We lik
e to think that the vehicle we drive is safe and reliable, but malfunctioning parts are far more common than we think. Even when we receive a vehicle recall notice in the mail, it can be easy to ignore the problem, as fixing it can be a considerable inconvenience. However, it’s essential to recognize how important these recalls are, as even the smallest malfunction can lead to life-threatening situations. Not only can ignoring recalls be a threat to your safety, but they can affect your insurance and result in legal ramifications. It’s time to understand how neglecting a vehicle recall can hurt you.
What Does it Mean When You Receive a Vehicle Recall?
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) include performance requirements for all vehicles in the US – both domestic and imported. These requirements are deemed necessary to maintain a vehicle’s safe operation and include everything from lighting and airbags to steering and engine components. When a safety defect is uncovered, a recall is issued to those owning that vehicle make and model. In these instances, the vehicle manufacturer is legally obligated to inform buyers and cover the costs of the repairs.
Are There Legal Ramifications to Neglecting a Vehicle Recall?
Following up on a vehicle recall accounts for much more than your personal safety. Your decision to neglect your vehicle recall can be considered a careless act. If you’re involved in an accident due to the failure of a faulty part that has been recalled, it could limit your chances of recovering compensation, both for medical and repair costs. You can also be held responsible for the medical costs and financial losses of other drivers involved in the accident. While your auto insurance will cover property damage and bodily injury, your rates are sure to go up.
Does a Vehicle Recall Affect Your Auto Insurance?
Bringing your vehicle to the manufacturer’s auto repair shop to complete a recall shouldn’t affect your auto insurance rates. Since your insurance company isn’t responsible for paying for the repairs, there is no reason for them to increase your rates. You will also be receiving a safer vehicle in return, so there’s no need for your auto insurance to increase due to safety concerns. However, best practices call for you to provide your insurance company with the recall paperwork. In the event you get in an accident due to a faulty part that has been recalled, your insurance can settle the costs with the car manufacturer.
Under Which Circumstances Will Your Insurance Rate Increase?
When you receive a recall notice – despite how minor it may seem – it’s important to schedule an appointment with the dealer to fix the faulty part. Even if you purchase the vehicle from a third party, you are still entitled to free repair of the recalls. If you neglect a vehicle recall and get into an accident as a result of that part’s failure, your car’s safety rating is affected, likely increasing your auto insurance rates.
Neglecting a vehicle recall can affect much more than your safety, and it’s a message that should never be ignored. In fact, scheduling the recall won’t affect your insurance and simultaneously lowers your financial risks. At TJ Woods Insurance, not only do we recognize the importance of driving a safe car, but we’re committed to protecting our clients with the most appropriate auto insurance for their needs. If you require insurance that covers you from all angles, contact us today.
