i hit a pole with my car will my insurance cover the damages

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Hitting a pole with your car can be a stressful experience, especially when you're not sure if your insurance will cover the damages. If you're wondering if your insurance will cover the damages, the answer is yes, but it depends on the type of policy you have.

Most standard auto insurance policies cover damages to your vehicle that result from hitting a pole, but the extent of the coverage will depend on your policy's deductible and coverage limits. In some cases, your insurance may also cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, as well as any medical expenses if you or your passengers were injured.

If you have comprehensive coverage, which is usually optional, it will likely cover damages to your vehicle, even if you were driving recklessly or at fault. However, if you have liability-only coverage, you may not be covered for damages to your vehicle.

Will Insurance Cover?

Most people assume their insurance will automatically cover hitting a pole, but unfortunately, it's not that simple. You'll only be covered if you have a collision policy.

Workers in Uniforms at Car Accident Site
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Collision coverage is the key to getting your insurance to pay out in case you hit a pole. This type of coverage pays for repairs to your car in case of a collision with another vehicle or inanimate object, like a pole.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind:

  • Collision coverage is optional, so make sure to check your policy if you're unsure.
  • Collision coverage will only pay for damage to your car, not for damage to the pole or any injuries sustained.
  • Paying your deductible is your obligation, and you'll need to get a receipt for the repairs.

In many states, collision coverage is not mandatory, and you may only have liability coverage, which protects you if you're at fault for a collision. However, if you do have collision coverage, you'll be reimbursed for the damage to your car, minus your deductible.

Can a Pole Be Covered?

If you hit a pole, your collision insurance will cover the damages to your vehicle if your policy includes it. Collision insurance is typically optional, so you need to decide to include it when you purchase or renew your policy.

The total cost of damages will be covered if they're less than your policy limit. If your car is totaled, you'll receive your car's approximate value minus the amount of your deductible.

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Paying your deductible is your obligation, and make sure you always get a receipt. Any injuries sustained by you or anyone in your car are covered by medical expenses or personal injury protection (PIP).

Liability motor insurance covers the damage to the pole. You'll want to consider additional coverage to cover your liability for any harm done to the pole.

What Are the Common Reasons

Hitting a pole is a common type of accident.

Driving under the influence is a major contributor to such accidents.

Swerving to miss a deer or vehicle is another common reason.

Hitting a patch of ice can also cause a car to hit a pole.

Most causes may be covered, but it depends on the circumstances.

If your accident is the result of driving under the influence, your claim will more than likely be denied.

What Will Your Insurance Do?

If you hit a pole with your car, your insurance will likely cover the damage if you have collision coverage. This type of coverage is optional, but it's highly recommended if you want to be protected in case of an accident.

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Collision coverage will pay for the actual damage to your car, but you'll still need to pay the deductible. The total cost will be covered if the damages are less than your policy limit.

You'll also want to consider liability insurance to cover any harm done to the pole or injuries sustained by you or others in your car. Medical expenses and personal injury protection (PIP) can help cover these costs.

If you hit a pole and the damage is extensive, your insurance may declare your car a total loss. In this case, you'll receive your car's approximate value minus the deductible.

You should always inform the police after hitting a pole, even if it was an accident. Additionally, be aware that if alcohol or drugs were involved, it may not be considered an accident.

Here's a breakdown of what you might expect if you hit a pole:

  • If you're at fault, your premium may increase by about $500 per year for three years.
  • If the damage is minor, you might consider paying for it out of pocket instead of filing a claim.
  • If you're not at fault, you'll only need to pay the deductible.
  • If you hit a lamppost, you'll likely be held liable for the cost of repair.

What to Do After Hitting a Pole

Credit: youtube.com, When The Insurance Adjuster Comes To See Your Car Damage, Beware!

Hitting a pole can be a stressful experience, but knowing what to do next can make a big difference. Call your insurance company right away to report the damage and find out if you're covered.

Waiting to report a claim can result in denial, so don't delay. It's also a good idea to find out what your current policy covers to ensure you're protected in the future.

If the city, county, or local agency asks you for money to cover the expense of fixing the pole, submit a responsibility claim to your insurance provider to prevent paying out of pocket. Hitting a pole and driving away can be seen as an illegal hit-and-run, so it's better to report the damage right away.

Leave the scene without calling the police and making a report, and your insurance claim can be in peril. Report the event to the police and your insurance provider as soon as possible to guarantee that your claim will be completed without trouble.

Understanding Collision and Comprehensive

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You hit a pole with your car and now you're wondering if insurance will cover the damage. Let's break down the basics of collision and comprehensive coverage to help you understand what you're dealing with.

Collision coverage is designed to cover damages from collisions with stationary objects, like poles, but it won't cover injuries or medical costs. If you have questions, talk to your insurance agent to get all the answers you need.

Whether collision or comprehensive insurance is worth it depends on several factors, including what you can afford, the value of your car, and the environment you live or drive in.

Here are some key things to consider:

  • If you're struggling to pay your existing monthly payments, increasing them may not be an option.
  • If your vehicle is older and worth less money, it might not be worth paying more for full coverage.
  • If you live in a city with high theft or vandalism rates, or an area with unpredictable weather patterns, comprehensive insurance may be a good choice.

If you're unsure about collision insurance, get a quote to see how much it might cost. It may not be much more than your basic coverage.

Credit: youtube.com, Comprehensive Vs. Collision Coverage Tips

In general, collision coverage will cover the damage to your vehicle up to your policy limit, minus your deductible. If the damage is more than your policy limit, you'll owe the difference. However, if the damage is worth more than the value of your car, your insurance company may offer to total your car and send you a check for the total value of your car minus your deductible.

Impact on Policy and Costs

Hitting a pole with your car can have significant consequences for your insurance policy and costs. If you're at fault, your premiums can increase by about $500 per year for three years.

The type of coverage you have will determine how much you'll have to pay out of pocket. If you have collision coverage, you'll only have to pay the deductible, which can be a significant savings. Without collision coverage, you'll have to pay the full cost of repairs, which can be thousands of dollars.

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If the damage is minor, it might be worth paying out of pocket to avoid a rate increase. However, if the damage is extensive, it's usually better to file a claim.

Here are some potential costs to consider:

  • Increased premiums: $500 per year for three years
  • Deductible: varies depending on your policy
  • Repair costs: thousands of dollars
  • Potential increase in premiums due to moving violations or DUI tickets

It's also worth noting that you'll have to pay the city for damages to a lamppost or other city property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost if you hit a utility pole?

The cost of hitting a utility pole can range from $7,500 for a street light to $100,000 or more for a transmission pole, depending on the type of pole damaged. Replacing a utility pole can be a costly mistake, with significant expenses for repair or replacement.

Kellie Hessel

Junior Writer

Kellie Hessel is a rising star in the world of journalism, with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape our world. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Kellie has established herself as a go-to writer for industry insights and expert analysis. Kellie's areas of expertise include the insurance industry, where she has developed a deep understanding of the complex issues and trends that impact businesses and individuals alike.

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