Will my insurance go up if I hit a curb?

Asked by: Mr. Floy Pouros II  |  Last update: September 23, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (20 votes)

In most cases, the rates will increase when you hit a curb because it will be considered an at-fault accident. After filing a vehicle insurance claim, your premium may be affected by a number of variables, including your driving history and whether you are judged to be at blame for the collision.

Does hitting a curb raise your insurance?

When you make a vehicle insurance claim due to hitting a curb, the rates may go up. This is because it is typically considered an at-fault accident. However, the exact effect it will have on your premium depends on a few different factors.

What happens if you accidentally hit a curb?

  • Tire Damage: Hitting a curb can cause tire sidewall damage, leading to flats or blowouts.
  • Wheel Damage: The impact can bend or crack the wheel rim, which may require replacement.
  • Suspension Issues: The suspension system can be affected, leading to misalignment or damage to components such as struts or shocks.

What messes up when you hit a curb?

  • Tire Damage: Hitting a curb can cause tire sidewall damage, leading to flats or blowouts.
  • Wheel Damage: The impact can bend or crack the wheel rim, which may require replacement.
  • Suspension Issues: The suspension system can be affected, leading to misalignment or damage to components such as struts or shocks.

Is hitting a curb property damage?

Hitting a curb can be considered an accident, depending on the circumstances. If the accident causes property damage or injuries, it is likely that it would be considered an accident. If you have an accident that causes damage to your car, your collision insurance will cover the costs of repairs.

How much will my insurance go up after a claim

20 related questions found

Is hitting the curb a big deal?

Hitting a curb can knock the wheel out of alignment or even damage the suspension parts, leading to uneven wear and other performance issues down the line.

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.

What to replace after hitting the curb?

The following suspension system components could be damaged.
  1. Control Arms. The control arms are connected directly to your wheels, making them particularly vulnerable to an impact. ...
  2. Tie Rods. ...
  3. Wheel Bearings. ...
  4. Struts/Shocks. ...
  5. Sway Bar.

Is hitting the curb a major fault?

Many learners assume that hitting the kerb while performing a manoeuvre will result in an instant fail, but again it's not entirely true. While mounting the kerb – or crashing into it hard – will be marked down as a major, a simple touch or clip during a manoeuvre (like turning in the road) is only classed as a minor.

How fast do you have to hit a curb to cause damage?

The suspension consists of many different parts that can be damaged easily, even if the impact with the curb is as slow as 5 or 10 miles per hour. Speed and the height of the curb can increase the damage to your vehicle.

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.

Is hitting a curb a traffic violation?

Generally no unless you hit bushes, tree or a parked vehicle. Take the car to a tire shop if you damaged the tire or wheel.

How much does an alignment cost?

A front-end alignment (or two wheel alignment), which involves only the front two wheels, typically costs anywhere from $50 to $75. While a four wheel alignment costs more, usually $100 to $168. You may find that the answer to “how much is a wheel alignment” is higher for luxury cars.

Will insurance cover if I hit another car?

Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle. It may also help with the cost of repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. That means you can use it whether you're at fault or not.

Does a scratch count as an accident?

Scratches Covered by Collision Coverage

The types of scratches that could be covered by your collision coverage include: Scraping an inanimate object, such as a mailbox or pole. Car door hitting your car in a parking lot. Sideswiping another vehicle.

Is hitting a curb considered a road hazard?

Road hazard warranties cover things like tire punctures from driving over nails, broken glass, or other hard-to-see hazards in the road. Road hazard warranties do not cover tire damage caused by driver error like accidentally hitting a curb or under- or over-inflation.

Is hitting a curb covered by insurance?

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.

What is the most common mistake in a driving test?

The most common mistake student drivers make during their road test is either failing to complete a proper blind spot shoulder check every time they signal, or impeding traffic by being too cautious or unsure of themselves.

How do you check for damage after hitting a curb?

What to Look For When You Hit a Pothole or Curb:
  1. Check tires/wheel for any obvious damage. Look for cuts, scrapes, or chips out of the wheel or tire.
  2. Check under the car for any obvious/visible damage. If you see parts hanging low it could indicate damage to tie rods or control arms. ...
  3. Check for steering problems.

How much sidewall damage is too much?

No amount of tire sidewall damage is considered “ok” or safe. Even minor damage can weaken the tire and make it susceptible to blowouts. If there's visible damage to the sidewall, such as cuts, punctures, bulges, or cracks, the tire should be inspected by a professional and likely replaced.

Can curb damage be fixed?

Yes, curb rash can be fixed. The severity of the curb rash will determine the method of repair. The milder cases of curb rash can be fixed by sanding, polishing, and repainting. For more severe cases, it may require a full wheel replacement.

How to tell if suspension is bent?

5 Signs Your Car's Suspension is Damaged
  1. Your Car Pulls to One Side While Driving. A car pulling to the left or right is a common sign of suspension problems. ...
  2. Your Car Bounces, Dips, Dives & Sways. ...
  3. One Side of Your Car Leans or Sits Lower Than the Other. ...
  4. You Hear Squeaking, Clanking or Knocking. ...
  5. Your Car is Hard to Steer.

Do insurance rates go up after a no-fault accident?

Yes, insurance rates may go up even if the accident is not your fault, depending on the circumstances of the accident, the types of coverage you have, and your claims history. However, the increase may not be as significant as it would for an at-fault accident.

How much will my insurance go up for a claim?

By State. You can expect the most elevated car insurance rates post-accident in California, where the average increase is more than 74 percent. Increases are less than 25 percent in Rhode Island, in contrast.

Why did my insurance go up after I got hit?

Insurers factor in comprehensive claims because they can indicate higher risk for filing more claims. For example: If you hit a deer once, insurers may view you as more likely to make another claim in the future. Remember, all insurance companies price differently after an accident.