Hitting an electric pole with your car is a serious accident that can lead to significant damage and injuries. Understanding what insurance coverage applies in such situations is crucial for any driver. This article breaks down the types of insurance that typically cover damage resulting from collisions with electric poles.
When you collide with an electric pole, there are generally two types of damage to consider: damage to your vehicle and damage to the electric pole itself (and potentially other property). The insurance coverage for each of these can differ.
For damage to your own vehicle, collision coverage is the part of your car insurance policy that typically comes into play. Collision insurance covers damage to your car resulting from an accident where you collide with another object, which certainly includes utility poles. Regardless of who is at fault in the accident, your collision coverage will help pay for the repairs to your vehicle, minus your deductible.
However, damage to the electric pole or any other property damage caused by the accident is usually covered under property damage liability coverage, which is a component of your auto liability insurance. Liability coverage is designed to protect you if you are found at fault for an accident. If you are deemed responsible for the accident that caused damage to the electric pole, your property damage liability coverage can help pay for the repair or replacement costs of the pole. This coverage also extends to other types of property you might damage in an accident, such as fences or buildings.
In some instances, if the accident involved factors beyond your control, or if another driver was at fault and caused you to hit the pole, different aspects of insurance might be relevant. For example, if another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you might pursue their bodily injury liability and property damage liability to cover your damages and injuries. However, in most single-vehicle accidents involving electric poles, your own collision and liability coverages are the primary policies that will apply.
It’s important to remember that the specifics of your insurance coverage will depend on your individual policy. Factors like policy limits, deductibles, and specific state laws can all influence what is covered and to what extent. Reviewing your car insurance policy and speaking with your insurance provider are essential steps to fully understand your coverage in the event of an accident involving electric pole damage. Understanding your policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you’re prepared should such an unfortunate incident occur.
