The last thing you need is a problem with your car. Many people don’t know their car’s issues are electrical. You should check your car’s electrical systems at least once a year to prevent any unexpected issues. Loose connections, frayed wires, or other wiring issues usually cause these issues. Thinking about the expenses, does your car insurance cover electrical problems?
What are Typical Vehicle Electrical Problems?
Typical electrical problems in vehicles are things we cannot see. While this could make it difficult to identify, there are a few common issues that you should check first.
- A bad alternator is first on the list of electrical problems. An alternator’s main job is to replenish and distribute energy in your engine and other electrical components. This will cause the electricity in your vehicle to flicker. A bad alternator must be replaced immediately.
- A damaged starter is a common electrical problem. This means the device that engages the engine isn’t working and therefore nothing is starting in the car. This can be a push button or turning off the key.
- If your starter clicks and still nothing happens, it might be your battery. Dead
batteries happen because of damage, a leaking battery, or low battery life. The battery provides power to lights, radio, and car GPS. - A short circuit is very common as sometimes it gets overloaded. This is a very serious issue as not only can it cause other electrical issues, but it can also cause the car to catch on fire or even explode.
- Loose spark plugs are another common electrical issue in cars. Spark plugs can cause some serious damage if it is not function properly. The spark plug provides small sparks to prompt the fuel to move your car forward.
- A car’s fuse box may need to be replaced if fuses are blown often. This can prevent the windows from rolling down, door locks, turn signals, or windshield wipers.
Common Signs Your Car’s Electrical System is Failing
Some of the most common signs of electrical issues in your vehicle are pretty
straightforward. The signs may be different if your vehicle is already dead. The most obvious one might be your car may not unlock. The lights in your car and dashboard may not illuminate on the inside and outside of the vehicle. The engine may not turn over to start.
If your car is still turning on and running, the signs are a little different. You may notice while your car is driving that your headlights are dim or flickering. The most dangerous of them all is a burning or hot odor coming from your car. This can be a sign a system in the vehicle is about to catch fire or potentially explode. Most new cars will have indicator lights to help you have a better idea of some of these issues happening to prevent further problems.
How to Avoid Electrical Problems
While electrical problems can’t completely be avoided, you can be aware of what to look for and how you can work to avoid these issues. Many of these solutions can be done at home with minimal effort.
- The first one is to clean off the battery and battery cables of corrosion.
- You can also inspect the drive belt to look for any damage such as cracks or
dryness. The belt should also have the correct amount of tension to make sure it is working properly. - Your car battery should also be replaced regularly, so you do not run into any
problems after waiting too long to replace the battery. - Lastly and most importantly, before you get out of the car make sure the lights on the exterior and interior are off, the radio is off, and the air conditioning is off.
Does Car Insurance Cover Electrical Problems?
This is a difficult question without knowing the terms of your electrical issues. Car Insurance does sometimes cover electrical issues, but only under certain circumstances.
With modern cars having more and more electrical parts, it is important to what ways insurance covers electrical problems. In most cases, electrical problems are only covered if it is not from normal wear and tear of the vehicle. So for example, a dead battery you’ve had for four years likely will not be covered because it is just normal wear. However, if something such as a spark plug that was just replaced goes out, there is a chance that insurance will cover it depending on the insurance coverage you have.
When Does Insurance Not Cover Electrical Damage?
Insurance will not cover electrical damage if the damage is from normal wear and tear. This mostly applies to older cars as their wires and other electrical elements are more likely to be worn down. Insurance will also only cover the cost of the damage costs more to repair than the deductible.
How Can Your Policy Help Cover You in Case of Electrical Issues With Your Car?
There are certain types of coverage that may help you more in case of electrical issues. While there are many they also have slightly different benefits.
● Collison: If electrical damages are caused by a collision of some sort, this coverage would cover any electrical issues. This coverage will pay for damages regardless of who is at fault for the collision.
● Comprehensive: This is likely the most beneficial type of coverage you can have as it covers the most. This would cover any vandalism, water damage, electrical failures, something falling on the car, rodent damage, or peril. If your car has an electrical fire this coverage would cover that as well.
● Uninsured Motorist: If you get in an accident with someone who doesn’t have
insurance, this policy will make sure you still have the coverage you need. This
would cover electrical damage as well similar to collision coverage.
Car Insurance is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Call G&G today to get a free quote or to clarify what your car insurance policy covers!
