What is typically NOT covered under standard auto insurance policies?

Standard auto insurance policies typically do not cover wear and tear or mechanical breakdown of the vehicle. These policies are designed to protect against specific risks associated with driving, such as accidents, theft, and liability for injuries or damages caused to others. Wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration that occurs as a vehicle ages and is not considered an insurable event; it is expected over time. Similarly, mechanical breakdowns are generally deemed to be a result of maintenance issues or age, which are the responsibility of the vehicle owner to manage, rather than incidents that arise from external factors covered by insurance policies.

In contrast, injuries sustained by the driver, damage caused by a hit-and-run accident, and theft of the vehicle are typically covered under standard policies. Insurance is meant to provide financial protection against unforeseen events, and incidents such as accidents or theft meet this criterion, while regular upkeep and maintenance do not. Hence, mechanical issues fall outside the coverage provided by standard automobile insurance.