Does auto insurance cover hiting a pole?
Does auto insurance cover if you hit a pole? If you hit a pole, collision insurance covers your vehicle damage, but you'll need other coverage for the pole and any injuries that were sustained during the accident. Get the details below.
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Tim Bain
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Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
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UPDATED: Jun 13, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 13, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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You’ll have a lot to think about if you’ve been unfortunate enough to crash into a pole when driving. While you will first want to take care of any injuries, you will soon need to figure out how to pay for the damages. In this case, does your insurance cover hitting a pole? And how do you file a claim? We’ve got answers for you in this article.
Table of Contents
Does insurance cover hitting a pole?
If you have collision coverage on your car insurance policy, you can file a claim when you hit a pole. This type of coverage is usually voluntary, and you would need to choose whether to include it when you set up or renew your policy. Collision insurance will cover the physical damage to your vehicle whenever you have a crash with another car or object.
Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need other coverage to take care of your liability for any damages to the pole or injuries to you or anyone in your car. Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) will cover any injuries, while liability auto insurance coverage will pay for damage to the pole.
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How much does it cost if you hit a telephone pole?
If your crash damaged a telephone pole, you would be responsible for any repairs to your vehicle or the pole. The cost to repair your vehicle will depend on the nature of the accident. After all, you might twist the chassis or damage the engine if the crash is serious.
If you hit a light pole, do you have to pay for it?
In most instances, a utility company or government department will own the pole, and they may look for compensation to help them put everything back to normal. Repair costs will vary according to the type of pole and the amount of damage, but the company’s maintenance or legal department will be able to give you the exact figure.
In this case, collision coverage won’t apply. However, you can file a liability claim with your insurance company up to the limits specified in your liability policy. Liability coverage will payout when you have a crash that causes damage to third-party property or, in this case, that telephone or light pole.
Do you need to report this to the police?
When you hit a pole, you should report the incident to the police as soon as possible. After all, a damaged pole may represent a safety hazard, especially if it transports a power line. You should also get a police report that you can file with your insurance claim. Besides, if you leave the scene without reporting the matter to the authorities, there is a risk that they could classify it as a hit-and-run.
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Will your insurance rates go up if you hit a pole?
Unfortunately, there is a chance that your insurance rates may increase when you file a claim for an accident like this. Insurers look at many factors when setting rates, including the number of claims and your driving record. If the police give you a citation for careless driving or a DUI due to this accident, that may also come into play.
Can I file a claim with my car insurance if I hit a pole?
If you hit a pole while driving, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. That way they can open a claim, review the details, and determine whether your coverage will apply.
With collision coverage, you will usually have a deductible that you’ll need to weigh against the cost of repairs. In some instances, the repair costs may not be much more than the value of the deductible. Knowing what your auto insurance deductible is beforehand can help alleviate some of the stress since you’ll know what you can afford. In this case, you may decide not to file a claim for repairs to your car — especially if this might increase future rates.
Your collision coverage will also have an upper limit, which is the maximum amount that the policy will pay toward repairing your car. So, if the accident is sizable and the repair estimate is more than the value of the car, the insurance company may total it and send you a check for the vehicle’s value instead.
The Bottom Line: If you hit a pole, does insurance cover it?
If you have collision coverage as part of your policy, you can lodge a claim for repairs to your vehicle. Your state-mandated liability coverage will pay for the damage to the pole, and you’ll also need medical payments or personal injury coverage for any injuries to you or others in the car. Remember to consider your deductible and any potential impact on your future rates before you file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance typically cover hitting a pole?
Yes, hitting a pole is generally covered under auto insurance, assuming you have the appropriate coverage. It typically falls under the collision coverage portion of your policy. However, it’s important to review your policy or consult with your insurance provider to determine the specific terms and conditions of your coverage.
What is collision coverage?
Collision coverage is an optional coverage that can help pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision with another vehicle or an object, such as a pole, tree, or fence. It is typically subject to a deductible, which is the amount you are responsible for paying before insurance coverage kicks in.
How does collision coverage work for hitting a pole?
If you have collision coverage and you hit a pole, you would need to file a claim with your insurance company. The insurance company will assess the damage to your vehicle and may arrange for an appraisal or inspection. If the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible, your insurance company will generally cover the remaining amount, up to the policy limits.
Will my insurance rates increase if I hit a pole?
Hitting a pole and filing a claim under collision coverage can potentially impact your insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premium rates, including your claims history and driving record. If you are deemed at fault for hitting the pole, it may result in an increase in your insurance rates during the next policy term or renewal. However, the extent of the increase can vary based on your insurance provider and specific circumstances.
What if the cost of repairs is lower than my deductible?
If the cost of repairs for hitting a pole is lower than your deductible, it may not be financially beneficial to file an insurance claim. In this case, it might be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket instead of involving your insurance company. However, it’s advisable to consult with your insurance provider to understand the potential impact on your future rates and any specific requirements or guidelines they may have regarding reporting incidents, even if they are not filed as a claim.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.