Hydroplaning is a serious risk for Chicago drivers during heavy rain. If your car skids across wet pavement and crashes, will your insurance cover the damage? The short answer is yes—with the right coverage. Collision insurance typically pays for your car’s damage, and liability insurance helps cover damage or injuries you cause others. For peace of mind, make sure your policy protects you from weather-related accidents.
Call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 to review your coverage today.
1. How Does Collision Coverage Protect You in a Hydroplaning Accident?
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit an object, another vehicle, or flip due to hydroplaning. It’s not required by law in Illinois, but it’s highly recommended—especially in cities like Chicago where slick roads and sudden weather changes are common.
Let’s say your tires lose traction on a rainy day in downtown Chicago, and you slide into a median. If you have collision coverage, your insurance pays for repairs after your deductible. Without it, you’d have to cover the full cost out of pocket. This coverage is essential for drivers with newer vehicles or leases and those who frequently drive in poor conditions.
2. What Does Liability Insurance Cover if You Hydroplane?
Liability insurance is mandatory in Illinois and covers damage and injuries you cause to others. If you hydroplane and hit another car or property, your liability coverage pays for their vehicle repairs, medical bills, and potential legal claims.
In Chicago, the required minimums are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. However, higher limits are a smart choice given the potential cost of an accident on busy roads like Lake Shore Drive or the Dan Ryan Expressway. Your liability insurance won’t cover your car—that’s where collision comes in.
3. Who Pays for Injuries in a Hydroplaning Crash?
If you’re injured in a hydroplaning crash and you were at fault, your health insurance or optional Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) will help with medical costs. Illinois does not have a no-fault system, so unless another driver caused the accident, your policy needs to provide for your medical bills.
MedPay is an optional but affordable add-on in Illinois that covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. It’s particularly useful in single-vehicle hydroplaning crashes. For example, if you crash into a pole and suffer minor injuries, MedPay can help pay your ER bill, even if you don’t have health insurance.
4. Does Comprehensive Coverage Help in Hydroplaning Accidents?
Comprehensive coverage typically does not cover hydroplaning accidents directly. It applies to non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage (such as falling trees or flooding). Since hydroplaning involves loss of control and striking an object, it’s considered a collision claim.
However, if the hydroplaning accident was worsened by a comprehensive event—like a tree falling during a storm—you might use both coverages. In most hydroplaning accidents, though, collision will be your primary coverage.
5. What Should You Do After Hydroplaning in Chicago?
If you hydroplane and crash, take these steps:
- Move to safety and check for injuries.
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Take photos of the scene, damage, and road conditions.
- Exchange info with others involved.
- Contact your insurance company right away.
Chicago weather is unpredictable, so prevention is key. Tips to avoid hydroplaning include:
- Maintain your tires (good tread and pressure)
- Slow down during heavy rain.
- Avoid standing water or puddles.
- Don’t slam the brakes—ease off the gas and steer steadily.y
Having the right insurance—and knowing how to use it—can make a huge difference when the roads get wet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the minimum auto insurance required in Illinois?
A: Illinois requires all drivers to carry 25/50/20 liability coverage—$25,000 for injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at 25/50 is also required.
Q: Will a hydroplaning accident raise my insurance rates?
A: Yes. If you’re found at fault, your premium may increase at your next renewal. The amount depends on your insurer, driving history, and whether you have accident forgiveness.
Q: Do I have to pay a deductible for hydroplaning damage?
A: Yes, if you file a claim under collision coverage, you’ll need to pay your deductible first. For damage you cause to others, your liability coverage applies without a deductible.
Q: How can I avoid hydroplaning in Chicago?
A: Keep your tires in good condition, drive more slowly during rain, and avoid puddles or flooded lanes. Maintaining control and safe speeds is key to preventing skids on wet roads.
Q: Does Illinois have no-fault insurance?
A: No. Illinois is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash pays for the damages. Optional MedPay can help with your medical expenses regardless of fault.
Get a Quote Today!
Driving in Chicago means dealing with unpredictable weather and wet roads. Make sure you’re protected if you ever hydroplane and need to file a claim. Call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today! We’ll help you find the best coverage at the lowest possible price, tailored for Chicago drivers.