Does auto insurance cover hitting my own car?
How does insurance work if I hit my own car? Fortunately, you and your vehicle are covered by collision coverage if you hit your own car. A collision auto insurance policy will cover damages to your vehicle, even if you're the driver that hits it. Read this guide for more information regarding what happens if you hit your own car in your driveway, on the road, or drive through a wall or mailbox.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Jun 20, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 20, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
If you have multiple cars parked at home, you might run out of luck one day and actually end up hitting your own vehicle. This is not actually that uncommon. If you have a small garage or a narrow driveway (or teen drivers), running into your own car happens more than you think. Fortunately, filing an auto insurance claim for these vehicles does not have to be that complicated. Let’s take a look at some scenarios.
Hitting A Parked In Your Own Driveway
If you are rolling backwards down your driveway and happen to smash into your friend’s car, the insurance claim process is pretty straightforward. You call up your insurer, you file a claim, and your insurance will cover damages to both your vehicle and his. Your liability auto insurance coverage will pay for damages to his vehicle. Your collision coverage will pay for damages to your own vehicle.
If you are rolling down your driveway and smash into your wife’s or your child’s vehicle, are you still covered? Chances are that answer is still ‘yes’. If both cars are covered on the same multi-car insurance policy and both have collision coverage, the repairs should both be paid for by that coverage.
If you do not have collision coverage, however, you may have to pay for damages out of pocket. Even the vehicle that is “the victim” will not be covered by the other car’s liability policy. Most liability coverage excludes damages to vehicles that you own. This is why having collision coverage is so important.
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Hitting Your Own Car On The Road
Read more: Does my auto insurance cover damage to my own car if I am at fault in an accident?
If you are on your way home, turn onto your street, and happen to slam into the side of your wife’s vehicle, your insurance coverage will work in a slightly different way. If there are no injuries to anyone involved in the accident, both of the collision coverage policies will ‘kick in’ and pay for the damages.
If there are injuries involved, the claims process can get a bit tricky. The at-fault car’s liability policy will cover injuries to the other party. If the driver or passengers in the at-fault vehicle are injured, they will be covered by their personal injury protection policy (PIP) insurance, if they have it. If there is no PIP coverage, the injured’s health insurance policy will most likely cover the injuries.
Driving Through Your Wall Or Into Your Mailbox
Driving into your own mailbox or some other item you own is both stupid and careless, but usually there is insurance coverage available to pay for the damages. Like in the scenario above, damage to your vehicle would be covered by your collision coverage if you crash into part of your house. But, who will pay for the actual damage to your house? We’ve all seen videos online where people accidently drive right into their living room, but we most likely do not know if insurance pays for that damage.
If you own the house, the damage to your property most likely will not be covered. You will need to have homeowner’s insurance pay for the damage, or you will need to pay for the damage out of pocket. If you rent your house, however, your property damage liability insurance policy most likely will cover the damages. The reason for this is because most personal car insurance policies do not cover damage to property you own. If you rent your house or your apartment, you are not the owner. The landlord is. Therefore, if you drive into your landlord’s property, your auto insurance will cover the damages, you just have to go through the property damage claims process.
In all car accidents, whether you crash into your own property or not, it’s best to call up your insurance company and report them. The first step in properly dealing with vehicle damage always involves reporting it to your insurer. Your insurance agent will be able to properly assess damages and get you well on your way to fixing them. Failing to properly file a claim could lead to trouble down the road and hurt your chances of getting the damage paid for.
Read more: Does my auto insurance cover damage to my car if I hit a parked car?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if you hit a wall with your car?
If you hit a wall with your car, ensure everyone’s safety first. Assess the damage to your vehicle and the wall. If there are no injuries and the damage is minor, you may choose not to report it. However, it’s advisable to inform your insurance provider, especially if there’s significant damage.
A car hit my house, what do I do?
If a car hits your house, ensure everyone’s safety first. Contact emergency services if needed. Exchange insurance information with the driver and document the incident with photos. Notify your homeowner’s insurance provider and file a claim to cover repair costs.
I scraped my car against the wall, how do I report it?
To report scraping your car against a wall, contact your insurance provider and inform them of the incident. Provide details such as when and where it occurred, along with any relevant photos. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process.
Am I liable if someone hits my mailbox?
Liability for damage to your mailbox depends on the circumstances. If someone hits your mailbox due to their negligence or recklessness, they may be liable for the damages. However, if your mailbox obstructs traffic or is improperly placed, you could share liability.
Can I claim on my car insurance if I hit a wall?
Yes, you can usually claim on your car insurance if you hit a wall, provided you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions with objects such as walls, fences, or poles.
Can you get in trouble for hitting a mailbox?
Hitting a mailbox without stopping to assess the damage or leaving contact information can lead to legal consequences. It’s considered a hit-and-run offense. However, if you stop, assess the damage, and take responsibility by contacting the mailbox owner or leaving a note, you may avoid legal trouble.
Does car insurance cover hitting a mailbox?
