Well Winter Is Officially Here! Bring on the Salt and Pot Holes!

Michigan is officially experiencing winter. It’s here, even though it arrived a bit late this year. Salt and Plow trucks are on the road keeping roads clear. Potholes galore were created by the melting snow. Are potholes and salt damage covered by your insurance?

Is Salt Damage Covered?

Salt on the roads can cause damage to your vehicle, but this is not covered by your insurance policy. This is considered normal wear and tear by insurance companies. This exclusion is usually listed under the Exclusions section of your policy. It will not say Salt on roads isn’t covered. That would be too simple.

My policy states that the following are not covered:

If the part or equipment is covered, it will be:

a. Fails or is Defective

b. Is it directly due to:

(1) Wear and tear;

(2) Freezing; or

(3) The mechanical, electrical, or electronic malfunction or malfunction of the part or equipment.

Are Frozen Locks Covered?

You will also see that the Exclusions I have listed above do not cover freezing. If your door locks freeze shut, and you try to open them by opening them, it won’t be covered. It’s a good idea always to have some lock deicer with you. You can usually find it in a small container at most automotive stores. If you live near a Wal-Mart, Meijer, or Wal-Mart, they will also have it in their automotive section. It is usually around one dollar.

I hit a Pot Hole. Is that covered?

You’re going to be in the same boat. If your tire is damaged by a pothole, you will be responsible for maintaining it. Most insurance companies don’t cover tires. You’ll probably find something in the Exclusion section that I mentioned. My Police actually reads the following:

No coverage is available for tires. This exclusion is not applicable if:

A. Loss is caused by: missiles, falling objects; hailstorm, hailstorm, fire, explosion, earthquake; or hitting an animal or bird.

b. Loss due to collision with another covered vehicle, causing tire loss;

As you can see, they give you some of that coverage back. It doesn’t matter if it was caused by the above mentioned factors. Each company will have its own guidelines. You should read your policy and ask your provider for specific information about this type of loss.

You can cause damage to the wheel and rim by hitting a pothole. If the pot hole causes more damage than the tire, it will likely be considered a collision accident and you would have to pay your deductible. You would not have collision coverage if you don’t have it on your policy. You would need to speak with your insurance company as they are all different. They all have their own guidelines and rules. This is what I was told by my company when I spoke with them.

This post should provide some more information about the Winter problems we face each year. Keep your speed down on icy or snowy roads. Sometimes you can influence how you drive. It’s not your driving you need to be concerned about.