Not every car disaster turns into a successful insurance claim. Some poor souls are shocked when their claims are rejected. It barely helps to discover that it had more to do with the rules of their policy than the event itself. Okay, like if your rooftop tent was shredded by some hectic wind on the highway, or a surprise hailstorm wrecked your bonnet, or a pothole popped your tyre just outside town.
These things feel insurable. But whether your claim is approved depends on a few key factors, which have a lot to do with your policy… Wondering what it is that we’re talking about?
We don’t gatekeep key info in our kingdom, so let’s unravel what we’re talking about.
What determines a valid insurance claim?
When you submit a car insurance claim, your insurer checks 3 main things. First, they check if the items you’re claiming for are actually covered by your policy. And then they check if the loss was sudden and unexpected. Lastly, they check that you were crossing all the i’s and dotting all the t’s. Or is it the other way around? No matter, let’s just focus on answering the Big 3…
So, is it covered by your policy?
If the item isn’t listed on your policy, like your rooftop tent, upgraded car sound system, or expensive bike rack, it probably isn’t covered.
Was the loss sudden and unexpected?
We cover accidental events, but not predictable wear, neglect, or damage caused by illegal activity.
Were you following the rules of the road and the rules of your policy?
If you’re doing something illegal, you’re not covered. And if you’re not keeping up your end of your policy and looking after your insured valuables, your insurer (including us) may not pay out.
Let’s apply this logic to 3 real life insurance claim examples.
The tyre blowout
A blown tyre is sometimes covered, if it was caused by an insured event like:
- Hitting a pothole or road hazard.
- A nail or sharp object suddenly damaging the tyre.
But! If the tyre was bald, over/under-inflated, or hadn’t been replaced in years, your claim will likely be rejected. Why? Because you’re expected to take a reasonable level of care to look after the things you’re insuring. Seems fair, right? Right.
Royal tip: Consider adding the king’s tyre and rim insurance to your car insurance policy to cover accidental damage. This way, you can avoid claiming from your main policy and pay a much lower excess.
The hail damage
If a freak hailstorm smashes your car’s roof, bonnet, or windscreen, you’re likely covered if you’ve got the king’s comprehensive car insurance.
Just keep these in mind…
- You must report the incident as soon as possible. There’s a time limit.
- If you braved the hail when you could’ve waited it out, your claim might be challenged. But if the storm hit out of the blue and there was no way to avoid it (and you’ve got hail cover on your policy), you should be in the clear.
- If your car already had dents, scratches, or rust, you’ll only be covered for new damage.
Royal tip: Park undercover, if possible, especially in summer when hail is most likely.
The rooftop tent or bike rack flies off
This 1 is tricky. If your rooftop tent or bike rack detaches mid-trip, damaging your car or others, here’s what matters:
- Was the item listed under your policy?
- Was it securely fastened, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations?
- Was it intended for highway use at speed?
If your gear was loose, not properly installed, or never specified, your claim may be denied. That’s true whether you’re claiming for damage to your car or someone else’s.
Royal tip: Talk to us about adding high-value accessories to your policy and then snap a few pics of your setup before a trip. That way, you can prove it was securely mounted.
How to make sure your insurance claim will be valid
There are a few things you can do from your end to make sure that your claims will be approved. For starters, read your policy schedule so you know what’s covered and what isn’t. We’d also recommend that you keep proof of maintenance, especially for tyres, windscreens, and add-ons. While we’re at it, please tell us about all modifications and extras.
Really importantly, please don’t delay your claim. Most insurers require claims to be submitted within a specific timeframe, and we’re no exception.
Lastly… Ask questions. If you’re unsure, speak to us before assuming you’re covered.
The king keeps it simple
With King Price, claims don’t have to be complicated. We spell things out clearly, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. And if that awful something ever happens, we’ll handle your claim with speed, precision, and fairness.
Want to check that your rooftop tent or aftermarket mags are listed on your policy?
Simply WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50 or click here to get a commitment-free quote.