Car Accident on Black Ice – What Does My Insurance Cover?
If you have had a car accident because of black ice, you are probably wondering what your car insurance will cover. Many people assume that because they could not have avoided the accident, everything will be covered. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
What Kind of Coverage Do You Have?
The first thing to look at is the type of coverage you carry. If you have a “liability only” policy, you will not receive payment for your injuries, or for damage to your vehicle or personal property. If you carry “full coverage”, your insurance company will likely pay to repair or replace your car, and may even pay some of your medical bills. A “full coverage” policy may also pay for you to rent a car while your own vehcile is being repaired.
Was it a Single Car Accident, or Were There Multiple Cars Involved?
If you slid on black ice and hit a tree, and you carry only liability coverage, it is unlikely that your insurance policy will pay anything at all. If you collided with another vehicle, a “liability only” policy will pay for injuries and property damage caused to the occupants of the other vehicle, up to your policy limits. Keep in mind that if you live in a “no fault” state, the other driver’s policy will pay for his or her injuries; however, the other driver’s insurance company may later make a claim against your policy.
Were There Other Factors that Contributed to the Accident?
If you were intoxicated at the time of the accident, or the investigating officer determines that you were speeding or driving recklessly, it will be much less likely that your insurance will cover the accident. The theory behind this is that, under normal circumstances, you would have been able to control the vehicle after hitting black ice, and to avoid the accident.
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