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Who covers damage to a car while it’s at a repair shop?
If a car is parked at a repair shop for scheduled maintenance, what coverage might apply if it’s damaged before pickup? I’m wondering about the difference between something like a storm or a collision in the lot, and damage caused while the shop is doing the repair. I wouldn’t expect auto insurance to cover a mechanical failure or poor workmanship, but I’m unsure where the line is for other damage during the visit.
What’s worth confirming with the insurer and the shop before leaving the car there? Would you check whether comprehensive and collision apply to the parked-car scenario, and whether the shop has coverage for damage it causes while the vehicle is in its care?
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For a storm or a collision in the lot, ask your insurer whether your comprehensive or collision coverage applies while the car is at the shop and what deductible would apply. Damage caused during the repair is a separate question: ask the shop how it handles claims for damage caused while the car is in its care. The responsible party and applicable policies can affect the claim route, so don’t assume the shop’s insurer automatically pays first.