Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose traction on wet pavement, causing the driver to lose control. Insurance companies classify hydroplaning accidents as at-fault incidents if investigations show driver error, such as speeding or worn tire treads.

Comprehensive and collision coverage typically pay for damages from hydroplaning crashes, with State Farm and GEICO listing specific exclusions for reckless driving, per the documentation from Your Insurance Info. Insurers use claims data–such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report of over 350,000 annual wet-weather crashes–to assess risk related to hydroplaning.

Adjusters examine police reports and weather conditions to determine liability in hydroplaning claims. Policy premiums may increase after a hydroplaning claim if insurers identify preventable factors like bald tires or excessive speed.

Most policies exclude mechanical failure-related losses during hydroplaning events unless you purchase additional equipment breakdown coverage. Drivers can reduce insurance risk by maintaining tire tread depth above 4/32 inch and reducing speed below 35 mph during heavy rain, according to Consumer Reports’ safety tests.