Hello,
I am quite new to the USA and have had a serious issue with figuring out how insurance works here.
The facts :
I hit the garage door with my car of my rented house.
Damage to roof of the car was covered and paid by Geico.
Damage to garage door , Geico first said renters insurance was responsible (Assurant)
Assurant said it is not covered because not caused by fire, water, explosions etc.
But since I hit it with the car, it is covered by auto insurance.
Spoke with Geico numerous times. Today they first said they will send over an adjuster by a lovely customer service rep.
Then an hour late I got a call back from Geico, by a much less nice insurance person, saying auto insurance does not cover damage to garage door since it happened in my "dwelling" (apparently doesn't matter if I rent or own).
I am a bit at a loss on how to proceed now, and feel like both insurance companies are trying to pass the buck to each other.
In the meantime the owner expects me to pay for the full replacement of the garage door.
Any help you can give me in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Hit garage door, renters and auto insurance do not want to pay
byu/JonhTravolvo inInsurance
Posted by JonhTravolvo
2 Comments
AFAIK the standard auto form in the US usually *does* cover the type of damage you’re describing. It commonly says something like [this.](https://imgur.com/a/KMm2ynF). Under this language it gives back coverage for a dwelling or garage you’re renting at the end. So a fence or landscaping on a property you’re renting wouldn’t be covered, but hitting the house or garage would be.
That said, if an insurer modifies the standard form, or writes their own, and the state approves it, then they could theoretically take that language out where it gives back coverage for damage to a structure that you’re renting, and sell that policy to people.
The only real answer here is to get a certified copy of your actual policy and read it and see what it actually says. In an auto policy there are usually two sections. One is for liability (damage to others), and the other is for the damage to your car. You will find this language in the Exclusions sub-section of the liability section.
If your insurer is denying your claim they have to send you a letter citing the specific section in your policy that applies. But I’d get my own copy and read it myself.
The owner needs to file a claim with their insurance. That insurance company will then contact your insurance company. If your insurance doesn’t pay, the other insurance company could ask you to pay or sue you.