you file the claim. Finally, standard glass coverage also provides free chip repair.

Vehicle Contents

For the most part, the contents of your vehicle are protected by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not your car insurance policy. In other words, even if your vehicle is not on your property at the time a loss occurs, most home and renter’s insurance policies provide off-premises coverage of your belongings. For instance, if your laptop were stolen out of your vehicle, you would file a claim with your home insurer, not your auto insurer, to replace it. Keep in mind that your deductibles will apply, however.

By contrast, items that are actually installed in your vehicle, such as a car-stereo system, would require protection from your car insurance policy. Most carriers offer coverage options, such as sound system coverage, to insure high-end stereo systems. Without this additional protection, your stereo equipment may not be covered. Likewise, some carriers offer CD/tape coverage if you store these items in your vehicle.