Summertime perils to be aware of when it comes to car insurance

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Summer is a time to get out and celebrate — at least in Canada where the season is short and often marred by construction. But when it comes to the summer season and your car insurance, there are some perils you should be aware of. Whether it’s natural disasters or changes in the driving environment, here’s what you need to be aware of when it comes to summertime perils and car insurance . 

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Though it may be relatively out of your control, there are steps you can take to protect yourself — and your car — from these and other warm weather dangers. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Keep a close eye on where you park and drive cautiously, and you should have no trouble coming through summer unscathed. 

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Thunderstorms

A nasty thunderstorm could result in some serious hail damage to your car. It might look like just cosmetic damage, but it can actually result in some nasty rust that could eat your vehicle. While your comprehensive coverage would cover hail damage, your best bet is to avoid it in the first place. Ideally, park your vehicle in a covered garage or carport, but if that’s not possible, a hail-proof car cover is an inexpensive way to protect your vehicle and avoid having to make a claim. 

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Falling tree branches

Thanks to Mother Nature, another threat to your vehicle is falling tree branches. Like hail, this is one of those things you have very little control over, but you can carefully choose where you park. If you don’t have a garage or carport, avoid parking directly under big trees to help protect your vehicle. Again, a car cover can help absorb impact from smaller branches, but might not protect you from large ones. If a tree does fall on your car and you have comprehensive coverage, you should be covered.

Flooding

Flooding can damage your vehicle, whether it’s sitting in an area that becomes flooded or whether you drive through a large puddle of water . In the event of damage due to flooding, your comprehensive insurance should cover any claim, up to the policy limit. If you opted out of comprehensive coverage, you’ll likely be on the hook for any flood-related repairs. Also, if you drive through flood water but your insurance provider determines you had another option, they may deny your claim. In many cases, flood water causes such severe engine damage that it’s not worth repairing the vehicle. So if you have the proper coverage, the insurance company may simply pay out the value of the vehicle for you to purchase a replacement. 

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Potholes

Potholes are a major source of headaches for many drivers during the summer months. An especially large pothole can cause serious damage to your wheel, rim, and even your suspension system, adding up to costly repairs. While your own insurance is likely to cover any damage to your wheels resulting from driving over a pothole, you may also be eligible for compensation from your municipality if the pothole is a certain size and the city didn’t fix it. 

Overheating

As much as we welcome the warmer weather, it also makes it more likely for a vehicle to overheat, especially if you’ve been a little lax on your vehicle’s maintenance. It’s important to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for service — especially when it comes to the cooling system — as you’re likely to have a hard time convincing your insurance provider to cover any damage that’s the direct result of your lack of action. An overheated vehicle can lead to engine failure, a seized motor, and even a fire.

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Cyclists

Nicer weather inevitably leads to more cyclists on the road. As a driver, you have a responsibility to keep an eye out for road users of all kinds, including cyclists. On average, 74 cyclists are killed while riding each year in Canada. Hitting a cyclist with your car could result in a lawsuit. This is where your third-party liability coverage (which is mandatory in provinces like Ontario and Alberta) would kick in. That said, you could very well see your rates increase upon renewal if you’re found to be at-fault. 

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