What Insurance Should I Use to Repair My Own Car?
2 Answers
To repair your car, you need to purchase compulsory traffic insurance (also known as liability insurance) as well as commercial insurance. For the commercial insurance portion, remember to also purchase the "No Deductible" coverage, which ensures that all repair costs for vehicle malfunctions or collisions are covered by the insurance company. Compulsory traffic insurance generally refers to the mandatory liability insurance for motor vehicle accidents, where the insurer compensates for personal injuries, fatalities, or property damage caused by the insured vehicle in a road accident, within the liability limits. Below is a detailed introduction to commercial vehicle insurance: 1. Vehicle Damage Insurance: Covers losses to your own vehicle caused by natural disasters or accidents. Recommended for new drivers. 2. Third-Party Liability Insurance: Compensates for third-party personal injuries or fatalities caused by the policyholder. This is mandatory as it provides protection for both yourself and others. 3. No Deductible Insurance: An add-on that transfers the policyholder's share of liability to the insurer, reducing personal losses. If you have both Vehicle Damage Insurance and Third-Party Liability Insurance, it’s best to purchase this as well. 4. Theft & Robbery Insurance: Covers damage caused by theft, robbery, or forcible seizure of the vehicle. Recommended for owners without a garage. 5. Passenger Liability Insurance: Compensates for losses suffered by the driver and passengers due to accidents. Premiums are usually charged per seat. Recommended for new drivers or family vehicles. 6. Spontaneous Combustion Insurance: Covers losses caused by vehicle fires due to electrical or wiring issues. Suitable for older vehicles. 7. Glass Breakage Insurance: Covers standalone damage to the windshield or windows. Since glass replacement is expensive, this is recommended for vehicles frequently driven in unsafe areas. 8. Scratch Damage Insurance: Covers losses caused by intentional, malicious, or accidental scratches to the vehicle body.
For those of us who love DIY car repairs, whether to use insurance for repairs depends on the situation. The most commonly used coverages in standard auto insurance are collision and comprehensive, which cover major repair costs for incidents like car accidents or fires. However, pay attention to the deductible—you’ll need to pay a few hundred dollars out of pocket before reimbursement kicks in. For new cars, the original factory warranty and extended warranty also cover mechanical repairs, so don’t overlook those. Also, don’t file claims for minor scratches or dents too often, as frequent claims can significantly increase your premiums. I recommend reviewing your policy details carefully and choosing a plan that fits your car’s condition—for example, opting for a high deductible on an older car to save on monthly costs. The key is to drive carefully to avoid accidents and save hassle and money in the long run. Regular car maintenance checks can also prevent bigger issues, which is another smart way to save.
