Is Hydroplaning Covered by Insurance?
Unsure if your car insurance covers hydroplaning? Learn how incidents involving water are handled, from coverage types to claims and financial impacts.
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water building up between the tires and the pavement. This loss of traction prevents the vehicle from responding to steering, braking, and acceleration, leading to a temporary loss of control. Such incidents can be startling and raise immediate questions about potential vehicle damage and how car insurance might respond. This article aims to clarify how standard auto insurance policies typically cover hydroplaning incidents and what steps policyholders should take in the aftermath.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Hydroplaning
Car insurance policies provide coverage for accidents caused by hydroplaning. There is no specific “hydroplaning insurance”; instead, standard coverages within an auto policy address the resulting damage. Collision coverage is the primary type that applies to damage to your own vehicle from a hydroplaning incident.
Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This includes single-vehicle incidents where you might slide into a ditch, guardrail, or other stationary object due to hydroplaning. It also covers the cost of repairs or the actual cash value of your car if it is deemed a total loss, minus your chosen deductible.
Comprehensive coverage, while covering damage from events outside of a collision like theft, vandalism, or certain natural disasters, does not apply to hydroplaning incidents. Hydroplaning is classified as an accident or collision because it involves the vehicle losing control and impacting something. While it might cover flood damage if the vehicle ends up submerged, it is not the primary coverage for the direct impact resulting from hydroplaning.
If a hydroplaning incident results in damage to another vehicle or property, or causes injury to others, your liability coverage applies. This coverage pays for damages and medical expenses incurred by other parties involved in the accident, up to your policy limits, when you are determined to be at fault. Liability coverage does not cover damage to your own vehicle or your own injuries.
Steps After a Hydroplaning Incident
Immediately following a hydroplaning incident, prioritize safety. First, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries; if anyone is hurt, seek medical attention or call emergency services. If possible and safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safer location to prevent further incidents.
Once safe, begin documenting the scene. Take photographs and videos of your vehicle’s damage, the surrounding road conditions, any standing water, and relevant environmental factors like weather. This visual evidence can be important when filing an insurance claim. If other vehicles or property were involved, exchange contact and insurance information with all parties.
Consider filing a police report, especially if there are injuries, significant property damage, or if another vehicle was involved. A police report provides an official, impartial account of the incident, which can support your insurance claim. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information and evidence you have gathered, and refrain from admitting fault at the scene, as fault determination is often complex and handled by the insurers.
Navigating Deductibles and Claim Impact
When filing an insurance claim for a hydroplaning incident, understanding your deductible is important. A deductible is the specific amount of money you agree to pay out-of-pocket for damages before your insurance coverage begins to pay the remainder. For example, if your vehicle sustains $3,000 in damage and your collision deductible is $500, you would pay the first $500, and your insurer would cover the remaining $2,500. Deductibles are applied per incident and are most common with collision and comprehensive coverages.
Filing a claim, especially one where you are considered at fault, can impact your future insurance premiums. Hydroplaning incidents are considered “at-fault” accidents because the driver is responsible for maintaining control of the vehicle under prevailing conditions. While weather plays a role, drivers are expected to adjust their driving to avoid such situations.
After an at-fault claim, insurance premiums may increase, with reported averages ranging from 20% to 50%. The exact increase depends on various factors, including the severity and cost of the claim, your driving record, and your insurance provider’s specific policies. These premium increases remain on your policy for an average of three years.