Does this insurance coverage exist?

Are you actually covered for that?

A recent survey found that people don’t actually know all of the things their home and auto insurance covers.^[1] In fact, it’s not just what’s covered that people misunderstand…but what’s not covered.

Some coverages people think they have actually don't exist in home or auto policies or possibly don't exist at all. Do you think you have coverages that you don’t? Take our quiz and test your knowledge and then come to this article for some more context.

Which coverages are actually part of your policy?

In the quiz, we asked about a number of coverages that many people think exist, but actually don't (and a few that really do exist). Here's a little more explanation about these real and imaginary coverages.

Accidental death and dismemberment

This one sounds like it could be related to car insurance. I mean, wouldn't you want to be covered in case someone was accidentally killed or dismembered as a result of an accident? However, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is insurance that's usually added as a rider in a health or life insurance policy. It covers the unintentional death or dismemberment (loss of limbs, speech, eyesight etc...). In reality, car insurance does cover injuries, medical expenses and funeral expenses related to an accident but through liability coverage and medical payments coverage. 

Extended crash protection 

This one is a completely made-up coverage. There are potential extended warranties you can get for your car, usually from the dealership. These will cover maintenance costs and repairs if something breaks down...but likely won't be much help in the event of an accident. Your car insurance collision or comprehensive coverage will be there though, depending on the cause of the damages.

Additional living expenses

This one applies to home insurance, not car insurance (which is only a problem if you live in your vehicle). It comes into play if repairs to your home from a covered peril cause you to need to temporarily live somewhere else. Insurance can then pay for your temporary living expenses while you are out of your home.

Car inspections

Wouldn't it be nice if car insurance covered inspections? Alas, no. Even though inspections are often state-mandated, it's your responsibility as a driver to maintain your vehicle, and that includes routine inspections.

Flood coverage

Home insurance typically does not include floods as a covered peril. You will need to seek out additional flood coverage if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. On the flip side, car insurance usually covers flood damage that affects your car (provided you have comprehensive coverage, not just liability).

Personal injury in home insurance

Quite a few people believe that home insurance covers personal injury. That's because personal injury sounds like it's related to physical injuries incurred in your home. Nope! That's personal liability, which is covered. Personal injury is related to injury caused to people other than physical injury or property damage including things like wrongful eviction, slander, libel and invasion of privacy. Personal injury usually needs to be added as an endorsement to a home insurance policy. More confusing still, when it comes to car insurance, personal injury does cover medical expenses related to physical injuries. 

Why understanding your policy is important

It's important to know what you're paying for. And in the event of an accident, weather event or other situation that leads you to file a claim, you need to know what you're actually covered for. 

Here are some resources to help you better understand your policies.

Types of car insurance coverage 

Car insurance exclusions 

Common homeowners insurance coverage types

12 things standard home insurance doesn't cover