Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Vehicles in Driveway?

Insurance policies can be tricky, and one common question many people ask is: Does homeowners insurance cover vehicles in the driveway? If you’ve ever wondered what happens if your car gets damaged while parked at home, this article is for you.

Let’s break it down the specifics so you know what to expect when it comes to your homeowners insurance and parked vehicles.

Homeowners Insurance

Before diving into whether homeowners insurance covers your car, let’s first understand what it does cover. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your house and the property inside it. It usually includes:

• Protection for your home’s structure in case of damage due to certain events like fires or storms.
• Coverage for personal belongings within the home, such as furniture and electronics.
• Liability protection if someone gets injured on your property and sues you.

Sounds great, right? But like all things, it comes with certain limitations and exclusions.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Typically Cover?

Homeowners insurance policies are pretty broad, but here’s a quick overview of what’s commonly covered:

1. Property and Structure Protection

If a tree falls on your roof or a fire damages your home, your homeowners insurance will generally cover the repair costs.

2. Personal Belongings Coverage

Your furniture, electronics, and even clothing are typically protected under a homeowners insurance policy if they’re damaged or stolen.

3. Liability Protection

This covers you if someone slips and falls on your property and decides to sue you.

What Are the Exclusions in Homeowners Insurance?

While home insurance covers a lot, it doesn’t cover everything. Most policies exclude certain things like:

• Natural disasters like earthquakes or floods
• Neglect or poor maintenance
• Vehicle damage (including your car parked in the driveway)

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Vehicles in the Driveway?

The short answer is: No, homeowners insurance does not cover vehicles in your driveway.

Why? Because cars are not considered part of your “personal property” under most homeowners policies. Insurance companies separate cars from items like furniture or appliances since vehicles require a separate auto insurance policy.

What Type of Insurance Covers Your Vehicle?

If your car is damaged, whether it’s in your driveway, on the street, or anywhere else, you’ll need to rely on auto insurance, not your homeowners policy. Specifically, there are two types of car insurance that cover different incidents:

• Comprehensive coverage: This covers damage to your car that isn’t related to an accident (like theft, weather damage, or vandalism).
• Collision coverage: This pays for damage to your car caused by an accident, whether it’s with another vehicle or a stationary object.

When Might Homeowners Insurance Cover Car-Related Incidents?

Now, while your homeowners insurance won’t cover direct damage to the car itself, it could cover items inside the car. If, for example, a laptop or other belongings are stolen from your vehicle, those items might be covered under your home policy (but not the car itself).

Also, if your car causes damage to your driveway, garage, or other parts of your home, homeowners insurance might cover the repair costs for those areas—not the vehicle.

Scenarios Where You Might Think Homeowners Insurance Covers Your Car

It’s easy to assume that a homeowners policy would protect your car in certain situations, but here’s why it doesn’t:

1. Natural Disasters

If a storm damages your car in the driveway, your auto insurance (comprehensive) would handle it, not your home insurance.

2. Vandalism or Theft

If someone breaks into your car, auto insurance steps in. Your home insurance might cover any personal items stolen from inside the vehicle, though.

3. Fires or Other Property-Related Damages

If a fire burns both your house and your car, only the house will be covered under homeowners insurance. You’d need comprehensive auto coverage for the vehicle.

Why Homeowners Insurance Won’t Pay for Vehicle Damage

It comes down to the type of policy you have. Homeowners insurance and auto insurance are two different products designed to cover different risks. Cars aren’t part of the package when it comes to home insurance, even if they’re sitting in the driveway.

Importance of Auto Insurance for Vehicle Coverage

To protect your vehicle, you need auto insurance. Without it, you’re leaving your car vulnerable to things like theft, accidents, or natural disasters. Comprehensive and collision coverage help protect against different types of damage, so it’s smart to carry both if you want full protection.

How to Make Sure Your Car Is Protected While Parked at Home

If you’re worried about what might happen to your car while it’s parked in the driveway, it’s essential to have comprehensive auto coverage. This type of insurance will help cover a variety of non-accident-related damages, like weather events or theft.

Can You Bundle Auto and Homeowners Insurance?

Yes! Bundling your auto and home insurance policies can make things easier and often results in discounted premiums. Not only will you save money, but it can simplify the claims process if you ever need to file one for damages to both your home and car.

Steps to Take After Your Vehicle Is Damaged in the Driveway

If your car gets damaged in the driveway, here’s what you should do:

1. Report the damage to your auto insurance company.
2. File a claim for any damage to your home (driveway, garage) under your homeowners insurance, if applicable.
3. Document the incident with photos and notes to help with the claims process.

Protect Both Your Home and Car

Here are a few tips for keeping both your home and car safe:

• Install security cameras: These can deter potential theft and vandalism.
• Park in a garage if possible: This protects your car from both theft and weather damage.
• Maintain proper insurance coverage for both your home and car.

Conclusion

In summary, homeowners insurance won’t cover damage to vehicles in your driveway, but it does protect your home and belongings. For car protection, you’ll need auto insurance. It’s important to review your policies to make sure both your home and car are properly covered and to consider bundling for better savings.

FAQs

1. Does homeowners insurance ever cover vehicle damage?
   No, it doesn’t. You’ll need auto insurance for vehicle damages.

2. Can homeowners insurance cover theft from a car?
   Yes, personal items stolen from your car may be covered under homeowners insurance.

3. Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by a car?
   It may cover damage to your driveway or garage but not the vehicle itself.

4. Should I file claims for small damages to the car or driveway?
   It depends on the size of the damage and your deductible. Sometimes it’s not worth it for minor incidents.

5. How does bundling affect my overall coverage?
   Bundling can lead to discounts and simplify the claims process, making it easier to handle multiple policies at once.