A car is more than just a way to get from one place to another. For a lot of drivers, buying a vehicle is a very personal experience. Their car says something about them and their values or personality quirks.
If you are an adventurous person, you may buy an off-road SUV or a truck that can traverse the rough terrain of the mountains. If you are a calmer person, you may buy a sporty sedan that can cruise the highways and beachsides with ease and comfortability.
What about the inside of a car, though? What does the material need to look like? Is it important to have heated seats or a certain color of cloth that lines the carpets?
You do spend your time on the inside of the car, after all, so why wouldn't that part be just as important as the outside structure? And how do you find the most durable interior possible for the wear and tear of driving?
Auto interior damage can be a little messier than exterior damage because not a lot of people know the specifics of the coverage from their insurance company. Do most policies cover things that happen to the inside of a car or truck?
We will discuss how to maintain the inside of your car, what happens when a messy situation pops up, and tidbits that you may not have known about improving the interior of your vehicle.
Does insurance cover a car's interior damage?
For the most part, if an accident damages your car, you can expect most insurance companies to cover the damage. They will return the car's interior to the condition that it was in before the wreck.
The same principles apply to damage that is caused by a natural cause. This includes things like a tree falling on your car and ripping the cushions or a hurricane or snowstorm leaking water onto the upholstery.
Most of the time, any interior damage caused by the owner of the car won't be covered by the car insurance company. This means that if you simply don't take care of the seats and it results in stains on the material, your insurer won't give you money to redo the interior of your car.
If you get angry in traffic and bash the radio with your fist, you are not going to get any sort of payout from your insurance company.
Anything that has to do with the driver's maintenance of the vehicle is going to mean that the owner is liable for replacing it. Insurance is always there to protect you from events that are unforeseen or accidental in nature, not controlled acts that can be avoided if the policyholder takes more caution.
Let's talk a little bit about items that are stolen out of your car. Insurance is supposed to protect things that are within the car's makeup, not items that were being carried into the car. Tell your son to leave his Nintendo Switch at home. If something is stolen out of your car, you may be able to get the damages covered by your homeowners insurance, though.
Practical Additions to a Car's Interior
People love doing stuff to the outside of their car. Whether it's protecting the paint or adding some slick wheels, people will notice an exterior and complement it frequently.
You will often come to find, though, that designing your interior to your personal taste will be just as much fun as souping up the outside. There's something about the customization of the inside of a car that demonstrates your taste and personality more than any other thing you could do on a vehicle.
If you want to be practical when adding stuff to the interior, you can always think about how it will maintain the image or functionality of the vehicle. For example, adding heated seats will warm you up in the winter. This means you don't have to wear so many layers while driving, and there is less to steal if you leave your garments in the car while at work.
How about adding some bag hooks to the seats? This will keep all of your stuff upright in your purse or suitcase, preventing snacks from potentially falling out and ruining the upholstery or the carpets and rugs underneath the seats.
Installing more cupholders will also do the same thing as the bag hooks above. Drinks are the most damaging items to a car's interior. Saving your car from sugary sodas and hot coffee will not only help you avoid ugly stains but will also save you money. You won't have to worry about professionally cleaning your seats if they are unscathed in the first place.
Another huge source of messiness in a car is your pets. Dogs are awesome, but they are also known for not caring or understanding that they are damaging your prized vehicle's appearance. Buying a comfortable mat for them in the backseat will benefit both the animal and the car in the long run.
Adding to the Beauty of an Interior
More aesthetically pleasing features can include seat covers or steering wheel covers. These come in so many different materials and fabrics that fit your liking. They also help maintain your interior's original beauty if you ever decide that it's time to take them off and see the original look.
And if you don't really care about any of this stuff, remember that taking care of the inside of your car will give you the opportunity to get a better price on the vehicle when you sell it. Be sure to also check with your insurance company to see if any additions can adjust your rates. Money is fun for everyone, right?
But who doesn't like to have a little fun making your car feel more like you? Driving takes place on the inside of the car, so giving it a little more life makes it like a second home in many ways.
Think about what makes you comfortable when you are home, and apply some of those same things to your car. You may be surprised at how much more comfortable your drive to the office is.
About The Author: Shawn Laib writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. He wants to help people realize how many small things in their car maintenance can improve their driving experience.
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