WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021
It might seem like no big deal to provide the common courtesy of jumpstarting someone else’s car. After all, you saw someone in need of help, and you have the jumper cables that will get them on their way.
Still, jumping off someone’s vehicle is not without its liabilities. Advancements in electronics and engine systems in modern cars means that a lot could potentially go wrong if you botch a jump start. The unfortunate reality is that car insurance might not cover the ramifications, either. Therefore, always be careful when you decide to lend a hand.
What Can Go Wrong When Jump Starting Someone's Car?
Most people don’t think twice about jumpstarting a friend, family member or stranded motorist’s car. It’s usually simple, easy and the person with the dead battery will probably be really thankful. Still, jump starts can go wrong, and when they do, they could cause a lot of damage.
Today’s vehicles rely more and more on electricity to run everything from the steering to the airbags, brakes and electrical systems. They also rely on a working car battery to be able to do so. If a jump-start is done improperly, even if it was well-intentioned, then the dead battery could suddenly morph into a much bigger, more expensive problem.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Damage From Jump Starts Gone Wrong?
If a jump start goes haywire, then there might be a lot of questions about whether auto insurance will pay for the damage, and whose policy will pay. It all comes down to the terms and exclusions within your policy.
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Mechanical breakdown exclusions: Most auto insurance does not cover mechanical breakdowns to a vehicle. Therefore, if you short-circuit your own car when trying to jumpstart someone else’s vehicle, then you are unlikely to have coverage.
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Liability insurance obligations: Auto liability insurance pays for damage that one driver does to another driver’s property if an accident is their fault. However, a jump off is not usually classed as an accident under most plans. Therefore, you might have no coverage available, which could cause you a big expense if the other driver tries to sue you because your attempt to assist them actually did more harm than good.
What Can You Do Instead Of Jump Starting?
If you ever feel uncomfortable about jumpstarting either your own car or someone else’s, then there are still ways either give or receive help.
Many auto insurers and other companies offer emergency roadside assistance. If your auto plan includes roadside assistance coverage, then simply calling your provider will dispatch a service provider to your location. They will have the training and experience to help you jump start a vehicle easily.
Additionally, consider investing in a battery jumper kit. This equipment will provide both the jumper cables and a battery pack that you can use to restart your car, rather than relying on another driver’s vehicle. Therefore, you’ll never have to involve others in a problem that you might be able to isolate.
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