Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, no matter how minor they are. Even if it’s just a small fender bender, the damage to your car can be expensive to repair. But what happens if you hit a pole with your car? Will your insurance cover the damages? In this article, we’ll explore this question and help you understand your options.
What Types of Car Insurance Cover Accidents?
There are different types of car insurance policies, and each one covers different aspects of a car accident. The two most common types of car insurance policies that cover accidents are liability insurance and collision insurance.
Liability insurance pays for damages and injuries to other people or their property if you are at fault in an accident. This means that if you hit a pole with your car and no one else was involved, your liability insurance won’t cover the damages.
Collision insurance, on the other hand, covers damages to your car if you collide with another object, including poles, trees, and walls. Collision insurance is optional, but it’s a good idea to have it if you want to protect your car from damages.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Collision Insurance?
If you hit a pole with your car and you don’t have collision insurance, you will have to pay for the damages out of your own pocket. This can be expensive, especially if the damages are significant. It’s always a good idea to have collision insurance if you want to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
What Happens if You Have Collision Insurance?
If you hit a pole with your car and you have collision insurance, your insurance company will cover the damages, minus your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
For example, if your deductible is $500 and the damages to your car are $2,000, your insurance company will pay $1,500, and you will have to pay $500. It’s essential to understand your deductible and how much you can afford to pay out of pocket before choosing a collision insurance policy.
What if You Hit a Pole on Private Property?
If you hit a pole on private property, your insurance coverage may vary depending on the circumstances. If the private property is your own, your collision insurance will cover the damages. If you hit a pole on someone else’s property, your liability insurance may cover the damages. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company to understand your coverage.
What Should You Do if You Hit a Pole with Your Car?
If you hit a pole with your car, the first thing you should do is stay calm and assess the situation. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. If no one is injured, call the police to report the accident. Take photos of the damages to your car and the pole, and exchange information with any witnesses to the accident.
Next, contact your insurance company to report the accident and file a claim. Your insurance company will guide you through the process and help you understand your coverage.
Conclusion
Car accidents can be a stressful experience, especially if you hit a pole with your car. Whether your insurance covers the damages or not depends on your policy and the circumstances of the accident. If you have collision insurance, you can rest assured that your damages will be covered, minus your deductible. If you don’t have collision insurance, you will have to pay for the damages out of your own pocket. It’s always a good idea to understand your insurance coverage and choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.
