Watch out! These are the coverages not included in car insurance policies

Car insurance is something we cannot forget, because without it we cannot drive at all. With insurance we can rest easy because in the event of an accident or any unforeseen incident we can be covered and have no problems repairing the car and finding a legal solution to any situation we may encounter. The coverages of car insurance vary greatly from one company to another and even within the same insurer depending on the policy we take out.

Compulsory insurance, the foundation of every policy

Compulsory insurance, or third-party insurance, is the main foundation, since it covers damage caused to vehicles and people who have suffered some harm from the insured car. With it, we can drive without further problems. But sometimes this compulsory insurance is limited in coverage and some additional cover can be added.

Theft, fire, increased civil liability, broken windows and own damage are some of the most common. Another option, which is only advisable for new cars that hold their value for two years, is comprehensive insurance. But with both, there are exclusions in the policy that we must take into account.

Exclusions in your car insurance policy

As a general rule, there are some types of claims that are not covered by insurance policies and that you will need to keep in mind to avoid a nasty surprise if you try to claim from your insurer. These are some of the cases that are not covered by car insurance policies, unless you have added them as an extra in the policy.

• Payment for modifications made to the car that are not approved and not detailed in the policy: If any modification is made, an optional part is added, or it is not approved, the insurance will not cover the costs of its repair or replacement.
• Damage caused voluntarily: If the vehicle is damaged through negligence, a deliberate act, or if it is driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs, without a driving licence, or with an expired MOT/ITV, the insurer may refuse to pay the claim.
• Damage between immediate family members or neighbours: Insurance companies may consider a collision between vehicles of relatives, especially if they share a home, to be fraud. It is up to you to prove that it is not, which can be difficult.
• Carrying more load or passengers than permitted: Carrying six passengers in a five-seater vehicle or exceeding the maximum permitted load automatically voids the insurance benefit and means that the policyholder must bear the cost of the claim.
• Natural disasters and demonstrations: No insurer will cover the policy if a natural disaster has occurred, such as a hurricane, earthquake, floods and other events declared a national emergency. The same applies to riots, demonstrations, strikes or mutinies. In these cases, compensation must be claimed from the Consorcio de Seguros (Insurance Compensation Consortium), a procedure that is even more complicated than claiming from the insurance company.