If I Hit a Pole Does My Insurance Cover It?
Running into a pole is not only embarrassing, but it can also be quite expensive. Not only do you have to pay for repairs to your car, but you also need to cover property damages as well. These costs can quickly add up, and if you’ve got the wrong insurance, you’ll have to pay for it out-of-pocket.
If you’ve hit a telephone pole or street light, you’ll need to pay the city to replace it. These poles aren’t cheap and can cost thousands of dollars to replace. If you drive off and don’t report the collision, you can even be charged with a misdemeanor hit and run for property damage. This often includes a hefty fine of up to $10,000. In severe cases, it can even involve jail time, depending on the severity of the damage.
Whether or not your insurance will pay for damages after you’ve crashed into a pole depends mainly on your coverage. To cover damage to your car, you’ll need to have collision insurance. To cover damage to the pole, you’ll need to have liability insurance. Some plans will even have coverage for injuries. This can help pay your medical bills for your recovery.
Should I Claim When I Hit a Pole?
Sometimes, it may be cheaper not to report the collision to your insurance. Some insurance policies have very high deductibles for collision accidents. Most insurance companies will raise your premium after a collision since it’s often your fault for hitting the pole.
If you had a small accident, with almost zero damage to your car or the pole, it might be better not to report the collision. This is especially true if the damage will cost less to fix than your deductible. However, if you can’t afford to pay the damages yourself, then your best option is to contact your insurance company.