Before you purchase some types of car insurance coverages, an insurance company may require a pre-insurance car inspection. Here’s what to expect during a pre-insurance inspection.
Why insurance companies require a car inspection
A car insurance company may require an inspection before providing coverages for a used car. An inspection helps to assess the vehicle’s condition and value, allowing the insurance company to accurately price coverage for it.
Factors to consider for inspection
A pre-insurance inspection may be required before an insurer will cover a used vehicle with collision or comprehensive coverage. These are optional coverages that help pay for damage to your car. Collision coverage applies if your car hits or is hit by another vehicle or stationary object. Comprehensive will apply when your car is damaged by anything else, including theft, water damage, vandalism and more.
A pre-insurance inspection is different from an inspection conducted by an insurance adjuster. When an insurance adjuster inspects your car, they are sent by the insurance company to assess the damage to your vehicle after an accident.
How is a vehicle inspection conducted?
A pre-insurance vehicle inspection is typically conducted by a licensed third party repair shop. Your insurance company can help provide you with more details for which shops can conduct the inspection.
During the inspection, a mechanic will examine your car and document their findings. They may also take pictures of your car. When the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you the details of your inspection and have you sign for it. You will then receive a copy for your records.
Benefits of a car insurance inspection
A pre-insurance inspection provides an accurate look at your vehicle’s value. When it comes to collision and comprehensive claims, the insurance company will not pay for repairs beyond the fair market value of your vehicle. The inspection helps better price your policy to your vehicle, so you avoid overpaying for coverage.
The inspection can also identify any options your car came with, which could alter its value. For example, you may need more coverage to protect a higher trim model that came with upgrades like leather seats.
What happens if you don’t allow an inspection?
After you buy your insurance policy, the insurance company may request a pre-insurance inspection to keep collision and comprehensive coverage. If you fail to get an inspection within the time specified by the insurance company, they may revoke your collision or comprehensive coverage.
Car insurance inspection preparation tips
Pre-insurance inspections are conducted by licensed third-party repair shops. While some shops may allow walk-ins, it’s best to schedule an appointment with the repair shop directly. When it’s time for your inspection, you may be required to bring your vehicle’s registration. In most cases though, all you need to do is provide the name of your insurance company to the shop.
FAQs
Do all auto insurance policies require inspections?
Not all insurance policies require an inspection. An inspection may be required when insuring a used car.
Can I provide photos instead of an in-person inspection?
For a pre-insurance inspection, you’ll need to go to an authorized shop to carry out the inspection. You can’t provide photos instead of an in-person inspection.
Conclusion – Why does my insurance company want to inspect my car?
A pre-insurance car inspection may be required in order to purchase collision or comprehensive coverage for a used car. The inspection, conducted by a licensed third-party repair shop, helps accurately value the vehicle so that the insurance policy is priced fairly.
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