Yes, car insurance typically covers hitting a mailbox if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions with objects, including mailboxes. However, you may be responsible for damages to the mailbox itself.
Does car insurance cover hitting a car?
Yes, car insurance generally covers hitting another car if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions with other vehicles, regardless of fault.
Does car insurance cover hitting a wall?
Yes, car insurance typically covers hitting a wall if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions with objects such as walls, fences, or barriers.
Does comprehensive cover hitting a curb?
Comprehensive coverage usually doesn’t cover hitting a curb. Comprehensive coverage typically applies to non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Hitting a curb is considered a collision, so it’s covered under collision coverage, if you have it.
Does hitting a parked car affect insurance?
Yes, hitting a parked car can affect your insurance, especially if you’re found at fault. Your rates may increase, and you may have to pay a deductible if you file a claim. However, if the other driver is at fault and their insurance covers the damages, it may not impact your rates.
Does homeowners insurance cover car damage in the driveway?
Homeowner insurance may cover car damage in the driveway under certain circumstances. If the damage results from a covered peril, such as a fallen tree or vandalism, your homeowner’s insurance policy may help cover repair costs. However, it’s best to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
Does insurance cover hitting a curb?
Yes, insurance can cover hitting a curb if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions with objects such as curbs, poles, or barriers.
Does insurance cover if you hit your car?
Yes, insurance can cover if you hit your car, provided you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions, regardless of fault.
Does one-way insurance cover hit-and-run?
One-way insurance, also known as third-party insurance, typically doesn’t cover hit-and-run incidents unless you have uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for damages if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
How does car insurance work if you hit someone?
If you hit someone, your liability insurance will cover their bodily injury and property damage expenses, up to your policy limits. You may also be responsible for your own vehicle’s damages if you have collision coverage.
If a car hits my house, who pays?
If a car hits your house, the driver’s auto insurance may cover the damages to your property. You can file a claim with their insurance company to seek compensation for repairs. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to rely on your homeowners insurance.
If I damage my car, can I claim on my insurance?
Yes, if you damage your car, you can typically file a claim on your insurance if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions with objects or other vehicles.
If I hit a car, does my insurance cover it?
Yes, if you hit a car, your insurance may cover it if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions with other vehicles or objects, regardless of fault.
If I hit a curb, do I need to report it?
Whether you need to report hitting a curb depends on the extent of the damage and your insurance policy. If the damage is minor and you don’t plan to file a claim, you may not need to report it. However, if there’s significant damage or you intend to file a claim, it’s advisable to report the incident to your insurance provider.
If I hit my car, do I have to pay two deductibles?
If you hit your car and cause damage, you’ll generally only have to pay one deductible if you’re filing a claim under your collision coverage. However, if you have separate collision coverage for multiple vehicles on your policy, you may need to pay a deductible for each vehicle.
If someone hits my parked car, do I have to pay a deductible?
Whether you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car depends on the circumstances and your insurance policy. If the other driver is at fault and their insurance covers the damages, you may not have to pay a deductible. However, if you file a claim under your own collision coverage, you’ll likely have to pay your deductible.
If you hit a parked car, what should you do?
If you hit a parked car, you should stop and assess the damage. Leave a note with your contact information for the owner if they’re not present. If the damage is significant or you can’t locate the owner, contact the authorities and report the incident. You may also need to notify your insurance provider.
Is hitting a mailbox with a car a federal offense?
Hitting a mailbox with a car is not typically considered a federal offense unless certain conditions apply, such as intentional vandalism or tampering with mail. However, leaving the scene of an accident without taking appropriate action, such as providing contact information or reporting the incident, can result in legal consequences at the state or local level.
Is it illegal to accidentally hit a mailbox?
Accidentally hitting a mailbox is not inherently illegal, but failing to fulfill your legal obligations afterward, such as leaving the scene without providing contact information or reporting the incident, can lead to legal consequences for hit-and-run or property damage.
Someone hit my mailbox, what do I do?
If someone hits your mailbox, document the incident by taking photos of the damage and any relevant information, such as tire tracks or vehicle descriptions. If the driver is present, exchange insurance information and file a claim with their insurance company. If the driver leaves the scene, report the incident to the authorities and contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to file a claim.
What do you do if someone hits your car?
If someone hits your car, exchange insurance information with the other driver, gather evidence such as photos or witness statements and report the incident to your insurance provider. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance or rely on your coverage.
What do you do when you hit a parked car?
If you hit a parked car, stop immediately and assess the damage. Leave a note with your contact information for the owner if they’re not present. If the damage is significant or you can’t locate the owner, contact the authorities and report the incident. You may also need to notify your insurance provider and file a claim.
What happens if I hit a car?
What happens if I hit my car? If you hit a car, you may be liable for damages to the other vehicle and any injuries sustained by the occupants. Depending on the circumstances and who is at fault, you or your insurance provider may be responsible for covering the damages and medical expenses.
What happens if you accidentally hit a mailbox?
If you accidentally hit a mailbox, you should stop and assess the damage. If the mailbox owner is present, exchange contact information and offer to cover repair costs. If the owner is not present, leave a note with your contact information and report the incident to the authorities and your insurance provider.
What happens if you hit a building with your car?
If you hit a building with your car, you should first ensure everyone’s safety and assess the damage. If there are no injuries and the damage is minor, you may choose not to report it. However, if the damage is significant, you should report the incident to the authorities and your insurance provider.
What happens if you hit a mailbox?
If you hit a mailbox, you should stop and assess the damage. If the mailbox owner is present, exchange contact information and offer to cover repair costs. If the owner is not present, leave a note with your contact information and report the incident to the authorities and your insurance provider.
What happens if you hit a mailbox and leave?
Leaving the scene after hitting a mailbox without taking appropriate action, such as providing contact information or reporting the incident, can lead to legal consequences for hit-and-run or property damage. It’s important to fulfill your legal obligations and take responsibility for the damage.
What happens if you hit your car?
If you hit your car, you may be eligible to file a claim with your insurance provider if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from collisions, regardless of fault.
What happens when you are hit by a car?
If you are hit by a car as a pedestrian or cyclist, seek medical attention immediately if needed. Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver, and gather evidence such as witness statements or photos. Report the incident to the authorities and your insurance provider.
What happens when you hit a car?
If you hit a car, you may be liable for damages to the other vehicle and any injuries sustained by the occupants. Depending on the circumstances and who is at fault, you or your insurance provider may be responsible for covering the damages and medical expenses.
What if I hit my car on the driveway?
If you hit your car in the driveway, assess the damage and report the incident to your insurance provider if necessary. Depending on your coverage and the extent of the damage, you may be eligible to file a claim under collision coverage.
What to do if someone hits your mailbox?
If someone hits your mailbox, document the incident by taking photos of the damage and any relevant information, such as tire tracks or vehicle descriptions. If the driver is present, exchange insurance information and file a claim with their insurance company. If the driver leaves the scene, report the incident to the authorities and contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to file a claim.
What to do if you accidentally hit a mailbox?
What to do if you hit a mailbox? If you accidentally hit a mailbox, stop and assess the damage. If the mailbox owner is present, exchange contact information and offer to cover repair costs. If the owner is not present, leave a note with your contact information and report the incident to the authorities and your insurance provider.
What to do if you hit a parked car and left?
If you hit a parked car and left the scene, you should take responsibility by reporting the incident to the authorities and providing contact information for the owner of the parked car. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences for hit-and-run or property damage.
What to do when someone hits your parked car?
If someone hits your parked car, document the incident by taking photos of the damage and any relevant information, such as witness statements or vehicle descriptions. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and report the incident to your insurance provider to file a claim.
What to do when someone hits your parked car with Geico insurance?
If someone hits your parked car and they have Geico insurance, follow the same steps as you would with any other insurance provider. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, gather evidence and report the incident to your insurance provider to file a claim.
What to do when you accidentally hit someone’s car?
If you accidentally hit someone’s car, stop immediately and assess the damage. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and offer to cover repair costs. If the owner is not present, leave a note with your contact information and report the incident to the authorities and your insurance provider.
Will insurance pay if I hit my car?
Yes, if you have collision coverage, your insurance may pay for the damages to your car resulting from hitting it. However, you’ll need to pay the deductible outlined in your policy before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Do homeowners insurance cover vehicles in the driveway?
Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover vehicles parked in the driveway unless they’re specifically listed on the policy or covered under a separate endorsement. However, homeowners insurance may cover damage to vehicles caused by covered perils, such as falling trees or vandalism, regardless of where the vehicle is parked. It’s essential to review your policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options for vehicles.
If a car hits a wall, will insurance cover it?
Yes, insurance coverage typically applies when a car hits a wall. Collision coverage will handle the repairs to your vehicle, while homeowner’s insurance may cover the damage to the wall if it’s your property.
Will Geico cover a hit-and-run on a parked car?
Yes, Geico offers coverage for hit-and-run incidents involving parked cars under their uninsured motorist property damage coverage. You can file a claim with Geico if your parked car is damaged by a hit-and-run driver.
Will Geico cover me if someone hits my parked car?
Yes, if someone hits your parked car, Geico’s insurance coverage should handle the damages. You can file a claim with Geico for repairs to your parked car.
If I hit debris on the highway, will insurance cover it?
Yes, hitting debris on the highway is typically covered by comprehensive insurance coverage. You can file a claim with your insurance company to handle the damages to your car caused by hitting debris.
Does Progressive cover a hit-and-run on a parked car?
Yes, Progressive provides coverage for hit-and-run accidents involving parked cars under their uninsured motorist property damage coverage. You can file a claim with Progressive if your parked car is damaged by a hit-and-run driver.
Does State Farm cover a hit-and-run on a parked car?
Yes, State Farm offers coverage for hit-and-run incidents involving parked cars under their uninsured motorist property damage coverage. You can file a claim with State Farm if your parked car is damaged by a hit-and-run driver.
Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.