
Hitting a mailbox with your car can be a frustrating and costly experience, but does your car insurance cover it? According to the article, the answer depends on the type of coverage you have.
If you have comprehensive coverage, which is usually optional, your insurance may cover the damage to your car, but not the mailbox. This is because comprehensive coverage is designed to protect against damage to your vehicle, not other property.
The cost of repairing or replacing a mailbox is typically the homeowner's responsibility, but if you're found liable, your insurance may cover the damages. However, this is not always the case, and you should review your policy to understand your specific coverage.
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Car Insurance Coverage
Car insurance coverage can be a bit tricky to understand, especially when it comes to accidents like hitting a mailbox. To pay for damage to your car, you'll likely need to have collision insurance on your policy.

Collision insurance pays for damage to the vehicle that occurs when you hit something, which includes hitting a mailbox. However, many car insurance policies don't automatically include collision insurance, so you'll need to make sure you've added it to your policy.
Most collision policies come with damage deductibles, which you'll need to pay out of pocket. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and sustain $3,000 in damage, you'll pay $500 and your policy will pay the remaining $2,500.
If the cost of the damage is less than the deductible, you won't be able to receive any help from your policy. It's essential to talk to your insurer to determine how your policy will pay for your vehicle's damage.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Collision insurance is usually required to pay for damage to your car after a collision.
- Collision policies often come with damage deductibles that you'll need to pay out of pocket.
- If the damage is less than the deductible, you won't be able to receive any help from your policy.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is essential to consider when you've hit a mailbox. To pay for damage to your car, you'll likely have to make sure you have collision insurance on the policy.

Collision insurance pays for damage to the vehicle that occurs when you hit something, which includes hitting a mailbox. However, many car insurance policies don't automatically include collision insurance, so you'll need to check your policy to see if you have it.
You'll also have to pay the cost of the deductible towards the repair costs on your own. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and sustain $3,000 in damage, you'll pay $500 and your policy will pay the remaining $2,500. If the cost of the damage is less than the deductible, you can't receive any help from the policy.
Here's a breakdown of how collision coverage works in different scenarios:
- Single-car accidents: Collision coverage covers damages to your vehicle, ensuring you're not left shouldering the repair expenses alone.
- At-fault accidents: Collision coverage covers damages to your vehicle, less your deductible, even though you are considered at fault for the accident.
- Not-at-fault accidents: You may choose to utilize your collision coverage for repairs, even if the other driver is at fault.
- Hit-and-runs: Collision coverage can be used to cover damages to your vehicle, even if the responsible party flees the scene.
- Rollovers or flipping: Collision coverage will cover damages sustained in a rollover accident.
Collision Car
If you've ever backed into your mailbox, you're probably wondering if your car insurance will cover the damage. As it turns out, you'll likely have to use your own car insurance to pay for the repairs.
You're responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle, so if you hit your mailbox, the accident is probably your fault. This means you'll have to rely on your car insurance to cover the costs.

To pay for damage to your car, you'll need to make sure you have collision insurance on your policy. Collision coverage pays for damage to the vehicle when you hit something, which includes backing into your mailbox. However, many car insurance policies don't automatically include collision insurance, so you may need to add it later.
Collision policies often come with damage deductibles, which you'll need to pay towards the repair costs. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and sustain $3,000 in damage, you'll pay $500 and your policy will pay the remaining $2,500.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Collision insurance pays for damage to your car when you hit something, including your mailbox.
- Many car insurance policies don't automatically include collision insurance, so you may need to add it later.
- Collision policies often come with damage deductibles, which you'll need to pay towards the repair costs.
If you're unsure about how your policy will pay for your vehicle's damage, it's best to talk to your insurer. They can help work out if your collision insurance will apply to your vehicle's damage.
What Kind of Accidents Does Collision Cover?
Collision coverage is a type of insurance that helps protect you financially in case of an accident. Your car insurance provider may be able to help you pay for damages after a collision, as long as your policy covers collision insurance.

If you're involved in a collision, collision coverage will help cover damages to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. This includes hitting another vehicle, being hit by another vehicle, or hitting an object like a fence or sign.
Here are some examples of accidents that collision coverage can help with:
- Hitting another vehicle
- Being hit by another vehicle
- Hitting an object like a fence or sign
It's essential to note that collision insurance may not cover the damages to other objects, like a mailbox, but rather your vehicle itself. You'll need to check your policy terms to understand how your insurance provider offers compensation for damages.
Filing a Claim
You'll likely need to use your car insurance to pay for the damages, so it's essential to ensure your policy applies.
First, you must accept responsibility for the damage, as it's probably going to be treated as your fault.
To claim insurance, you'll need to provide documentation of the damage, which may include photos of the mailbox and your vehicle.
Your insurance provider will review the situation and determine the extent of the coverage.
You'll need to follow your insurance provider's guidelines for filing a claim, which may involve filling out paperwork or speaking with an adjuster.
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Collision Coverage Basics

Collision coverage is a type of car insurance that pays for damage to your vehicle when you hit something. This can include accidents like backing into a mailbox or hitting a tree.
To have collision coverage, you need to make sure your policy includes it. If you don't indicate you want coverage when you buy your policy, you won't have it unless you add it later. You can't add it after an accident and expect it to apply retroactively.
Collision policies usually come with damage deductibles. This means you'll have to pay the cost of the deductible towards the repair costs on your own. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and sustain $3,000 in damage, you'll pay $500 and your policy will pay the remaining $2,500.
If the cost of the damage is less than the deductible, you won't be able to receive any help from the policy. So, it's essential to talk to your insurer to determine how your policy will pay for your vehicle's damage.
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Here are some examples of when collision coverage might be used:
- Single-car accidents, like hitting a tree or lamppost
- At-fault accidents, like rear-ending another car
- Not-at-fault accidents, like your parked vehicle being struck by another driver
- Hit-and-runs, where the responsible party flees the scene
- Rollovers or flipping, where your vehicle overturns
Keep in mind that collision coverage won't pay for damage to the mailbox itself. You'll have to pay for the repairs using a separate outlet.
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Car Rental and Accidents
Hitting a mailbox can be a stressful experience, especially if you're involved in a car accident while doing so. If you're involved in a car accident while renting a car, your rental car insurance may not cover the damages.
Typically, rental car insurance policies do not cover accidents caused by the renter's negligence or reckless behavior. For example, if you hit a mailbox because you were speeding or distracted while driving, your rental car insurance may not cover the damages.
Most rental car companies require you to purchase their insurance options, which can be costly. However, some credit cards and personal auto insurance policies may provide coverage for rental cars, so it's essential to review your existing policies before renting a car.
Rental car insurance policies usually have specific requirements for coverage, such as a deductible or a maximum payout amount. It's crucial to read and understand your policy before signing up for rental car insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if your mailbox is hit by a car?
Document the damage and get quotes to replace your mailbox, then send the bill to the driver's insurance company
Who is responsible if someone hits your mailbox?
If someone hits your mailbox, the person responsible for the damage is liable for repairs under California law. You have the right to insist they cover the costs and restore your mailbox to its original condition.
Sources
- https://www.mtfranklin.com/blog/i-hit-my-mailbox-will-my-car-insurance-pay/
- https://www.ieuter.com/blog/2021/04/can-i-get-car-insurance-for-mailbox-collisions
- https://www.jasonridleyagency.com/blog/i-hit-my-neighbors-mailbox-by-accident-will-my-home-insurance-pay-for-the-repairs/
- https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-does-car-insurance-work
- https://www.geico.com/information/aboutinsurance/auto/collision-coverage/
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