Does Car Insurance Cover Running Over Something?

Car insurance protects vehicle owners from financial losses due to unforeseen incidents. Drivers frequently encounter road hazards like debris, potholes, or animals, which can damage their vehicles. A common question arises regarding whether car insurance provides coverage when a vehicle “runs over something.” This article clarifies how auto insurance policies address damage sustained from these types of occurrences, outlining the specific coverage types and influencing factors.

Understanding Relevant Coverage Types

When a vehicle sustains damage from encountering an object on the road, two primary types of car insurance coverage come into play: collision and comprehensive coverage. These coverages address different scenarios, and understanding their distinctions is crucial for determining how damage from “running over something” will be handled.

Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle resulting from an impact with another vehicle or object. This includes striking stationary objects like a curb, guardrail, or large pothole. If you actively hit debris in the road, such as construction materials or a tire tread, the damage to your vehicle falls under collision coverage. This coverage applies regardless of fault.

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damage caused by incidents other than collisions. This often includes events like theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, or falling objects. For instance, if a tree branch falls onto your car while parked, or if debris from a truck flies off and strikes your windshield, comprehensive coverage applies. Damage from an animal running into your vehicle, such as a deer impacting your car, is also covered under comprehensive policies. However, actively hitting an animal can be classified under either collision or comprehensive, depending on the specific policy.

Liability coverage, mandated in most states, does not cover damage to your own vehicle from these incidents. It only covers damage or injuries you cause to other people or their property. Therefore, for damage to your own car from hitting an object or animal, either collision or comprehensive coverage is necessary.

Factors Influencing Coverage Decisions

Several policy elements influence whether a claim for damage from running over something results in a payout. These factors come into play once the relevant collision or comprehensive coverage is established.

A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company covers claim costs. Both collision and comprehensive coverages have separate deductibles, ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. For example, if you have a $500 collision deductible and your car sustains $2,000 in damage from hitting a pothole, you pay the first $500, and your insurer covers the remaining $1,500.

Policy limits for vehicle damage are usually the actual cash value or repair cost, whichever is less. Policies also contain exclusions for specific circumstances or damage types. Common exclusions include damage from lack of maintenance, pre-existing damage, or intentional acts. For example, damage from a tire blowout due to wear might not be covered, though resulting vehicle damage could be.

Timely reporting of the incident to your insurance company is important. Most policies require notification within a reasonable timeframe, often within a few days or weeks. Delays in reporting can complicate the claims process or lead to a denial of coverage if the delay hinders the insurer’s investigation.

Steps to Take After an Incident

After your vehicle runs over something and sustains damage, taking immediate steps is crucial for your safety and any potential insurance claim.

The first priority is to ensure your safety and that of any passengers. If safe, move your vehicle off the roadway to a secure location away from traffic. Check for injuries and seek medical attention if necessary.

Thoroughly documenting the scene and damage is important. Use your phone or camera to take clear photographs of vehicle damage from multiple angles. Also, photograph the object or road hazard, the surrounding area, and relevant road conditions like potholes or debris. Note the exact location, time, and date for your claim.

Gathering additional information supports your claim. Record details such as weather conditions, lighting, and any witnesses. If a large animal was involved, note its type and condition if safe. If debris fell from another vehicle, attempt to gather information about that vehicle, such as its license plate number. Safety should always be your primary concern.

Contacting authorities may be beneficial or required. If there is significant vehicle damage, if the incident creates a road hazard, or if a large animal was involved and poses a danger, a police report provides an official record. While not always mandatory for single-vehicle incidents, a police report can lend credibility to your insurance claim.

Submitting an Insurance Claim

After completing preparatory steps, the next phase involves formally submitting an insurance claim to your provider.

Initiating a claim involves contacting your insurer through designated channels, such as a phone call, online portal, or mobile application. During this initial contact, provide basic incident information, including the date, time, and location. State that you wish to file a claim for vehicle damage.

You will then provide the information and documentation gathered after the incident. This includes photographs of vehicle damage and the scene, noted road conditions, and any police report. Providing comprehensive and accurate information helps expedite the claims process.

After the claim is filed, your insurer assigns a claims adjuster. The adjuster assesses vehicle damage, reviews incident circumstances, and determines if damage is covered under your policy. They may arrange for your vehicle to be inspected at a repair shop or by an independent appraiser.

Following the adjuster’s assessment, the repair process begins. You obtain repair estimates, which the insurer reviews and approves. You may choose your own repair shop, or the insurer might recommend one. Once repairs are completed, the claim is settled. This involves you paying your deductible directly to the repair shop, and the insurance company paying the remaining approved repair costs.

—
Citations:
Progressive. “Collision vs. Comprehensive: What’s the Difference?” https://www.progressive.com/answers/collision-vs-comprehensive/
Geico. “Comprehensive Car Insurance.” https://www.geico.com/auto-insurance/coverages/comprehensive-coverage/
Allstate. “How Does an Auto Insurance Claim Work?” https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/auto-insurance-claim-process