Coverage For Non-Factory Vehicle Equipment in Property Damage Claims

Your Illinois auto insurance policy will offer coverage options for custom parts and equipment, which would include most any additional parts that were installed after the car left the factory. These non-factory additions may be done at a dealership, an auto body shop, or even by yourself.

Some common examples of non-factory equipment include: 

• spoilers
• body kits
• roll bars
• bed liners
• trailer hitches
• camper shells
• custom wheels
• dealer-installed equipment
• stereo or other media equipment
   

When filing a property damage claim for your vehicle damages, it's important to know the value of your non-factory equipment and be able to prove how much it will cost to replace or repair.

There are some cases where your property damage claim will not cover non-factory equipment. These include instances wherein equipment was improperly installed, contributed to the accident, or if it is found to be illegal. The state of Illinois does not allow for additions such as video displays in the front of the vehicle (except for navigation or driver view assistance devices) or undercarriage neon lighting, so these items would not be eligible for damages.

Vehicles modified for medical needs such as steering assistance or wheelchair access are also considered non-factory equipment. These items, as long as they are properly installed by a professional, are considered necessary for the vehicle and would be considered recoverable damages.

It's tricky to figure out what property is covered in a property damage claim in the event of a Chicago car accident. Visit our library for more information about property damage claims in Illinois and learn more about what property may be covered in your property damage claim.

The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping car crash victims like you understand their personal property claims for years and you have nothing to lose from our free case evaluation. Contact us today - (312) 263-1080