Here’s an overview of how your insurance company responds to a single-car accident involving a stationary object.
How Car Insurance Responds When You Slide on Ice and Hit a Stationary Object
Winter driving can be difficult. We see far more accidents on icy, slick roads. If you lose control and hit a stationary object like a fence, mailbox, or light pole, you may be left wondering how your insurance company will handle the situation.
Here’s an overview of how your car insurance company responds to a single-car accident involving a stationary object.
What Happens First?
When you report the accident to your insurance company, they’ll typically follow these steps:
- Gather Details About the Accident
Your insurer will ask for basic information about what happened, including:- The time and location of the accident.
- What you hit (e.g., a mailbox, fence, building, etc.)
- Photos or other documentation of the damage.
- Assign a Claims Adjuster
A claims adjuster will be assigned to review your case. They may inspect the damage in person or rely on photos and repair shop estimates to assess the cost of repairs.
Which Coverages Are Involved?
When you collide with a stationary object, different parts of your car insurance policy may come into play:
Collision Coverage
- This is the key coverage that applies to damage to your own vehicle.
- It helps pay for repairs to your car or its replacement (if the damage is severe enough to declare it a total loss).
- You’ll need to pay your deductible before your insurer contributes to the repair costs.
Property Damage Liability Coverage
- If you damage someone else’s property, such as a neighbor’s fence or mailbox, this coverage helps pay for the repairs or replacement.
- It does not cover damage to your own vehicle—only the property you damaged.
Other Potential Coverage Options
- If the accident results in injuries to anyone, your medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may apply.
- Your vehicle may need to be towed. Towing or Roadside Assistance may be needed.
- You may be without your vehicle while it is being repaired. You may need rental car coverage.
How Does the Claims Process Work?
- File a Claim
Once the accident is reported, your insurer will begin processing the claim. Be prepared to provide any documentation they request, including:- Photos of the damage.
- Contact information for any property owner (if applicable).
- Police reports, if required by local laws or your insurer.
- Damage Assessment
The claims adjuster will determine:- The cost of repairing your vehicle.
- The cost of repairing the stationary object you hit, if applicable.
- Repair and Reimbursement
- For damage to your car: You can choose a repair shop or use one recommended by your insurer.
- For damage to property: Your insurer will coordinate payment for repairs or replacement directly with the property owner or their insurer.
- Deductibles and Policy Limits
- For collision coverage: You’ll need to pay your deductible before your insurance pays the remaining repair costs.
- For liability coverage: Your insurer will cover damages up to your policy limits. If the costs exceed your limits, you may be responsible for the difference.
Will the Accident Affect Your Premium?
Sliding on ice and hitting a stationary object is generally considered an “at-fault” accident. This may result in an increase in your premium when your policy renews. What does this mean? Your rates will increase from a “chargeable” claim or accident, even if you slipped on ice. A collision claim and/or a property damage claim such as this is one of the accidents that will cause your car insurance rates to increase. However, some policies offer accident forgiveness, which prevents your first at-fault accident from affecting your rates.
What If You Don’t Have the Necessary Coverage?
If you don’t have collision coverage, you’ll need to cover the cost of your vehicle’s repairs out of pocket. Similarly, if your property damage liability coverage limits are too low to fully compensate for the damage, you may need to pay the difference.
Final Thoughts
Sliding on ice and colliding with a stationary object can be a stressful experience, but your car insurance is there to help. By understanding how your policy responds, you can handle the situation confidently and ensure repairs are completed efficiently.
If you have questions about your car insurance coverage or want to review your policy, contact Ameriguard Insurance, 763-767-0522. We’ll help you stay protected on the road, no matter the weather!