Accidents happen, and one of the more common scenarios involves accidentally backing your vehicle into your garage door. If you’re renting a property in Saskatchewan and find yourself in this unfortunate situation, understanding your insurance coverage is crucial. Let’s delve into the types of insurance that come into play and how they can help you manage the aftermath of such an accident.
1. Auto Insurance
In Saskatchewan, auto insurance is mandatory and is provided through the provincial insurer, SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance). When you accidentally back your vehicle into your garage door, your auto insurance policy may cover the damage to your vehicle under collision coverage. Click here to start your eclaim with SGI.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage under your auto insurance policy pays for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. If you have this coverage, you will need to pay the deductible, and the insurance will cover the rest.
2. Tenant Insurance
As a renter, tenant insurance is highly recommended, although not legally required. Tenant insurance, also known as renters’ insurance, typically includes personal property coverage, liability coverage, and additional living expenses coverage. The relevant part of tenant insurance in this scenario is liability coverage.
3. Liability Coverage
Liability coverage protects you if you’re responsible for damage to someone else’s property or if someone is injured while at your home. In the case of backing into your garage door, liability coverage may help pay for the repairs to the garage door. However, it’s essential to review both insurance policies to confirm whether such incidents are covered. If the vehicle is in motion, there is a good chance it would be your auto liability insurance that would respond.
4. Landlord’s Insurance
Your landlord will likely have insurance that covers the structure of the rental property, including the garage door. However, most landlord insurance typically does not cover damage caused by tenants. The landlord may hold you responsible for the repair costs, especially if the damage resulted from negligence.
Steps to Take After the Incident
- Document the Damage: Take photos and notes of the damage to both your vehicle and the garage door.
- Notify Your Landlord: Inform your landlord about the accident as soon as possible. They may have specific procedures for reporting damage.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to both your auto and tenant insurance providers to report the incident and understand the claims process.
- Get Repair Estimates: Obtain estimates for the repair costs of the garage door and your vehicle.
- Follow Up: Stay in touch with your landlord and insurance providers to ensure the repair process goes smoothly.
Conclusion
Accidentally backing your vehicle into your garage door can be a stressful experience, but understanding your insurance coverage can help mitigate the financial impact. Always review your insurance policies and speak with your insurance provider to clarify coverage details and ensure you are adequately protected.
