Using the roads can feel like a challenging course sometimes, especially when it involves unpredictable road debris. Whether they are construction materials, fallen branches, or blown tires, they can damage your car or vehicle significantly. This makes a lot of drivers or car owners ask the question: Does insurance cover road debris damage?
In this blog post, we will be finding the answer to this question and discovering situations where and when you will be compensated. You also get to learn how to file a claim, so if you are interested, keep reading to find out.
When Does Insurance Cover Road Debris Damage?
Your auto insurance policy can cover damage caused by road debris in these circumstances:
- Comprehensive Coverage: This type of coverage compensates for any form of damage to your car or vehicle caused by road debris. Comprehensive coverage also reimburses for the repair or replacement of your car, depending on your coverage level.
- Collision Coverage: If you try to avoid debris and collide with or hit another object on the road, like another vehicle or a guardrail, you can apply collision coverage.
Does Insurance Cover Road Debris Damage?
The answer is yes. Insurance does cover road debris damage. However, this depends on the type of coverage you have.
Take comprehensive insurance as an example. This type of coverage offers protection against damage to your car or vehicle caused by road debris. It also covers non-collision-related events that are not under your control, like road debris ruining your car while driving.
When Will I Not Receive Coverage?
You will not be getting coverage for damage caused by road debris in these scenarios:
- No Comprehensive Coverage: If you do not have comprehensive coverage, road debris damage will not be covered.
- Liability-Only Policy: For drivers with only liability coverage, damages to your vehicle, like road debris, will not be covered.
- Normal Wear and Tear: Damage viewed as normal wear and tear is not covered by a standard car insurance policy.
Who Is Responsible for Road Debris Damage?
The person or party responsible for road debris damage differs depending on where the debris is or came from.
For instance, if the debris was a result of poor maintenance of the public roads or from a construction site, the governmental entity handling the road or the construction company is responsible.
On the other hand, if the debris is from another vehicle, the driver of the vehicle will be held responsible. Sometimes, finding who is responsible can be too complicated and require legal interference or advice.
How to File a Road Debris Damage Claim
There are several steps to undergo when it comes to filing a claim against road debris damage. First of all, this depends on the nature of the debris, the policyholder’s type of coverage, and who owns the road. Here is a guide you can follow:
- Document the situation.
- Look for witnesses.
- Evaluate your car’s condition and safety.
- If needed, call for roadside assistance.
- Report the incident.
- Reach out to your insurance company.
- File a third-party claim.
- Repair your car.
- Stay connected with your insurance provider for progress tracking.
You can also check your insurance quote before any incident takes place to find out what is covered and what is not.
FAQs
What types of debris are covered by comprehensive insurance?
All types of debris, like construction materials, rocks, fallen trees, and other objects on the road, are considered road debris.
Does comprehensive coverage have a deductible?
Yes, comprehensive coverage usually comes with a deductible that policyholders will need to pay out of pocket before their insurance policy covers the remaining costs.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim for road debris damage?
Whether or not your insurance rates go up after filing a claim for road debris damage depends on your previous claim history and your insurance company. However, keep in mind that comprehensive claims affect your insurance rates less than collision claims do.
Can I claim for additional items damaged by road debris, like personal belongings inside the car?
Personal belongings are not covered under standard auto insurance quotes, although they might be covered under renters or homeowners insurance quotes.
What should I do if the debris comes from a truck but I can’t identify it?
It is still possible for you to file a claim under your comprehensive coverage, even if you are not able to find the source of the debris.
Is there any way to prevent damage from road debris?
Although it may be to prevent road debris, you can still avoid it by driving attentively and keeping your distance from vehicles or trucks that carry loads to mitigate the risks.
What if the road debris was due to poor road maintenance?
Sometimes, you can file a claim against whatever is responsible for road maintenance, even though it can be daunting and there is no guarantee for compensation or reimbursement.
