Can I Claim Insurance If I Hit a Pole?
3 Answers
Whether you can claim insurance for hitting a pole yourself depends on whether you have purchased compulsory traffic insurance and third-party liability insurance or vehicle damage insurance. If you only have compulsory traffic insurance and third-party liability insurance, the insurance company will not compensate for hitting a pole yourself. However, if you have vehicle damage insurance, you can file a claim with the insurance company for hitting a pole. Introduction to Vehicle Damage Insurance: Vehicle damage insurance covers the cost of repairing your own car when you are at fault. If you have purchased a supplementary agreement for no deductible, you can receive almost full compensation under vehicle damage insurance. Without this agreement, the compensation is typically around 80%. Differences Between Compulsory Traffic Insurance, Third-Party Liability Insurance, and Vehicle Damage Insurance: Compulsory traffic insurance and third-party liability insurance are both designed to compensate third parties in traffic accidents. If you hit a pole yourself, the insurance company will not cover the damages. On the other hand, vehicle damage insurance is a commercial insurance that compensates for the loss or damage to the vehicle itself. Therefore, you can apply for compensation if you hit a pole.
Last time I accidentally scraped against a pillar in the neighborhood, the first thing that came to mind was insurance. Actually, as long as you have collision coverage, even hitting something yourself counts as an accident. I remember I immediately took photos of the car damage and the pillar's location, then called 122 to report it to the police. After the traffic police issued the accident report, I contacted the insurance company, and they sent someone to assess the damage. But I should remind you, it's better to handle minor scratches yourself. Once, I only spent 600 yuan on touch-up paint, but after filing an insurance claim, my premium increased by over 800 yuan the next year. You don't need to compensate for the pillar; the main thing is repairing your own car. I suggest you first check the extent of the damage; if it's over 2,000 yuan, then it might be more cost-effective to go through insurance.
I was also quite panicked when I encountered a similar situation—I backed into a stone bollard at the supermarket entrance. The key is how you purchased your insurance; if you have collision coverage, it will be reimbursed. At the time, I immediately called the police to report a single-vehicle accident, and the traffic police arrived quickly to confirm the scene. The insurance adjuster reviewed the on-site photos and surveillance footage and approved the claim, but my insurance premium did increase significantly the following year. Here’s a piece of advice: If it’s just a minor scratch, getting it fixed at a quick repair shop for a couple hundred bucks might be better than filing a claim. Only go through insurance if the headlight or bumper is completely shattered. Also, remember to report the accident within 48 hours and keep all repair receipts, as the insurance company will need them for verification.
