Does auto insurance cover hitting a pole?

Most people think that their insurance will cover damage if they hit a pole, but it depends on your policy. If you have collision coverage, your insurance will likely cover the damage to your vehicle. If not, you may be on the hook to pay out of pocket repair costs. You’ll also want to consider any potential bodily injuries or other property damage resulting from hitting a pole.

Read on to learn what types of insurance coverage is out there if a car hits a pole and why it’s important to consider collision and other types of coverage.

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How Car Insurance Covers Hitting a Pole

Collision insurance helps pay for car damage expenses related to an accident with another vehicle or object. This coverage is important if you are at fault. 

The insurance company will investigate the accident and determine whether they will cover the damage. If you are not at fault, your insurance company will work with the other driver’s insurance company to cover the costs of repairs and, in some cases, medical treatment. 

The exact coverage will vary depending on the insurance policy and the circumstances of the accident. Still, in general, damage to your vehicle from hitting a pole is covered under collision insurance policies.

What will insurance cover if you hit a pole?

If you have collision coverage and your damage is less than the limit on your policy, then your insurance company will cover the total cost of the damage to your vehicle.

However, if your car is totaled as a result of the accident, then your insurance company may offer to pay you for its value minus your deductible. 

If you have the required insurance and your car isn’t totaled, you will never pay more than your deductible. For example, if you hit a pole and incur $2,500 in damage with a $500 deductible, you are liable for $500, while your insurance will cover the remaining $2,000.

You’ll always be required to pay your deductible if you file a collision claim with your insurance company. Setting a realistic deductible will help to ensure you can cover the costs of an accident.

What about injuries and property damage?

It’s important to note that collision coverage alone only applies to damage to your vehicle, not injuries to you or others or damage to the pole.

In such cases, you need medical payments/PIP and property damage liability coverage. PIP, or personal injury protection, is medical coverage that helps pay for your medical expenses after a car accident. This coverage applies no matter who is at fault in the accident.

Property damage liability pays for damages to someone else’s property if you’re at fault in an accident. This type of coverage protects you from paying out of pocket if you damage someone else’s property, and it’s required in almost every state.

Reasons You May Hit a Pole When Driving

Pole accidents aren’t uncommon. Whether you hit an icy patch, drive under the influence, or try to avoid a collision with another car, you might swerve off the road and hit a pole. Regardless of the underlying cause, it is important to know that you have the option to file a claim for damages. 

A DUI conviction will almost certainly result in legal problems, but it may also cause problems with your car insurance. Depending on your state and your insurance company, they could cancel your insurance policy, require you to pay higher premiums, or treat you as a high-risk driver. In some cases, your insurance company may even refuse to renew your policy. 

If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s important to be aware of the potential impact on your car insurance. An experienced DUI attorney can help you understand the laws in your state and advise you on how to protect your rights.

Why an Insurance Company Might Deny a Claim for Hitting a Pole

Insufficient coverage is one of the most common reasons car insurance may deny claims. Suppose you have a basic liability insurance policy. In that case, your claim for damage from hitting a pole may be denied because it only covers property damage and injuries to others, for example.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of your policy’s limitations and plan ahead to ensure you have proper coverage if you hit a pole or another object.

Collision Coverage in Case You Hit a Pole

As a driver, you always hope to avoid hitting a pole. However, car insurance is there to provide financial protection if this happens.

Your collision insurance policy will likely cover any damage to your car when you hit a pole or other solid objects, such as mailboxes or guard rails. However, collision coverage alone won’t cover any injuries to yourself or others or even damage to the pole. Therefore, it would be best to have medical payments/PIP coverage and property damage liability.

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