Does car insurance cover scraping a pole?

Asked by: Teagan Krajcik  |  Last update: July 24, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (18 votes)

Collision coverage will cover damages to your car caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. For example, if you get a mystery door ding in a parking lot, you run into a tree or you scrape your car's paint on a parking garage pole, your collision coverage will typically cover it.

Will car insurance cover hitting a pole?

If your car insurance policy includes collision coverage, you should be covered for repairing your vehicle after hitting a pole. Collision covers physical damage to your vehicle caused by an accident involving another vehicle or a stationary object.

Does car insurance cover scrapes?

When it comes to dents, scratches, and door dings, most car insurance claims fall under collision or comprehensive coverage. These coverages can be optionally added to your policy and should be considered if you are concerned about damage to your vehicle.

How much does insurance go up for hitting a pole?

A few states, including Oklahoma and California, don't allow insurers to increase your rates if a crash was not your fault.

What happens when a car hits a pole?

When a car crashes into a power pole, the pole may fall down, lines may fall on your car or nearby, and the area around your car may become charged with electric energy. If you stepped out of the car in this scenario, your body would become the path to ground for the electricity, and you could be electrocuted.

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How much do you have to pay if you hit a light pole?

Your collision coverage will have a limit, which is the maximum amount your policy will pay toward a covered claim. Usually the limit is the price of your vehicle, so as long as hitting a pole does not cost you more than the price of your vehicle, then your insurance will cover the amount.

Will my insurance go up if I hit an object?

Insurance companies consider hitting an object in the road to be an accident. Unfortunately, that means you will need to use your collision coverage, the incident will be considered your fault, and you'll likely see an increase in premium.

Can I file an insurance claim if I hit something?

Hitting an Object Lying in the Road

To make a collision claim, you need to have opted for collision coverage before experiencing your accident. Collision coverage is optional, and if you opted for state-minimum coverage, you might not have collision coverage. Expect to pay a deductible when filing a collision claim.

Will insurance cover if I hit a curb?

Your collision coverage may pay to repair or replace a scratched rim if it's damaged after hitting a curb. If the cost of repairs is less than your collision deductible, however, your insurance won't pay for any of the damage.

Does car insurance cover minor damage?

In many cases, car insurance policies do provide coverage for slight damages like scratches and dents. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on the specific policy and the circumstances surrounding the damage.

Should I file a claim for a minor scratch?

Insurance will often cover scratches, but you may decide you don't want to file an insurance claim. If there was no chance that you were injured, and the cost of repairing the scratches is less than your deductible, it may make more sense to handle any repairs out of pocket.

Does Progressive cover hitting a pole?

Progressive Collision Coverage. Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who's at fault. It also applies if you hit an object, other than an animal, such as a tree or utility pole.

How to get car insurance to pay for damage?

File a claim
  1. Call the police. If the damage to your car is a result of an accident, theft, or vandalism, call the police and have them file a report.
  2. Take pictures. ...
  3. File your claim. ...
  4. Assignment and tracking of the claim. ...
  5. Damage evaluation. ...
  6. Receive your claim settlement.

Will my insurance go up if I file a claim Progressive?

Will comprehensive claims increase my rate? Yes, a comprehensive claim might increase your rate, depending on your insurer and state. Comprehensive claims include non-collision events like car theft, car vandalism, car fire, chipped/cracked windshield, hitting an animal, and acts of nature.

Will my car insurance cover me if I hit a pole?

If your vehicle insurance policy has collision coverage, you can file a claim if you hit with a pole. This type of insurance is often optional, so you must make the decision to add it when you buy or renew your policy.

Does a scratch count as an accident?

In short, yes, auto insurance will cover scratches. However, the scratches have to be caused by a covered peril in your policy, like a car accident or vandalism. And depending on your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim.

Will insurance cover hitting something in the road?

If you run over something in the road, your collision coverage will likely cover the damage. Deductibles apply in both cases, so the damage must be greater than your deductible. Most drivers have full vehicle coverage, typically consisting of at least collision and comprehensive coverage.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am not at fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

Is it better to pay out of pocket or claim car insurance?

If the repair costs are less than your deductible (or even slightly more) you should pay for the repairs out of pocket. For example, if the damage to your car costs $300 to fix, and your deductible is $200, you would save $100 by filing a claim.

What happens if I hit a curb with my car?

Hitting a curb can cause a variety of damage, depending on the speed and angle of impact. It can cause damage to the tires, wheel rims, suspension, and steering components. It can also cause damage to the underside of the vehicle, including the exhaust system and/or oil pan.

How does car insurance work if you hit something?

If all you have is liability insurance, that won't provide coverage for auto body repairs when you hit something in the road. If you want your insurance to help cover the cost of collision repairs in this type of situation, you'll have to add comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to your policy.

What to do if you hit road debris?

6 Steps to Take if You Are Hit With Debris on the Highway in California
  1. Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely. ...
  2. Seek Medical Attention. ...
  3. Assess the Damage and Document the Incident. ...
  4. Report the Accident to Law Enforcement. ...
  5. Consult a Debris Accident Lawyer. ...
  6. Contact Your Insurance Company.

How much does insurance go up after getting hit?

How much does car insurance increase after an accident? On average, car insurance policy rates do increase by around 46% when a driver is involved in an accident that causes an injury. However, the exact rate increase can vary based on numerous factors. Each state, for example, has its own average for rate increases.