Does car insurance cover road debris damage?
More than 25,000 car accidents are caused by road debris every year. Car damage from road debris can be frustrating. Your auto insurance covers if you hit debris on a highway, but your rates might increase.
Read more
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Dani Best
Updated February 2024
- Road debris is typically covered by car insurance, minus your deductible
- Whether the road hazard is airborne or on the ground can impact claim filing
- Weigh the costs, benefits, and extent of damage before filing a claim
Flying Road Debris Towards the Car
What if your car hits an object on the highway? One of the most common types of debris that you are going to face as a driver is that which is flying towards your vehicle, airborne. This can be debris that has flown off of the bed of a truck, or perhaps come off of a tree that is next to the road.No matter what the type of debris is, the likelihood is that it is going to be handled the same way by your car insurance carrier. A flying paint can off of a truck or a falling tree branch makes no difference to how your insurance claim is going to be handled.Any road hazard that is airborne when it strikes your car is considered to be unavoidable damage.
When you file a claim with your car insurance carrier, you can expect this to be covered as part of what is known as your comprehensive coverage.
What you are going to want to pay attention to here when filing a comprehensive claim is the insurance deductible that your auto insurance policy has, which you will pay out of pocket, and the associated comprehensive limits.The one exception to the deductible rule has to do with something airborne that has only cracked the windshield. Most will have a portion of their car insurance policy that addresses windshield damage.If your windshield cracks, you may have a policy that lets it be repaired or replaced entirely without any deductible applying. Pay attention to the policy coverage terms!
Free Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Debris Sitting on the Road
If you are driving and there is debris that is just sitting on the road, it also poses a significant risk to your car.
When you file a claim due to hitting something on the road, it is going to be a part of your collision insurance, treated the same way as if you hit another vehicle.
If your car insurance carrier considers you at fault, meaning you could have avoided the accident but did not, you may not get the benefit payout you would expect. States are racing to repair roads, but danger always persists.
Filing a Road Hazard Claim and Insurance Rate Impact
Whenever you have a situation where dangerous road debris has struck your vehicle, you want to assess how bad the damage is and whether or not you should file a car insurance claim, like the Geico road hazard insurance claim. If you have damage of just $300, for example, you may want to get it repaired on your own rather than filing a road debris insurance claim with your carrier. (For more information, read our “How do I assess car damage for insurance purposes?“).
Once you file a claim, it is going to go against your future driving record, causing car insurance rates at the time of renewal to also increase. Weigh the costs and benefits of the claim filing so you can be sure you will recover adequately to make it worth your while.Debris on the road is something that we all have to deal with and be aware of.
As a consumer for car insurance, though, you want to think about damage from road debris when you are shopping for your policy, not after it has caused you to file a claim.Pay attention to your deductible, to the comprehensive and collision limits you are buying. Start here, compare prices from various insurers so that the premium you pay in exchange for your coverage is appropriate.
By shopping around, you can find the most affordable car insurance quotes. Enter your zip code below to compare today!You never know when debris could come flying at you on the road.
Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Road Debris Damage
Case Study 1: Flying Road Debris Towards the Car
John was driving on the highway when a flying piece of debris from a truck hit his car, causing significant damage. He filed a comprehensive claim, and his insurance covered the repairs after paying the deductible.
Case Study 2: Debris Sitting on the Road
Sarah hit debris sitting on the road, resulting in car damage. She filed a claim with her collision insurance but was found at fault, reducing the insurance payout.
Case Study 3: Filing a Road Hazard Claim and Insurance Rate Impact
Lisa experienced road debris damage and had to decide whether to file a claim with her car insurance carrier. She evaluated the extent of the damage and considered the deductible and potential impact on her future insurance rates. After weighing the costs and benefits, she decided to repair the damage independently without filing a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my car insurance cover damages caused by road debris?
In most cases, damages caused by road debris are covered by car insurance, specifically under the comprehensive coverage portion of your policy. Comprehensive coverage typically provides protection against non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, and damage from falling objects, including road debris.
What types of damages caused by road debris are typically covered?
Damages caused by road debris that are typically covered by comprehensive car insurance include:
- Dents, scratches, or chips from rocks, gravel, or other objects kicked up by other vehicles.
- Damage to the vehicle’s body, windows, or lights due to collisions with debris on the road.
- Punctured or flat tires caused by sharp objects on the road.
Do I have to pay a deductible for road debris damage claims?
The requirement to pay a deductible for road debris damage claims depends on your specific car insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage often carries a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. Check your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to determine the deductible amount applicable to your coverage.
Will my insurance rates increase if I make a claim for road debris damage?
Making a claim for road debris damage may or may not result in an increase in your insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premium rates, including the number of claims made and the specific circumstances of each claim. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness or claim-free discounts that may help mitigate any potential rate increases. It’s recommended to consult with your insurance provider to understand the impact on your rates.
Are there any exclusions or limitations for road debris damage coverage?
While comprehensive coverage generally covers damages caused by road debris, there may be exclusions or limitations to consider. Some common exclusions or limitations may include:
- Deductible: As mentioned earlier, you may have a deductible to pay before receiving coverage for road debris damage.
- Wear and Tear: Comprehensive coverage typically does not cover normal wear and tear or maintenance-related issues.
- Intentional Acts: Damages intentionally caused by the policyholder or acts of vandalism may not be covered.
- Coverage Limits: Your policy may have specific coverage limits that determine the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for road debris damage.
Get a FREE Quote in Minutes
Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption