How to File an Insurance Claim After Hitting a Rock with Your Car?
3 Answers
For a single-vehicle accident, you can directly report the incident to your insurance company and request them to inspect the first scene. It is not necessary to report to the traffic police department. The insurance company or traffic police department will inspect the scene and work with the insurance company to assess the damages. If there is property damage, please notify the insurance company of the loss or repair. Take your vehicle to a repair shop for maintenance.
Hey, I've been through this! With over a decade of driving experience, once after rain when the road was slippery, I accidentally hit a big rock on the roadside. I immediately stopped the car, turned on the hazard lights to ensure safety, no matter how much the cars behind honked. Got out to check for damage to the chassis and dents on the tires, quickly took several photos: the damaged points on the front of the car, the position of the rock, and the surrounding environment, as evidence. Then called the insurance company to report the accident, clearly stating the time, location, and cause of the accident. I had comprehensive insurance, so I waited for the assessor to come and evaluate the scene. Don't move anything before repairs, or it could complicate the claim. That time, the repair cost over three thousand, and I just paid the deductible. Afterwards, I reminded myself to drive slower and pay attention to road conditions to avoid secondary accidents. Regular maintenance of the underbody guard can also reduce the risk of damage.
Oh, new drivers always have accidents. Last year, I just got my license and didn’t see the big rock at the entrance of my neighborhood—BAM! I hit it, and my heart was pounding. My friend taught me to quickly pull over, turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights, and first check if the tire was flat or if there was any oil leaking from the chassis. Then, I took photos of the dent and the angle of the rock for full documentation. Next, I contacted the insurance company’s customer service and honestly described the incident—the rock was about the size of a basketball, and no one was hurt on the road. They asked me to submit the photos online and arranged for follow-up. I had purchased collision insurance, which covered the repair costs, and a few days later, I went to the designated repair shop. Delaying the claim might have reduced the compensation, so acting fast saved me a lot of hassle. Now, I always pay attention to slowing down and watching for road debris. Insurance really comes in handy!