Can I Claim Insurance for Hitting a Curb by Myself?
3 Answers
If you damage your car by hitting a curb and have purchased collision insurance, the insurance company will provide compensation. Below is a detailed introduction to the auto insurance claim process: Here are the steps for filing an insurance claim: 1. Present the insurance policy, vehicle registration, policyholder's ID, and insurance certificate. 2. Fill out the accident report form, provide a detailed account of the incident, and include contact details for the person reporting the accident and the driver. 3. Inspect the vehicle's exterior and take photos for damage assessment. 4. The claims adjuster will guide the policyholder through an exterior inspection of the vehicle, then take photos for verification based on the reported details, and remind the policyholder about any valuable items inside the car. 5. Hand over the vehicle to the repair shop, with the adjuster issuing a work order specifying the repair items and timeline. 6. Finally, the policyholder signs off, and the vehicle is sent to the repair shop for servicing.
Last time I accidentally hit the curb while driving, and the front bumper cracked, which really scared me. I immediately reported it to the insurance company, but they said whether it could be covered depends on the type of insurance I have. If you have collision coverage, it usually covers the damage, but only if you're fully at fault. The insurance will pay for repairs, such as damaged tires or rims. However, don't forget about the deductible. My repair cost was 2000 yuan, with a 500 yuan deductible, so the insurance only covered 1500, and I had to pay the rest. Another thing is that after reporting an accident, your premium might increase a bit the following year. So, I suggest estimating the repair cost first—if it's a minor fix you can handle yourself, it might be better not to report it to avoid future hassles. It's always better to drive carefully and steer clear of curbs early. Hitting them not only costs money but also compromises safety—it's really not worth it.
Regarding the question of whether hitting a curb can be covered by insurance, it depends on the details of your insurance policy. If you have collision coverage, the insurance company can usually handle it, but you need to prove it was an accident, such as by taking photos of the scene and reporting it to customer service. However, don’t rush to file a claim—insurance policies have a deductible, meaning the portion of repair costs below the deductible won’t be covered. I’ve seen a friend spend just a few hundred dollars to fix a dented wheel, while filing a claim resulted in higher premium payments later. Additionally, if you only have liability insurance (e.g., third-party coverage), this incident won’t be covered, as it only applies to damages caused to others. It’s best to check your policy documents or call your insurer to clarify before deciding whether to file a claim, as frequent claims can affect your credit and future discounts. Practicing safe driving habits, like slowing down for high curbs, can help avoid unnecessary expenses.
