Accidents can occur unexpectedly, and it leaves most drivers devastated because of the cost attached to the repair and replacement of damaged parts. Many drivers dread the possibility of running into a wall; hence, they often wonder if their car insurance will cover hitting a wall.
Whether the accident occurred due to a temporary loss of focus, unfavorable weather condition, or mechanical malfunction, it is imperative to understand how hitting a wall affects your car insurance.
Auto insurance coverage differs significantly, depending on the type of policy you have and the circumstances of the incident. Many drivers are unsure if their insurance would pay for the expenses related to repairing their car and any property damage if they hit their wall. If you seek an answer to this, worry less.
Does Insurance Cover Hitting a Wall?
Whether or not your car insurance will cover hitting a wall largely depends on the type of car insurance policy you bought, including the specifics of the accidents. If you hit someone’s wall with your car and it caused damage to others property or injury, your liability insurance would pay for the damage incurred. While liability insurance covers injuries to a third party and property damage, it does not provide coverage for damage done to your car.
On the other side, regardless of who was at fault for the accident, collision insurance provides coverage if you hit a wall with your car. In essence, you must carry collision insurance for maximum coverage in the event that you hit someone’s wall with your car.
What If Another Car Causes Me to Hit a Wall?
Remember I said that the applicability of coverage depends on both the type of policy you have and the situation surrounding the accident. If you collided with a wall and another driver is the cause of it, the type of scenario it is would determine how coverage will apply. Let’s take a look at these two scenarios.
Hit and run
If the other driver that caused the accident is unknown, it is possible to get coverage under your collision insurance or uninsured motorist insurance, if you have any. The exact coverage for hit-and-run accidents typically depends on the state in which you reside and your insurance company. Peradventure, you don’t have collision or uninsured motorist coverage; you will be responsible for the cost of repair and other damage out of pocket. This typically means that, since you do not carry any of these coverages, your insurer will not pay for the cost involved.
The other driver is identified
If the other driver that caused you to smash into a person’s wall is known, then they would be held responsible to cover the cost of repair and other types of damage up to their coverage limits. The driver’s liability coverage should be able to pay for the damage caused to the wall and other expenses if your car was damaged along the line or there are people who were injured during the course of the accident.
Will My Car Insurance Go Up If I Hit a Wall?
Yes, your car insurance premiums are most likely to skyrocket when you file a claim for an accident pertaining to hitting a wall. Most insurance companies view accidents as indicators of higher risks; hence, your premium may increase when you file a claim for damage. However, the extent of the increase specifically depends on the nature of the accident, your claim history, as well as the policies of your insurance company.
In a situation where you are at fault for the accident, it is more likely to affect your car insurance premiums compared to when you are not responsible for the accident. Nevertheless, if this is your first time hitting a wall and you maintain a good driving record as time goes by, your insurer may reduce your insurance cost.
Do I Need To File A Claim For Hitting A Wall?
In your own best interest, it is advisable not to file a claim for hitting a wall. You may ask why, but the reason is this: if you are deemed at fault for the accident, your premiums can increase upon renewal, regardless of whether you carry collision or uninsured motorist coverage. If the cost of repair is relatively low and is below your deductibles, the best option is to pay out of pocket in order to avoid a potential increase in your auto insurance premiums.
The best thing to do is to weight the cost of repair for the damage incurred, including how much you will pay when you file a claim (the deductible), as well as the impact the claim will have on your premiums. As said earlier, if the cost is minimal, pay for it out of pocket instead of filing a claim for damage.
What to Do If You Hit a Wall with Your Car
In a situation where you accidentally hit a wall with your car, the first thing to do is to ensure your safety and that of everyone else around you. Then, take enough documentation of the incidents by taking pictures and videos of your car and the extent of the damage done to the wall. Once you are done taking the photos, report the incident to the nearest police state. Informing the policy is essential, as it helps to expedite the claim process with your insurer.
Reach out to the affected party, i.e., the owner of the wall, and provide them with the details of your car insurance coverage. If you carry collision coverage, your policy would pay for the cost of repair for the broken wall.
