Jane Dotson
If you've hit a curb, it's important to assess the damage to your car and the curb itself. While hitting a curb may not seem like a serious accident, it can cause significant damage to your vehicle, including the suspension, tires, and other crucial components. In some cases, hitting a curb can even result in unanticipated mechanical issues down the line. Therefore, it is advisable to take pictures of any damage and check your car's alignment, even if it seems minor. Whether or not you should call your insurance company after hitting a curb depends on the extent of the damage and the coverage included in your policy. If your car has sustained severe damage, it is generally recommended to notify your insurance company and possibly file a claim, especially if your policy includes collision coverage. However, it's important to note that filing a claim may result in increased insurance rates, as hitting a curb is typically considered an at-fault accident.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you call your insurance company? | Yes, even if you don't plan on filing a claim. |
| When to file a claim | If your deductible is less than the cost of repairs, it is usually worth filing a claim. |
| What to do after hitting a curb | Examine all the wheels and tires for damage, check the front end and undercarriage, test the steering, take pictures of any damage, and report the incident to the police if necessary. |
| What insurance covers hitting a curb | Collision coverage will cover damage to your car if you hit a curb. Liability coverage may cover repairs to the curb and other property damage if you are found responsible. |
| How to know if you're covered | Contact your insurance provider or a licensed broker to review your policy. |
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What You'll Learn
Collision coverage
If you've hit a curb, it's important to assess the damage before deciding on your next steps. Hitting a curb will usually be considered an accident and, in most cases, an at-fault accident. However, this depends on the circumstances and your insurance provider. If there is little to no damage to your car, it is generally not considered an accident, and you don't need to file a claim.
If you have collision coverage as part of your car insurance policy, it should help pay for damage to your car if you hit a curb. Collision coverage protects your vehicle against damage from colliding with another object, regardless of who is at fault. If the curb is also damaged, your liability coverage may cover the cost of repairs if you are found responsible.
If you decide to file an insurance claim for car damage from hitting a curb, take pictures of the damage and check your policy for details like your collision coverage deductible. If your deductible is less than the cost of repairs, it is usually worth filing a claim. If the curb is damaged and you are found responsible, your liability coverage may pay for the repairs. If there is severe damage to your car or the curb, you should notify your insurance company and possibly file a police report.
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Liability coverage
If you hit a curb and damage your car, it is generally considered an at-fault accident, and you should notify your insurance company. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may also need to file a police report. If you have collision coverage, it should help pay for the damage to your car. Collision coverage protects your vehicle against damage from hitting another object, regardless of who is at fault.
If you do not have collision coverage, you will be responsible for any damages to your car. In this case, comprehensive coverage will not cover your expenses, but full coverage will.
If the curb is damaged, your liability coverage may cover the cost of repairs if you are found responsible. Liability coverage may also pay for repairs to any other damaged property. It is important to note that if you cause little to no damage to your car, it is generally not considered an accident, and you do not need to file a claim. However, if your car is severely damaged, you should inform your insurance company and consider filing a claim.
It is worth noting that filing an insurance claim for hitting a curb may result in increased insurance rates, as it indicates a higher-risk driver. Additionally, the cost of repairs may be less than your collision deductible, in which case your insurance will not cover the damage. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the extent of the damage and review your insurance policy before deciding whether to file a claim.
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Assessing damage
Exterior Damage Assessment:
- Inspect the wheels and tires for any visible damage, such as scratches, dents, chips, or signs of impact.
- Examine the front end and undercarriage of the vehicle for any damage caused by contact with the curb.
- Take clear and detailed photographs of any damage from multiple angles. These photos will be valuable when filing an insurance claim or seeking repairs.
Vehicle Functionality and Performance:
- Test the steering and alignment by driving the car at a slow speed. Ensure the vehicle is driving straight and that you have a normal amount of control over the steering wheel.
- Pay attention to any unusual noises, such as rattling or bouncing, which could indicate suspension or steering issues.
- Check if the car drifts or pulls to one side, as this may indicate an alignment issue caused by the impact.
Potential Mechanical Issues:
- Hitting a curb can affect your vehicle's suspension, so it is crucial to watch out for warning signs of suspension damage. These signs may include unusual bouncing, poor handling, or a loose steering wheel.
- Inspect the tires for any damage, especially to the sidewall, as this could lead to a dangerous blowout.
- Check the transmission for any signs of damage. Hitting a curb can impact the transmission fluid, cooling lines, oil pan, and valve. If you notice any problems shifting gears, have it checked by a professional.
- Assess the underbody of the vehicle for any damage. Running over a curb can scrape the bottom of your car and potentially disconnect linkages and cables.
Remember, even if the impact seems minor, it is important to thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage. Some issues may not be immediately apparent, and driving with undetected damage can lead to further complications and higher repair costs down the line. If you are unsure or concerned about potential damage, it is always best to seek professional advice or take your vehicle to a reputable repair shop for a thorough assessment.
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At-fault accidents
Hitting a curb is considered an accident and, in most cases, an at-fault accident. However, the final decision depends on the circumstances and your insurance provider. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company should help pay for the damage to your car. Collision insurance coverage protects your vehicle against damage from hitting another object, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. If the curb is also damaged, your liability coverage may cover the cost of repairs if you are found to be at fault.
If the impact causes little or no damage to your car, you generally do not need to file a claim as it is not considered an accident. However, if your car is severely damaged, you should inform your insurance company and possibly file a police report. It may also be worth filing a collision claim based on the extent of the damage.
If you decide to file an insurance claim, take pictures of the damage from multiple angles as you will need these if you submit a claim. Examine the wheels and tires for damage, such as scratches, dents, or chips. Check the front end and undercarriage for any damage, and test the steering to ensure the car is driving straight with a normal amount of control.
Even if you do not plan on filing a claim, it is recommended that you report the incident to the police and notify your insurance company. If you notice or suspect any damage to your car, take it to an auto body shop to avoid further damage and repairs.
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Filing a claim
Hitting a curb is considered a single-vehicle collision and will almost always be deemed an at-fault accident. Therefore, if you have collision coverage, your insurance company should help pay for the damage to your car. If you don't have collision coverage, you will be responsible for any damages.
If you decide to file an insurance claim, you will need to submit evidence and a claims form. Evidence includes pictures of any damage from multiple angles, which will be useful if an adjuster needs them. You should also check your policy for details like your collision coverage deductible. If your deductible is less than the cost of repairs, it is usually worth filing a claim.
If the curb is also damaged, your liability coverage may cover the cost of repairs if you are responsible. If there is no damage to your car, you do not need to file a claim as it is not considered an accident. However, if your car is severely damaged, you should inform your insurance company and possibly call the police to file a report.
After filing a claim, your insurance premium may be affected by variables such as the size of the claim, your driving history, and whether you are judged to be at blame for the collision.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the damage caused by the collision. If there is no damage to your car, you do not need to call your insurance. If there is damage, you should call your insurance company to check if your policy covers this type of damage.
First, assess the damage to your car and the curb. If there are any injuries, call emergency services. Take pictures of the damage and the accident scene, as these will be useful if you need to file an insurance claim. Check your steering and suspension to ensure your car is safe to drive. If the damage is significant, you may need to call a tow truck or your roadside assistance provider.
It depends on your insurance policy. If you have collision coverage, your insurance should cover the damage to your car, even if you are at fault. If you do not have collision coverage, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs.
If the curb is damaged and you are found responsible, your liability coverage may pay for the repairs.
