what does car insurance not cover

[Prim]

Standard car insurance policies do not cover damage from normal wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns, intentional damage you cause, or using your car for business purposes like delivery driving. The most common exclusions are for items considered maintenance or preventable through proper care.

A typical auto insurance policy is designed for sudden, accidental events, not for things that happen gradually over time. For instance, if your engine seizes because you never changed the oil, that’s a maintenance issue, not a covered loss. Similarly, damage from rust, old tires, or a worn-out transmission are all considered wear and tear.

If you use your personal car for a commercial service like Uber Eats or DoorDash, you need a separate commercial auto policy. Your personal policy will likely deny a claim that occurs while you are making a delivery. Another significant exclusion is intentional acts. If you deliberately drive your car into a tree, insurance will not pay for the damage.

Here’s a quick reference table for common exclusions:

Exclusion Category	Specific Examples	Typical Scenario
Wear and Tear	Bald tires, brake pad wear, engine failure from lack of oil	Denied claim for engine repair after 80,000 miles with no oil changes
Intentional Damage	Keying your own car, deliberately crashing	Police report confirms driver acted intentionally
Commercial Use	Delivery driving, ride-sharing, transporting goods for pay	Accident occurs while logged into a ride-share app
Mechanical Breakdown	Transmission failure, alternator failure	Car suddenly won't shift gears; no collision involved
Custom Equipment	High-end stereo systems, custom rims not factory-installed	Denied claim for stolen aftermarket sound system
Personal Belongings	Laptop, golf clubs, luggage stolen from the car	Homeowner's/renter's insurance would cover this
Catastrophic Events	War, nuclear hazard, overt acts of terrorism	Damage from a declared war or nuclear accident

To be fully protected, you might need additional coverage like mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) from your dealer or manufacturer, or an endorsement for custom parts. Always read your policy's "exclusions" section carefully to understand your specific financial risks.

[StCarter]

Think of it this way: insurance is for accidents, not for upkeep. They won't pay to replace your worn-out brakes or a cracked windshield from a rock if you only have liability. If you deliberately crash your car, that's fraud—zero coverage. Also, if you're doing Uber or deliveries, you're a business, and you need a commercial policy. Your personal insurance will say no every time.