QuestionYesterday I got into an accident on the highway where due to rain I lost control of my vehicle. When all was said and done my vehicle was a complete loss. My question though is for my laptop. I assume as my car was spinning out of control or crashing into the trees, my laptop book bag ended up flying into the back seat. Last night I looked at the laptop and see that one of the hinges for the screen is cracked and now the laptop does not close properly. This was not the case before the accident. I called my adjuster(Progressive) and he said they don’t cover personal items damaged in auto accidents. Is this true? Yes or no, what is my best course of action with the insurance company here?
AnswerDear Allen,
Damage to your laptop will NOT be covered under your own comprehensive auto policy. IF SOMEONE else causes an accident (i.e. a tortfeasor), and your laptop were to be damaged, then that person's liability (PD=property damage), or if he were uninsured, your own uninsured motorist (PD=property damage) would cover the laptop.
What insurance can cover your laptop in the event a cause other than a tortfeasor is responsible for the accident (i.e. you or the deer in the road)?
Here you see the need to buy homeowner's or renter's insurance. If you own your own home, THEN FOR SURE ASK THEM ABOUT THE LAPTOP.
Having homeowner's or renter's insurance has a ton of benefits as well, ranging from property damage coverage to medical costs for the injured on the premises (including YOU), to coverage for your acts of negligence outside the premises (OTHER than auto accidents)
For really valuable items, consider a Personal Article Floater. That is an inexpensive add-on policy or addition to a policy that is used to cover personal valuables, such as furs, computers and jewelry.
Sorry to hear about your loss, and I hope this helps to clear the air,
Best Wishes,
Dr. Settlement, J.D.
Http://www.SettlementCentral.Com
