Which type of incident is not covered under personal auto policies for physical damage?

Fire caused by a mechanical failure is not covered under personal auto policies for physical damage. Personal auto insurance typically includes coverage for collision and comprehensive losses. Collision coverage protects against damages resulting from a collision with another vehicle, while comprehensive coverage addresses damages from incidents such as hail, vandalism, and other non-collision-related events.

However, when it comes to mechanical failures, the situation changes because personal auto policies generally exclude coverage for damage resulting from maintenance issues or mechanical failures. This aligns with standard practices as insurers typically expect the vehicle owner to maintain the vehicle and address any mechanical problems, rather than providing coverage for damage that results from such failures occurring. In summary, while events like collisions, hail damage, and vandalism fall under covered incidents within personal auto policies, damage from fire caused by mechanical failure does not qualify for claims under these policies.