Mechanical failures can happen without warning, and when they lead to an accident, drivers are often left wondering how auto insurance responds. Coverage through your insurance representative at Max Insurance, LLC, serving Des Moines, IA, usually depends less on why the failure happened and more on what occurred as a result of it.

How Mechanical Failure Is Viewed After an Accident

From an insurance standpoint, mechanical failure itself isn’t usually treated as an accident. However, if that failure leads to a collision or causes damage, the resulting accident is evaluated on its own. In Iowa, insurers focus on the damage and circumstances of the crash rather than assigning fault solely based on the mechanical issue.

When Coverage May Still Apply

If a mechanical failure causes you to lose control and collide with another vehicle, object, or structure, coverage often applies to the damage caused by that collision. The key distinction is between the failed part and the damage that followed. Insurance generally doesn’t address repairing or replacing the faulty component itself, but it may respond to the accident that resulted from it.

Iowa Liability Considerations

Iowa is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is generally responsible for resulting damage or injuries. If a mechanical failure leads to an accident, insurers may review whether the vehicle was reasonably maintained. Neglect or known issues that weren’t addressed can complicate how responsibility is evaluated, especially if other parties are involved.

Why Maintenance Still Matters

While coverage may apply to accident damage, lack of maintenance can raise questions during a claim review. Inspection reports, repair records, and service history may be requested to help determine whether the failure was sudden or part of a larger pattern.

Talk to your auto insurance agent at Max Insurance, LLC, serving Des Moines, IA, for more information about how coverage applies to your specific case.