Does my auto insurance cover road debris?

Car damage from road debris can be complicated to deal with if you don’t have the right auto insurance coverage.

If you’ve experienced damage to your car from road debris, you may find yourself wondering, “Does auto insurance cover road debris?”

Keep reading to learn what you need to know about how auto insurance covers road debris, including the best auto insurance companies that provide the coverage you need.

Before reading more about affordable auto insurance that covers road debris, enter your ZIP code into our free tool above to compare multiple auto insurance companies near you.

Does auto insurance cover road debris?

The short answer is yes. However, coverage depends on the specifics of the claim.

For example, if you run into road debris and damage your car, you’ll need to file a collision coverage claim.

If flying road debris hits your car, you may have to file a comprehensive insurance claim.

Liability insurance does not cover damage from road debris. Similarly, collision and comprehensive don’t cover bodily injury.

Is hitting road debris covered under comprehensive auto insurance?

Unfortunately, hitting road debris is not covered under comprehensive insurance.

Who pays for road debris damage? Comprehensive coverage only pays for accidental damage that doesn’t involve a collision.

Sometimes it is hard to determine who is responsible for road debris damage. But, if you run into road debris, you are responsible for the resulting costs.

However, collision auto insurance may help you get your car repaired without out-of-pocket costs regardless of fault.

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Which auto insurance companies cover damage from road debris?

Most auto insurance companies offer collision and comprehensive, or full-coverage auto insurance, that will pay for damage from road debris.

Here’s a list of the best auto insurance companies in 2021:

• USAA
• Geico
• Allstate
• Farmers
• Travelers
• State Farm
• Nationwide
• Progressive
• Liberty Mutual
• American Family

These companies have the largest market shares in the United States. If you want to try a smaller company, shop around until you find something that meets your needs.

It is also helpful to discuss your options with an insurance agent. They will help guide you in the right direction to pick the best company for you.

We also recommend comparing multiple quotes for auto insurance that covers road debris from different companies. This will give you an idea of what to expect in rates from the company you choose.

When should I file a car insurance claim after road debris damages my car?

As always, any significant damage to your car should be reported immediately.

However, some damages are so minor that the cost of repairs is smaller than your deductible. If the damage is minor enough, you wouldn’t need to report or file any claims.

If the estimated cost of repairs is lower than the auto insurance deductible, it’s not worth making a claim. Also, you don’t want to file a claim at such a small cost because it could increase your auto insurance rates.

Do I have to pay a deductible to file a car insurance claim?

You will have to pay a deductible to file a collision or comprehensive claim in most cases. In the event that road debris cracks or chips your windshield, some companies will waive the deductible. That only applies to glass-only claims.

A deductible is the amount of money you pay before your auto insurance company pays for any damage from a claim. With collision or comprehensive insurance policies, you will have a deductible.

Every company varies in the deductible amount they require, but typical deductible amounts are $500, $1,000, and $1,500.

People often choose to lower their monthly rates by opting for a higher deductible, but remember that this is the amount you will have to pay before insurance covers your repairs.

Some auto insurance companies have a vanishing deductible, which gives you $100 off your deductible for each year that you don’t file a claim. The only catch is that there is a limit to how much your auto insurance company will give you.

A beneficial option to consider is a deductible account. A deductible account allows you to pay your monthly payments and deposit money into an account to cover a deductible at a later date.

Saving the money specifically for deductibles means you won’t have to pay them all at once.

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How do I protect myself from road debris?

Avoiding road debris is not as easy as it may seem. Sometimes you don’t see it as you’re driving, even during the day. If you manage to spot road debris, here are three ways to reduce damage:

• Do not swerve to avoid road debris
• Change lanes if possible
• Reduce your speed

It is important not to swerve if you see road debris. Swerving can cause even more damage, especially if other cars are on the road with you. When there is a chance to change lanes, move to one of the available lanes carefully.

If you can’t get out of the way, you should slow down carefully. Hard-braking is the last resort, and you should do everything you can to avoid it.

Case Studies: on Auto Insurance Coverage for Road Debris

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Collision Coverage Claim

Sarah was driving on the highway when she suddenly hit a large piece of road debris, causing significant damage to her car. Fortunately, Sarah had collision coverage as part of her auto insurance policy. She promptly filed a collision coverage claim, and her insurance company covered the repair costs, minus her deductible.

Case Study 2: Mark’s Comprehensive Insurance Claim

Mark parked his car on the street, and while he was away, road debris flew and damaged his vehicle. Since the damage resulted from flying road debris, Mark had to file a comprehensive insurance claim. His comprehensive coverage paid for the repairs, and he was able to get his car fixed without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.

Case Study 3: Lisa’s Liability Insurance Limitation

Lisa’s car was hit by road debris that fell off a truck in front of her. Unfortunately, her liability insurance did not cover damage from road debris. She had to rely on collision insurance to cover the repair costs, which required her to pay her deductible.

The Bottom Line: Does auto insurance cover road debris?

If you want auto insurance to cover the cost of damage from road debris, buy full-coverage auto insurance. This ensures that you are covered for any situation where road debris damages your car.

As always, if you are unsure of which road debris auto insurance policy to buy, talk with an insurance agent about your options and compare multiple companies.

Comparing rates for auto insurance that covers road debris will help you narrow down your options and give you an idea of what to expect.

Ready to buy auto insurance that covers road debris? Enter your ZIP code into our free online tool to compare quotes from auto insurance companies near you today.

 

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