Page 11 - AAA Schuylkill County – AAA Now! – January/February 2016

INSURANCE SERVICES
10 Unusual Things Insurance Covers From Lightning Strikes to Lava Flow, You May Have the Coverage
Whether it’s a satellite crashing into you home or a volcano burning it to the ground, your insurance might just cover some unusual damage. AAA suggests that homeowners and drivers check their insurance policies to find out what is covered.
“It’s important to understand what is in your insurance policies so you are prepared for all situations, whether your refrigerator loses power, or you have damage from lightning striking your cars,” said Sue Smyrl, Insurance Manager of
AAA Schuylkill County. “You may be surprised at what you find.”
Here are a few of the more unusual things that your insurance policy might cover:
LIGHTNING STRIKES
Lightning strikes caused $739 million in insured losses in 2014. Homes partially or entirely destroyed by lightning-caused fire may be covered by a homeowners policy. Electronic equipment like computers, televisions and refrigerators that
are damaged by lightning strikes could also be covered. Lightning also strikes autos, causing fires and damage to electrical systems, both of which may be covered by our comprehensive policy.
IDENTITY THEFT
Every year millions of people are victims of identity theft. With an endorsement, your AAA insurance will cover identity theft expenses up to a predetermined limit. These expenses include reasonable attorney fees, earnings lost because
of time you had to take off to resolve the issue, and reapplication fees for loans denied because of incorrect credit information.
SPOILED FOOD
In a power outage, the contents of your freezer and refrigerator can spoil. This may be covered by your homeowners policy, but the amount will likely vary from state to state.
STUDENT POSSESSIONS
If your children are students and live in a college dorm their possessions may be covered. However, if they live in an off-campus apartment they must buy their own renters insurance.
VOLCANO DAMAGE
Your homeowners and auto policies may cover damage caused by a volcanic eruption. Damage to your home or car could come from ash, dust, lava flow, fire or shockwaves. Although your homeowners policy will not cover damage to your home from earthquakes, floods or mudslides that result from the eruption, your auto policy may cover damage to your car(s) from these things.
AIRCRAFT CRASHES IN HOUSE
Although it seldom happens, aircraft – including drones – occasionally crash into homes. The damage may be covered.
SPACE DEBRIS
On the very rare chance that a satellite or meteor should ever hit your home, that may be covered too.
EXPLODING FACTORIES
Check your policy. Explosions may be covered under your policy. Damage from explosions can be caused by anything from a gas leak in your home to a disaster at a nearby factory or from a passing truck.
RIOTS
While rare, riots do happen. A homeowners policy may cover damage to your home caused by rioting. A homeowners or renters policy could cover theft of or damage to your possessions. If you have comprehensive auto insurance your car may be covered from damage, as well.
LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR
CAR ACCIDENTS
If you are involved in an automobile accident and determined to be at fault, you risk being sued by someone who claims to be injured. Although many people think they will have to hire their own lawyers, legal help may be covered by your auto policy.
To find out more about homeowners, condo or renters insurance, call your AAA agent at (570) 622-4991 or (570) 668-1003 to see what discounts you may be eligible for and what type of coverage you might need.
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