Car insurance offers coverage for a variety of accidents and perils, but it doesn’t cover everything. If your vehicle begins having issues from normal wear and tear, the chances are that your car insurance policy won’t step in to help. So, what if your car has alignment issues? Does car insurance help then?
In short, yes and no.
Car insurance will help if your vehicle’s alignment issues come from a sudden impact, such as if you run over a median or hit a pothole. These accidents (and their damages) are typically covered with collision coverage insurance, which comes typical on most auto insurance policies. An insurance policy will NOT cover alignment issues if they’re caused by height modifications or normal wear and tear.
How to Know When Your Car Has Alignment Issues
The signs for misalignment are generally easy to detect. You will have trouble turning the wheel back after making a turn, the steering wheel may vibrate and your car may drift to one side or the other while driving straight. Misalignment can lead to other issues such as uneven wear on your tires. It’s important to have your vehicle checked immediately if it’s suffering from any of these symptoms.
Should I File a Car Insurance Claim for Alignment Issues?
If the misalignment of your car is due to a collision and covered beneath your insurance, you can choose whether or not to file a claim. Some may think to immediately file a claim, but this isn’t always the cheapest course of action. Sometimes it’s cheaper to have the misalignment fixed out of pocket than filing a claim. While your insurance company may pay for the damages up front, filing a claim makes your monthly premiums rise.
Some cities and towns offer reimbursement for pothole damage. Look into your city’s regulations before filing a claim with your insurance company. You will likely have to pay for the damages out of pocket before receiving a reimbursement, however.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix Alignment?
The cost of fixing alignment issues can vary depending on the vehicle and extent of the damage. On average, you may pay between $75-$200. This is generally $50-$75 for two wheels and $100-$200 for all four wheels. If you can afford this out of pocket, it may be in your best interest to fix the alignment without filing a claim.