Is Suspension Covered Under Car Insurance?
Yes, car insurance may cover suspension damage when it is caused by an insuredRead more
When Does Car Insurance Cover Suspension Damage?
A comprehensive car insurance policy covers sudden accidental damage to suspension parts under the following situations:
- Major Accidents: Your car hits another vehicle or a wall, causing direct damage to the suspension.
- Severe Potholes: You hit a massive, deep crater at high speed, causing sudden structural breakage.
- External Impact: Your car hits a large boulder or a high divider or it flies off a steep ditch.
Which Car Suspension Parts Are Covered Under Insurance?
Most car insurance companies pay for the repair or replacement of the following suspension parts, depending on the surveyor's assessment and your policy terms:
- Shock Absorbers and Struts: These absorb the direct impact from the road.
- Control Arms and Wishbones: These metal hinges connect the wheels to the car frame.
- Suspension Springs: These coil springs support the weight of your vehicle.
- Axles and Knuckles: These parts hold the wheels and turn them safely.
- Ball Joints and Bushings: These small parts connect the bigger metal pieces together.
Remember, plastic and rubber parts like rubber bushings significantly depreciate. So, unless you have a zero depreciation add-on in your coverage, you may have to pay a part of their cost from your pocket.
When is Suspension Damage Not Covered by Car Insurance?
Car insurance claims for suspension are often rejected if the damage is due to the following events:
- Normal wear and tear (rust, corrosion, ageing) of shock absorbers & bushes over time
- Suspension issues due to poor maintenance or failure to timely service the vehicle
- Loose or bouncy suspension when driving daily on rough roads
- Any damage resulting from unauthorised modifications to your car's suspension, such as installing aftermarket shocker lift kits to increase the car's height
- Any consequential damage incurred by continuing to drive after the initial damage
- Any other exclusion specified in your four-wheeler insurance policy
Does Car Insurance Also Cover Tyres Along With Suspension Damage?
Yes, your car insurance may also cover tyres along with the suspension, only if they are damaged in the same accident and subject to your policy terms. While tyres work closely with your car's suspension system, they are not part of the suspension assembly.
Under a standard comprehensive policy, tyre claims are generally subject to applicable depreciation. The insurance company only pays 50% of the cost for a new tyre or tube, and the remaining cost is paid from your pocket. However, if you have a tyre protect add-on in your policy, the insurer will cover 100% of the cost for tyre bursts, bulges, and cuts, even if no other part of the car is damaged, except the applicable deductibles.
Tips to Prevent Car Suspension Damage and Extend its Life
While your car insurance coverage paired with relevant add-ons can help pay for repairs, you can follow these tips to extend the life of your car's suspension:
- Drive slowly over speed breakers & potholes
- Get the suspension components checked during every service
- Maintain proper wheel alignment & balancing
- Avoid aggressive driving on rough roads
- Avoid overloading your car
