Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Hello. On my drive back from Reno NV my timing belt snapped hit a piston an bent the head. I called our insurance to verify coverage. On their website comprehensive covers vandalism to hitting a deer. But when we called the rep stated comprehensive is only when you hit another vehicle. How can I get something in writing that actually states what our insurance covers? It was like pulling teeth with the rep.


Asked on 7/18/12, 8:41 am

4 Answers from Attorneys

David Lupoff Law Offices of David B. Lupoff

Automobile insurance normally does not cover mechanical issues. Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 7/18/12, 9:22 am
BARRY BESSER LAW OFFICES OF BARRY I. BESSER

You should have a copy of your actual policy. That policy would include definitions including the definition of comprehensive coverage. If you don't have a copy, request one from your agent.

BARRY BESSER

www.besserlaw.com

Read more
Answered on 7/18/12, 10:53 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Read your policy, it is excruciatingly detailed. Accident / comprehensive insurance has nothing to do with mechanical breakdown, obviously. If you have manufacturers warranty or similar mechanical warranty insurance, read that policy to determine what is covered.

Read more
Answered on 7/18/12, 11:05 am

The legal answers you have received are correct. You need to read your policy. They will give you a copy if you don't have one. Every insurance policy in the state, however, excludes mechanical failure of the car itself from coverage. I would also add, however, that your timing belt cannot hit a piston head unless it smashed through the engine block. I also cannot imagine how a piston head could be "bent" since they are designed to take the force of a gasoline explosion thousands of times a minute for ten years or more. So perhaps that has something to do with you not being taken seriously by your insurance rep.

Read more
Answered on 7/22/12, 1:47 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in California