Expert: Anne - 5/13/2010

Question
Hello,
I was driving to school today, and my front wheel on the driver's side fell off while I was slowing down to get on the ramp for my exit. Luckily the wheel did not hit any other vehicles, my car was the only car that got damaged. I took it to the repair shop and they fixed it, and I only had to pay $550.  They also gave me an estimate from a body shop to replace the fender, and some paint and fix some other minor stuff.  The body shop estimate is around $1350.
It happened while I was driving my brother's car, but I am on the insurance policy. The car has comprehensive and collision insurance.  I was wondering if the insurance company is going to cover that, even though no repairs were recently done before the accident at a car shop. Also if they would, who should contact the insurance company me or my brother
Thank you,
Roman

Answer
Hello Roman,


Well, insurance policies usually do not cover for mechanical break-down. It's a common exclusion on the policy, so it's possible that they will give you a hard time here.

Why did the wheel fall? Because it failed mechanically or because it hit something.

The policy holder will want to call the insurance company, they will want also want to talk to the driver (if you are on the insurance, this is okay).

An coverage investigation will have to be done. They will have to determine that.

See more about auto policies and coverage here:

http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/insurance-coverages.html

I hope this helps

Anne
htt://www.QuirogaLawOffice.com