3 Unexpected Ways Your Car Insurance Is Failing You in 2024

No matter what car insurance company you're using this year, you're probably paying a fair amount of money in exchange for that coverage. The average annual cost of auto insurance in 2023 was $3,017, according to research from The Ascent. Your costs, however, will vary depending on factors such as:

• Your driving history
• The type of vehicle you drive
• The state you reside in

That said, when it comes to auto insurance, you do want to make sure you're getting good value for your money. But your car insurance may be failing you this year if it won't do these important things.

1. It won't offer rental car reimbursement when your car is out of commission

When your car is damaged, it can take many weeks for an auto body shop to get it back into drivable condition. And during that time, you're going to need a replacement vehicle, most likely in the form of a rental car.

Unfortunately, having that expense covered by your auto insurer isn't a given. If your policy doesn't include that coverage, you may want to shop around for a new one. If you're ever in an accident or situation where your car is damaged, the cost of paying for a rental car for what could be a month or longer could be enormous.

2. It won't tow your car to the shop when it breaks down

You're driving along the highway when suddenly your car starts making noises. You pull over to check it out, and lo and behold, your car won't start up again when you turn on the engine.

A situation like that is frightening and frustrating enough in its own right. But what's even worse is when your auto insurance company won't pay to have your vehicle towed to the nearest auto repair shop or mechanic.

Now that said, some insurers offer roadside assistance as an add-on to different policies. But if your insurer doesn't offer that as an affordable option, you may want to look elsewhere.

3. It won't replace your cracked windshield

Some car insurance policies cover windshield damage -- but that's not always the case. If you have comprehensive coverage, you can generally expect this to be something your insurer pays for. However, you might end up footing the bill yourself anyway.

The reason? In the realm of car-related issues, windshield replacement tends to be a fairly simple and inexpensive fix -- so much so that its cost may be lower than the cost of your auto insurance deductible. And when you're paying less than your deductible, there's no point in filing an insurance claim and risking an increase to your premium as a result.

No matter what you pay for auto insurance, it's probably a pretty large sum. So if you feel as if you're not getting good value in exchange, don't hesitate to shop around this year and see if there's a better insurance deal to be had. Remember, while you may not be able to lower your car insurance premiums, you may be able to find a policy that offers better coverage at the same price point. And that, too, would be a win.