Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Car Damage? What You Need to Know

When it comes to protecting your home and belongings, homeowners insurance offers critical coverage. But if your car sustains damage, you might wonder: Does homeowners insurance cover car damage? The short answer is generally no, homeowners insurance does not pay for car damage. However, there are specific scenarios where it may cover related damages or personal property inside your vehicle. Understanding what homeowners insurance does and doesn’t cover can save you time, money, and confusion.

What Homeowners Insurance Covers in Relation to Your Car

Homeowners insurance primarily protects your home, other structures on your property (like a garage), and personal belongings inside your home. It typically includes liability coverage for injuries or damages you or your property cause to others.

• House and Garage Damage: If your car accidentally damages your home or garage (for example, crashing into your garage door), homeowners insurance can cover the repair costs for these structures.
• Personal Property Inside the Vehicle: If personal belongings inside your car are damaged or stolen, homeowners insurance may cover those items, but not the car itself.
• Liability Coverage: If your negligence causes damage or injury on your property, your homeowners insurance liability may provide protection against lawsuits or claims.

What Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover

• Damage to Your Car: Repairing or replacing your car after an accident, fire, theft, or natural disaster is not covered under homeowners insurance. For these situations, auto insurance, specifically comprehensive and collision coverage is the responsible policy.
• Damage to Neighbor’s Vehicle: Typically, liability coverage in homeowners insurance may apply only if you are found negligent for damage to a neighbor’s vehicle, such as a falling tree you failed to remove. Otherwise, your neighbor’s car insurance covers their damage.

When Both Homeowners and Auto Insurance Claims Are Needed

Some incidents require you to file claims with both insurance policies. For example:

• If a tree falls during a storm, damaging your garage roof, the car parked inside, and belongings inside the car, you would file:
• A homeowners insurance claim for the garage and personal property damage,
• An auto insurance claim for the car damage.

Special Cases

• Collectible or Vintage Cars Stored at Home: If you own a classic or collectible car stored on your property, you may be able to add an endorsement to your homeowners policy to cover damages.
• Vehicles Stored Long-Term: Some insurers may consider vehicles stored long-term as personal property under your homeowners coverage, but this varies and should be confirmed with your insurer.

Protect What Matters Most — Get Clarity on Your Insurance Coverage Today!

If you're unsure about your homeowners or auto insurance coverage, or if you need personalized advice tailored to your property and vehicles, contact Club Agency. Our insurance experts are ready to help you review your policies and ensure you have the right protection in place. Don’t wait until an accident happens, contact us today at (866) 784-9785 for a consultation or insurance quote.

FAQ

1. Will homeowners insurance pay if my car is damaged by a fire while parked in my garage?

   No, homeowners insurance will cover damage to the garage and personal belongings, but car repairs should be claimed through your auto insurance.

2. If my car hits my garage door, can I claim the damage on my homeowners insurance?

   Yes, homeowners insurance usually covers the damaged structure (garage door), but not the car. Auto insurance handles car repairs.

3. Does homeowners insurance cover theft of personal items inside my vehicle?

   Yes, personal belongings stolen or damaged inside your car may be covered under your homeowners policy’s personal property coverage.

4. What should I do if a neighbor’s tree falls and damages my car?

   File a claim with your auto insurance. If negligence by the neighbor can be proven, their homeowners liability coverage might also apply.