Hydroplaning is often a terrifying experience for drivers, which happens when a car loses grip on wet ground and starts to skid erratically. As a result of the unpredictable nature of weather and road conditions, a lot of people often ask if auto insurance does cover hydroplane accidents, just to be on the safer side.
If you are among those who seek answers to whether auto insurance offers coverage for hydroplaning, be rest assured, as you are in the right space to get all the information you need. It’s important to know the ins and outs of your auto insurance coverage, particularly in relation to claims arising from hydroplane accidents.
What Causes Hydroplane Accidents?
Typically, hydroplane accidents occur when a layer of water causes a vehicle’s tires to lose contact with the road as a result of a lack of traction and control. This is mostly caused by excessive water buildup on the road, which frequently happens as a result of persistent rain, standing water, or inadequately constructed drainage systems.
When a vehicle exceeds a particular speed, it should not be on wet roads; there is a tendency for hydroplane accidents to occur. Factors such as tire tread depth, tire pressure, and vehicle speed can contribute to the risk of hydroplaning. Potholes and other poor road conditions can also make the problem worse. It is important for drivers to drive carefully in wet weather and adjust their speed accordingly.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Hydroplane Accidents?
Your auto insurance will cover hydroplane accidents, depending on your policy. If you purchase collision coverage as part of your auto insurance, it would cover damage to your vehicle. However, the only situation in which collision coverage will pay for damages incurred in a hydroplane accident is if it is only your vehicle involved. This denotes that collision coverage can only be applied if you are involved in a single-car hydroplane accident.
In a situation where you caused bodily injury to someone in the event of a hydroplane accident and you are at fault, you can refer to your liability insurance for coverage. This coverage will help to pay for medical costs associated with the injury and vehicle damage of the affected party.
What Should I Do If I Get Into A Hydroplane Accident?
If you happen to find yourself involved in a hydroplane accident, one of the first things you need to do is look after your safety. Find a safe place to stay and check if you or anyone in the car sustained an injury from the accident. If there’s another party involved in the accidents, ensure their safety as well. Afterwards, you should reach out for help from the law enforcement agencies or any other authority.
Once you are done reporting the incident to the right authorities, the next thing you need to do is reach out to your insurance company and inform them of the incident. You will be required to provide certain information as regards the accident. Ensure you cooperate with your insurer to make the claim process easier.
Tips for Preventing Hydroplane Accidents
In order to prevent hydroplane accidents, drivers are encouraged to practice safe driving and follow the driving rules and regulations of their state. There are several ways in which you can decrease the likelihood of getting into a hydroplane accident. Highlighted below are a few preventive tips to consider:
• Reduce your speed
Most often than not, accidents are caused by overspeeding, especially when you overspeed on a wet road. It is possible to prevent hydroplane accidents by slowing down when driving, as this would give you more time to manage a road scenario that could have led to severe accidents. Essentially, the slower you drive, the more you have the time to control hydroplaning.
• Maintain your tires
Since the tire of a vehicle is the main contact with roads, it is important to make sure that they are in good position before driving. When going on a journey, whether far or near, always check the air pressure of your vehicle’s tire. This would help you know if it has the correct air pressure or not, and you will be able to make adjustments to it if need be. Another way to also ensure safety through maintaining your tires is by rotating them to be sure they are evenly placed.
• Increase your following distance
While driving on a public road, we often advise people to increase their following distance. By doing this, you will have more time and apply great effort to ameliorate emergency situations. For instance, if an accident were to occur, you will be able to maneuver your driving in a skilled way when you increase your following distance.
FAQs
Can I file a claim for hydroplaning if I was speeding?
Yes, you can. Even if the accident was caused by overspeeding, you can still reach out to your insurance company for coverage, as long as you have collision insurance. However, be aware that the outcome of your claim can potentially lead to higher premiums.
How can I prevent hydroplaning?
In order not to get into a hydroplane accident, it is important to reduce the speed at which you drive in wet conditions. Also maintain your tires by ensuring that the pressure is accurate and fit for driving.
Do I need to report a hydroplane accident to the police?
If you get into a hydroplane accident, after ensuring your safety, the next thing that should come to your mind is reporting the incident to the police. It is advisable to reach out to the police, especially if there are injuries or property damage incurred during the accident. In the process of filing a claim with your insurer, a police report will serve as a supporting document for your claim.
