Insurance will not cover claims that fall outside the specific terms of your policy. Key exclusions include intentional acts or criminal behavior you commit, liabilities you assume under a contract (unless added by endorsement), and business-related incidents under a standard homeowners policy. Damage you cause to your own property is not a liability claim. Furthermore, if your claim exceeds your policy limits, you are personally responsible for the remaining amount, which is why having adequate coverage is critical.

In many cases, you can choose to retain the salvage by accepting a reduced settlement (the ACV minus the vehicle’s estimated salvage value). However, the title will be branded as “salvage” or “rebuilt.“ You become responsible for all repairs, and the vehicle must pass a rigorous safety inspection before being re-registered for road use. This option carries significant financial and safety risks, including potential hidden damage and greatly reduced resale value.

If you were forced to use accrued paid time off (PTO) to cover your absence, you likely still have a valid claim for lost income. The law generally views this as you using a valuable employment benefit to replace your lost wages. You are essentially losing the future use of those days. Document the number of PTO hours used. The value of those used hours can often be included in your claim for financial losses.