wheel fell off while driving insurance

Your Wheel Fell Off While Driving – Now What? Insurance Claims Explained

Having a wheel suddenly detach from your moving vehicle can be a jarring and dangerous experience In an instant, you go from normal driving to trying to maintain control of a compromised car

If this happens to you, beyond the initial shock, you’ll need to know how to handle insurance claims and the repair process. This guide covers:

• Common causes of wheels falling off

• What to do if it happens while driving

• Damage covered by insurance

• Working with your insurer on the claim

• Steps to help prevent wheel detachment

Let’s explore these key questions to demystify the claims process if ever confronted by a detached wheel on the road.

Why Do Wheels Fall Off Vehicles?

There are a few typical reasons wheels can detach at speed:

• Loose lug nuts – If lug nuts are improperly torqued after a tire change, they can vibrate loose over time.

• Faulty wheel studs – Cracked or broken studs that the lug nuts screw onto can fail to secure the wheel.

• Worn wheel bearings – Excessively worn bearings allow too much play for the wheel to detach.

• Broken suspension parts – Components like control arms, ball joints, and struts hold the wheel in position. Breakage can knock the wheel loose.

• Improperly installed aftermarket wheels – Wrong fitment or installation flaws allow the wheel to separate.

• Missing adapters – Some vehicles need thin spacer adapters between the wheel and hub. Missing adapters can lead to detachment.

• Prior damage – Unrepaired collision damage or negligent repairs can compromise integrity, leading to detachment.

Steps To Take if Your Wheel Falls Off

If a wheel comes loose, stay calm and take these steps:

• Brake carefully – Don’t slam on the brakes as it may cause skidding or loss of control. Gently slow down.

• Pull over safely – Get fully off the road onto the shoulder or a safe nearby location. Engage the parking brake.

• Turn on hazard lights – Warn other drivers of the hazard with your flashers.

• Inspect for damage – Check components like fenders, suspension, brake lines, undercarriage, etc. Take photos.

• Arrange towing – Do not attempt to drive the vehicle. Call a tow truck to take it to a repair facility.

• File a report – Contact police to file an official accident report required by insurers.

• Contact your insurance – Report the incident and start your claim promptly. Provide damage details.

What Damage is Covered by Car Insurance?

The type of damage covered depends on your specific policy and limits. But insurance commonly covers:

• Body damage – Repairs to fenders, bumpers, undercarriage from impact with the road.

• Suspension and steering damage – Broken control arms, struts, tie rods, ball joints, etc.

• Brake and wheel damage – Replacement of damaged brake components and the detached wheel itself.

• Towing reimbursement – Payment for roadside assistance and towing to the repair shop.

• Rental car coverage – Reimbursement for a rental vehicle during repairs.

• Labor charges – Cost of removal, installation, realignment, diagnostics.

What Isn’t Typically Covered by Insurance?

While the resulting damage is covered, some causes may be excluded:

• The defective part itself – For example, faulty lug nuts that caused the detachment.

• Normal wear and tear – Gradual deterioration over time like worn wheel bearings.

• Additional damage from continued driving – Further damage incurred after initial detachment.

• Exceeding coverage limits – Out of pocket expenses beyond policy maximums.

• Improper maintenance – Insurers may deny a claim if you demonstrably neglected proper maintenance.

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process

To get your detached wheel damage covered, you’ll need to navigate the claims process:

• File a claim – Contact your insurer promptly after safely pulling over. Provide incident details. Ask what documents you need.

• Take photos – Thoroughly photograph damage to the wheel area, undercarriage, body, suspension, etc.

• Get repair estimates – Have a qualified shop write up thorough estimates for damage. Confirm they work with your insurer.

• Send documentation – Submit repair estimates, photos, police reports to your claims adjuster promptly.

• Cooperate with inspections – Your insurer may wish to inspect the vehicle themselves before approving repairs.

• Negotiate settlement – After reviewing documentation, the insurer will extend a damage settlement offer. You’ll pay any deductible.

• Authorize repairs – With approved funding, sign off for the repair shop to complete the work.

• Submit receipts – Send any receipts for reimbursement of out of pocket costs like towing or rental cars.

Tips to Help Prevent Wheels From Falling Off

While you can’t prevent every wheel detachment, here are some proactive maintenance tips:

• Check lug nut tightness regularly – Ensure they are properly torqued after tire changes or removals.

• Have wheels serviced by qualified pros – Don’t take chances with inexperienced mechanics.

• Listen and inspect for bearing noises or play – Repair immediately before catastrophic failure.

• Replace deteriorated components early – Ball joints, tie rods, bushings, etc.

• Verify correct hub-to-wheel fitment – Especially when installing new wheels.

• Repair collision damage properly – Compromised components must be identified and corrected.

• Report new vibrations or steering issues – Have them inspected right away as they can indicate problems.

If Wheels Aren’t Maintained, Detachment Can Occur

While no one expects wheels to just fall off while driving, lack of proper maintenance dramatically raises the risks. Don’t ignore basic upkeep and warning signs of trouble.

Knowing insurance claim procedures provides peace of mind if you ever suffer the misfortune of a detached wheel. photos, police reports, estimates, and receipts are key to smooth claims processing.

Stay calm but act promptly if it occurs, and consult a qualified body shop to identify any underlying issues that require repair to prevent it happening again. With smart action, you can get back on the road safely.