Does auto insurance cover hitting a pole? (2025)

You may be thinking, “I backed into a pole. Will my insurance cover it?” Most people think insurance covers damage if they hit a pole, but it depends.

Collision coverage will cover vehicle damages, but if you only have liability coverage you could be on the hook for repairs. You’ll also want to consider any potential bodily injuries or other property damage resulting from hitting a pole. Read on to learn what types of insurance coverage is out there if a car hits a pole, why it’s important to consider full coverage car insurance, and what to do when you hit a pole but there’s no damage.

Looking for cheap coverage after you backed into a pole with your car? Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to instantly compare car insurance rates from the top providers and get covered for hitting a pole.

How Car Insurance Covers Hitting a Pole

Does full coverage cover hitting a pole? Collision insurance helps pay for car damage expenses related to an accident with another vehicle or object, including hitting a pole in a parking lot. This coverage is important if you are at fault.

The insurance company will investigate the accident and determine whether they will cover the damage. If you are not at fault, your insurance company will work with the other driver’s insurance company to cover the costs of repairs and, in some cases, medical treatment. 

The exact coverage will vary depending on the insurance policy and the circumstances of the accident. Still, in general, damage to your vehicle from hitting a pole is covered under collision auto insurance policies.

If you have collision coverage and your damage is less than the limit on your policy, then your insurance company will cover the total cost of the damage to your vehicle. However, if your car is totaled as a result of the accident, then your insurance company may offer to pay you for its value minus your deductible. 

If you have the required insurance and your car isn’t totaled, you will never pay more than your deductible. For example, if you hit a pole and incur $2,500 in damage with a $500 deductible, you are liable for $500, while your insurance will cover the remaining $2,000.

You’ll always be required to pay your deductible if you file a collision claim with your insurance company. Setting a realistic deductible will help to ensure you can cover the costs of an accident.

Is hitting a pole considered an accident? Yes, hitting a pole is considered an at-fault accident that could raise your rates.

Will my insurance go up if I backed into a pole? If you file a claim after you backed into a pole, your rates will go up.

How to Get Injury and Property Damage Coverage If You Hit Pole in Parking Lot

A top question readers ask is, “I hit a pole. Will insurance cover it if someone gets injured?” It’s important to note that collision coverage alone only applies to damage to your vehicle, not injuries to you or others or damage to the pole.

In such cases, you need medical payments/PIP and property damage liability coverage. PIP, or personal injury protection, is medical coverage that helps pay for your medical expenses after a car accident. This coverage applies no matter who is at fault in the accident.

Does insurance cover hitting a pole and the property damage? Property damage liability pays for damages to someone else’s property if you’re at fault in an accident. This type of coverage protects you from paying out of pocket if you damage someone else’s property, and it’s required in almost every state.

Now that you know the answer to, “Does insurance cover if I hit a pole?” we’ll what happens if you hit a light pole and what to do in that scenario.

What to Do if You Hit a Pole in a Parking Lot

The first thing you should do if you’re thinking, “I hit a pole with my car. What should I do?” is call the police. Report the incident to them in case there is any property damage. You should also contact your insurance company so you can file a claim.

Read More: Can I file an insurance claim without a police report?

Reasons You May Hit a Pole When Driving

Whether you hit an icy patch, drive under the influence, or try to avoid a collision with another car, you might swerve off the road and hit a pole. You may also accidentally hit a pole in a parking lot. Regardless of the underlying cause, it is important to know that you have the option to file a claim for damages. 

A DUI conviction will almost certainly result in legal problems, but it may also cause problems with your car insurance. Depending on your state and your insurance company, they could cancel your insurance policy, require you to pay higher premiums, or treat you as a high-risk driver. In some cases, your insurance company may even refuse to renew your policy. 

.@NHTSAgov Getting a DUI charge could cause your insurance premiums to sharply increase. #BuzzedDriving

— GEICO (@GEICO) June 28, 2017

If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s important to be aware of the potential impact on your car insurance. An experienced DUI attorney can help you understand the laws in your state and advise you on how to protect your rights.

Why an Insurance Company Might Deny a Claim for Hitting a Pole

Why might an insurance company deny me if I hit my car on a pole? Insufficient coverage is one of the most common reasons car insurance may deny claims. Suppose you have a basic liability insurance policy. In that case, your claim for damage from hitting a pole may be denied because it only covers property damage and injuries to others, for example.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of your policy’s limitations and plan ahead to ensure you have proper coverage if you hit a pole or another object.

Collision Coverage in Case You Hit a Pole

Will insurance cover if I hit a pole? As a driver, you always hope to avoid hitting a pole. However, car insurance is there to provide financial protection if this happens.

Is hitting a pole comprehensive or collision? Your collision insurance policy will likely cover any damage to your car when you hit a pole or other solid objects, such as mailboxes or guard rails.

However, collision coverage alone won’t cover any injuries to yourself or others or even damage to the pole. Therefore, it would be best to have medical payments/PIP coverage and property damage liability.

If you’re wondering, “I hit a pole and damaged my car without insurance. How do I get covered?” compare car insurance options and quotes by entering your ZIP code below. You might be surprised by how much you could save.