Property damage liability insurance is one of the components of a car insurance policy. This coverage helps to pay for repairs to the property or vehicles damaged by you.
According to Pennsylvania law, all motor vehicle owners in the state must possess liability insurance on their vehicles. This insurance will cover any injuries caused to others and any property damage.
A property damage lawyer will prove to be an asset when you are not sure what is covered under your policy, the insurance company denies your claim, or your claim is delayed.
What is Property Damage?
Property damage is the destruction or damage of any tangible or real personal property, and the causes may be acts of nature, willful destruction, or the result of someone else’s careless act.
Types Of Accidents That May Cause Property Damage
Personal injury lawsuits may not require any bodily injuries, but they may also cause property damage. Property damage can have many causes, such as motor vehicle accidents, product liability situations, slip-and-fall scenarios, and others.
In motor vehicle accidents, you may cause damage to someone else’s vehicle or property. If you hit a fence, mailbox, street sign, tree, or other object while driving, you may be liable for compensating the property owner for the damage.
In a slip and fall scenario on another person’s premises, you may be liable for any damage you caused to the property. Property damage can include anything from broken valuable items and furniture to repairs necessary to restore or replace any damaged surface.
In a product liability situation, a defective phone battery could spark and burn your house while overheating the phone during charging for example. In this case, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the damages caused.
Out of all the property damage events in Philadelphia, car collisions remain the most common. Even if there are no physical injuries, there may still be damage to property. Thus, an approximation of the payment amount for restoring or replacing the damaged possessions will be necessary.
A property damage lawyer can help you determine the exact amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive from the other party’s insurance company. A lawyer can also review your insurance policy and explain the coverage options available to you.
What Does Property Damage Liability Cover?
Property damage liability coverage will pay money to an individual who files a claim against you if you are at fault in a car collision, in which their property, such as a car or any other property, gets damaged. Should you permit another individual to operate your vehicle, they will be covered under the liability insurance policy.
How Does Property Damage Liability Work?
The Car Insurance Policy Covers Property Damage Liability, As Well As Other Types Of Coverage. Some Of These Include:
- Property damage liability: This coverage pays for damages to another person’s property that were caused by the policyholder. It might include repair costs for a damaged car, fence, or other property. If you are responsible for an accident, the insurance company will pay for repairs and other expenses that are related to the damage.
- Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: The liability allows you to pay for the medical expenses and lost wages when you are held liable for injuries of someone else.
- Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP): If you experience injuries due to an accident caused by another person’s car, the PIP or medical coverage will reimburse you for your funeral costs, lost wages, and medical bills.
- Collision Insurance: The coverage will pay for the replacement or repair costs of the vehicle belonging to the person who possesses the policy after an accident.
- Comprehensive: Under comprehensive insurance coverage, any thefts or weather damage will be reimbursed.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If any person causing the accident does not have an auto insurance policy or possesses lower insurance limits, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage will help.
Property damage liability does not cover the repairs of your own vehicle or medical expenses. Therefore, you will need extra coverage in order to protect yourself; for instance, comprehensive and collision coverage. If you have any queries about property damage liability, you may consult a personal property damage lawyer.
How Much Property Damage Liability Do You Need In Pennsylvania?
The short answer is $5,000, which is the minimum property damage liability coverage. Furthermore, Pennsylvania law also requires you to have bodily injury liability coverage of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
Does General Liability Cover Property Damage?
General liability insurance is necessary for businesses in Pennsylvania, as it will safeguard them from the following:
- Property damage that is caused to you or your employees
- Third-party injuries on their premises
- Any damage to rental property
- Adverse effects, such as copyright infringement
- Any harm to reputation
With a general liability policy, you’ll be looking at an expenditure of $88 monthly. However, if you opt to bundle it with the Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), your total bill will escalate to around $261 every month.
How Much Does Property Damage Liability Coverage Cost?
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average annual cost for liability car insurance including liability property insurance and bodily injury is $650.35.
Moreover, the overall cost of auto insurance, including property damage, will vary depending on several factors such as age, location, gender, credit score, driving record, and more. You can contact a lawyer for property damage who may give you a better understanding of the policies regarding the different factors involved.
Procedure To File A Property Damage Liability Claim
To file a claim, you must know the name of your insurance company, your insurance policy number, and the customer service line. Moreover, you also need to know what is included, what is excluded, and what the deductibles are regarding your policy.
You may also be required to file a claim within the specified time limits. The insurance company will provide you with the necessary claim forms within 10 working days. You must provide complete and accurate information in your form. After that, the insurance company will inspect any damage to your car or other property.
Is Your Property Damage Liability A Problem? Consult With A Law Firm
The claim process can be complex and stressful. If you encounter any dispute or issues related to your property damage liability, it is always best to consult a property damage attorney. A qualified and experienced lawyer can help you understand the laws, regulations, and other relevant details. They can also guide you on how to fill in the claims form and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case consultation to discuss your case.
FAQs On Property Damage Liability