The End of Days has just begun, and it’s filled with the undead. You could find yourself awake in a hospital bed (“The Walking Dead,” “28 Days Later”), holed up in a house (“Night of the Living Dead,” “28 Weeks Later”), or faced with an evil zombie-producing corporation (“Resident Evil”). Whatever the scenario, getting in a car will improve your chances of survival.
But is your car covered? With the countless mishaps on post-apocalyptic streets that could lead to a need for coverage, let’s find out:
In Case of Litigation …
The key’s in the ignition, the car starts, and you’re relieved to finally be on the road. But will the zombie apocalypse stop sue-happy people? Provided it doesn’t, you’ll need to be protected against the many damaging things you just did: downing your neighbor’s fence, swiping him as he was running out his door, and making him miss work that day.
… You’ll Need: All kinds of liability insurance.
In Case of Death …
A zombie was in the road, so you swerved (trust us, it happens). A few spin-outs later, you find a tree has T-boned your car and fallen onto its roof. The caved-in roof has broken more things than your health insurance will pay for. But there aren’t any active ambulances to come by to provide medical attention, so you unfortunately meet a drawn-out end under that tree.
… You’ll Need: Medical payments insurance coverage, which not only defrays medical costs but sometimes funeral costs too. Save your family a little trouble and anguish with this coverage so your near-guaranteed funeral isn’t as pricey.
Post-Apocalyptic Carelessness Means…
Let’s rewind to when you first got to the vehicle. It’s damaged, and it looks like the bumper of some driver out there dented the side door of your newly found car. That driver’s nowhere in sight, but you’re guessing it’s the invasion of the living dead that’s increased the number of hit-and-runners out there.
… You’ll Need: Uninsured motorist coverage will protect you against hit-and-run drivers as well as drivers without coverage.
In a Demolition Derby …
It was already highly likely that you’d crash into something before the apocalypse. Now that it’s occurred, imagine how much higher the chance of doing so is. Whether it was the postal box, light pole, or guard rail you broadsided as you were escaping that horde, somebody’s got to be liable for it.
… You’ll Need: Collision coverage covers you in these crash situations.
In a World of Hurt …
Now that you’re driving in a world of hurt, there’s a lot more that can happen other than collisions. A zombie breaks your window (trust us, this happens too). A fellow survivalist jacks your ride. That Molotov cocktail aimed at John Q. Zombie hit your car instead.
… You’ll Need: Comprehensive insurance coverage, sometimes known as other-than-collision coverage, is popular with a majority of drivers. When the zombies invade, expect that rate to jump as more motorists seek protection against the endless car-damaging possibilities that don’t involve collisions.
To Get a Little Help from Your Friends …
Fighting off a pack of zombies and fleeing another that’s in hot pursuit, you find yourself relieved to finally be at your car. Too bad the keys are locked in there.
… You’ll Need: Provided they can get there before you become a delicacy for the undead, roadside assistance insurance coverage can bring much-needed help to jimmy the door open, get you that spare tire or any other number of incidents that strand you on the side of the road at a dangerously inconvenient time.
Note: Just because the third season of the “The Walking Dead” just ended doesn’t mean a real-life zombie apocalypse isn’t imminent. Another one is on the way, with Brad Pitt on deck to save us all. Until then (and even after that), please don’t rely on the scenarios listed above as sound advice. Just plain ol’ brain food to chew on.
