Types of Collisions And How They Affect Your Insurance

by Jenn

Being the person behind the wheel is a great responsibility. Even if you are a skilful driver, chances are you might be involved in a car collision at least once in your life.

That’s why it is imperative to be proactive and understand the different types of collisions. Plus, believe it or not, some accidents can end up affecting your policy. Below, we will break all of this down for you.

As you might know by now, having car insurance is mandatory in Canada. That means if any driver takes the car out on the street without a proper policy, they could end up paying a fine. Luckily, even if you’re a driver on a budget, several companies offer affordable packages that can protect your vehicle.

In general, all drivers should try to have a standard policy. Even though the limits of this one can change depending on the provider you choose, all of them include the key components. Here is a quick overview of all of them.

  • Liability coverage

In case somebody gets hurt during the accident or if the vehicle of the other person gets damaged.

  • Personal injury protection

This will cover your medical bills and the expenses of anybody else that was in the car at the moment of the collision.

  • Collision coverage

If your car gets damaged during the collision, this protection will pay for all the necessary repairs. 

  • Comprehensive coverage

There are instances in which your car could get damaged while it is parked. For instance, due to the harsh weather, vandalism or theft. If that happens, you can file an insurance claim.

If you still have questions or concerns and want to learn more about car insurance in Alberta, feel free to click on the link. Now that we understand the coverage that your policy offers, let’s take a look at the types of collisions and how you can prevent them. 

4 Types of collisions

Even with all the technology available in different car models, there is no way to ensure you won’t be involved in a collision in the future. That’s why the best thing you can do is prepare for the worst-case scenario and understand how these accidents can be avoided.

Front-impact accidents

One of the first things you should keep in mind is that these types of collision can be extremely dangerous and could be fatal most of the time. These incidents occur when the front end of your car hits another vehicle. However, it is also applicable if the impact is against something on the road, such as trees or road signs.

There are several causes for front-impact collisions, but the most common ones are slippery roads, harsh weather and a vehicle going at high speed. Usually, in these accidents, the car cannot absorb all the impact. This means the passengers are likely to suffer from severe injuries. 

The best way to avoid this type of accident is by obeying the law, avoiding distractions and driving slower. This will help you react faster in case you lose control of the vehicle. Plus, it is always crucial to use the seat belt to prevent any injuries in case of a collision.

Side-impact crashes

when a car crashes into the side of another vehicle. This could be either a t-Bone or a sideswipe. Most of them occur at intersections because drivers speed up to catch the light. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the side of the car can’t absorb the impact and protect all the passengers. The good news is that these collisions could be easily avoided if you take some precautions. 

First, you can’t assume that all the other vehicles are following the rules as you do. Plus, be always aware of the incoming traffic. Finally, check your blind spot every once in a while, especially if you are changing lanes and try not to speed up in the lights. 

Rear-end collisions

This is one of the most common types of collisions, and it usually occurs because the driver doesn’t leave enough space between their car and the vehicle right in front. It has more chances to happen if you are driving in rush hour when there is heavy traffic. 

To reduce the chances of rear-end collisions happening, you need to avoid any distractions, especially when you are in an area with heavy traffic. Further, leave enough space between your car and the vehicle that is in front of you. Finally, some car models now have a forward-collision alert, which can help you avoid this accident.

Merging crashes

A merging crash happens when two traffic lanes are merging together, but the drivers fail to check the blind spots. The optimal method for avoiding these accidents is by not speeding up when you are merging and checking for the incoming traffic. 

Even though there are more kinds of accidents, these are the ones that you will likely encounter. Now it’s time to look at which type of collisions could affect your insurance policy and why. 

Can a collision affect my car insurance?

If an accident is classified as chargeable, it will mean it was 50% more your fault than the other vehicle. Usually, when this happens somebody will get injured, and the other vehicle will have severe damages. Having a chargeable accident is not good for your policy since it will increase the premiums. That’s why it is vital to prove to the insurance company that it was not your fault. In this regard, there are various things you can do.

  • You can give them the police report that was recorded after the accident, proving you were not at fault.
  • Another option is asking the other drivers for a statement in which they accept the accident was their fault.
  • Finally, you can show them a legal document that proves you will be reimbursed for all the damages.

After reading this article, you should be aware of all the possible accidents that could happen on the road and how you can avoid them. Plus, it is vital to keep in mind some collisions could affect your policy. But, for more information in this regard, contact an insurance agent.

Your insurance agent can walk you through the nuances of your auto insurance policy.

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