Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals 2024

Are Tonneau Covers Covered By Insurance?

A tonneau cover is a protective cover that goes over the truck bed. It helps keep items in the truck bed safe from weather and theft. Tonneau covers come in different styles like:

  • Soft foldable vinyl cover
  • Retractable roll-up cover
  • Hinged lid hard covers

Tonneau covers are popular accessories for truck owners. They allow you to lock up valuables in the bed. And they protect cargo from getting wet. A tonneau adds lots of usefulness to a truck bed.

Why Would You Want a Tonneau Cover?

There are a few key reasons truck owners add tonneau covers:

1. Keep cargo safe and dry

Tonneau covers protect whatever you put in the truck bed from rain, snow, and dust. Soft covers may let some moisture in. But hard covers keep the truck bed contents bone dry.

2. Stop people from stealing your stuff

With a tonneau cover locked in place, it’s much harder for thieves to swipe your gear. The cover hides anything valuable in the truck from prying eyes.

3. Improve gas mileage

Tonneau covers make trucks more aerodynamic. This can boost your gas mileage by preventing air drag. Hard covers tend to improve MPG more than soft versions.

4. Carry more stuff

The secure truck bed allows you to stack cargo above the sides. Without a tonneau, you’re limited to what fits below the side rails.

Are Tonneau Covers Covered by Car Insurance?

Does car insurance cover tonneau covers?

This depends on when you installed the tonneau:

  • If the truck came with a tonneau cover when new, your auto policy will most likely cover it. The cover is treated as part of the original truck, like any other factory option.
  • But if you installed the tonneau after buying the truck, it’s treated as an add-on accessory. Most standard car insurance policies won’t cover damage to aftermarket parts like this.

Why tonneau covers have limited coverage

Insurers view tonneau covers as optional custom parts. Since they aren’t essential for driving, insurers don’t automatically include them under collision or comprehensive coverage.

You may be able to add coverage for a tonneau. But it will increase your premium. Most truck owners simply accept the risk of damaging or losing their tonneau cover.

Basic car insurance is meant to repair damage from accidents and other incidents. It focuses on safety-related parts to keep the truck drivable. Tonneau covers are seen as nice extras but not necessities.

How to Get Tonneau Cover Insurance

If you want protection for your tonneau cover investment, you have options:

Insure it separately

Companies like Covercraft sell tonneau cover-specific insurance policies. Premiums are fairly low since it’s covering just the cover. This is the simplest way to get coverage.

Add to your auto policy

You can ask your insurer to include the tonneau cover under collision and comprehensive. Expect to pay $10-$30 more per month. Make sure to get the right coverage limits.

Increase your deductible

Raising your deductible by $250 or $500 can help offset the higher premium for adding tonneau coverage. So damage claims will be more costly but your monthly payment drops.

Bundle with accessories

If you have other truck accessories like side steps, a lift kit, or custom wheels, you may be able to bundle them together under one rider policy. That’s often cheaper than individual add-ons.

What Damage is Covered?

What tonneau cover damage can you make a claim for? It depends on your specific policy terms. But in general:

Collision coverage

Covers damage from accidents like:

  • Hitting objects like branches or shopping carts
  • Crashing into other vehicles or structures
  • Flying road debris cracking the cover

Comprehensive coverage

Covers non-collision damage such as:

  • Hail storms putting dents in the cover
  • Falling tree limbs
  • Theft of the entire cover
  • Vandalism and damage during riots

Exclusions

Damage that likely won’t be covered includes:

  • Surface scratches and scuffs from normal use
  • Fading and wear from sun exposure
  • Condensation between dual-pane glass covers
  • Damage from using incompatible gear like camper shells

Read your full policy to see exclusions. And ask your agent what damage can be claimed.

Tips for Getting Tonneau Claims Approved

To boost chances of a claim payout:

  • Take photos of your truck and tonneau when it’s brand new. This documents the original condition.
  • Keep receipts for the purchase and installation costs. This proves its value if stolen.
  • File police reports for any theft, crashes, or vandalism. Reports support your version of events.
  • Get multiple repair estimates. Insurers will pay the lowest reasonable amount.
  • Remove valuable items before repairs. Technicians may not lock the cover overnight.
  • Consider using OEM parts. Aftermarket parts may not be covered and don’t fit as well.

Maintaining Your Tonneau Cover

With or without insurance, simple maintenance helps avoid tonneau damage:

  • Wash it regularly with soap and water. This prevents dirt scratching the finish.
  • Wax the cover 1-2 times per year. Wax protects the finish from sun damage.
  • Lube the hinges if needed. This prevents cracking.
  • Follow the weight limit. Overloading can bend panels or break hardware.
  • Open cover fully when driving. Wind can tear partially opened covers.
  • Park in the shade when possible. This reduces sun exposure.

With proper care, your tonneau cover should last for many years and miles. But insurance provides peace of mind if damage does occur. Talk to your provider to explore your coverage options.

Also Read:

Resources:

Meghan Drummond
Meghan Drummond

Meghan has owned trucks for over 20 years and installed her first tonneau cover back in 2005. She has tested over 50 different tonneau cover models hands-on. Meghan has a journalism degree from the University of Florida and previously worked as an auto writer.

Articles: 597

Related Posts