Does car insurance cover damage from hitting a curb?

If your car insurance policy includes collision coverage, then it should help pay for damage to your car if you hit a curb. Collision insurance coverage protects your vehicle against damage from hitting another object, regardless of who's at fault in the accident. If the curb is also damaged, your liability coverage may cover the cost of repairs if you're responsible for them.

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Is hitting the curb considered an accident?

If you bump into the curb and cause little or no damage to your car, it generally isn't considered an accident and you don't need to file a claim. If you hit the curb with force and consequently scratch or dent your car, however, it could be considered an accident. Depending on the laws in your state, you may need to report the car accident to the police of any damage to your car, even if you don't plan on filing a claim. Learn how insurance covers scratches.

If you decide to file an auto insurance claim for car damage from hitting a curb, you would need auto collision coverage to cover the incident. It's best to take pictures of the damage and check your policy for details like your collision coverage deductible. If your deductible is less than the cost of repairs, then it's usually worth filing a claim.

Pro tip:

If the curb is damaged by the impact and you're found responsible for the damage, your liability coverage may pay for the repairs to the curb and any other damaged property.

What if I hit the curb while parking?

If the impact caused little or no damage to your car, you generally don't need to file a claim as it's not considered an accident. But if your car receives extensive or severe damage, then you should inform your insurance company and possibly call the police to file a report. It may also be worth filing a collision claim based on the extent of the damage.

What if I hit my own car in my driveway?

If you hit your car on any barriers in your driveway and the damage was unintentional, then you should be covered if you have collision coverage on your policy.

Can hitting the curb total your car?

You can total your car after hitting the curb, especially if you run into the curb while driving at high speed, but it's more likely that your car's wheels or tires may get damaged. Tire damage may be covered by car insurance after hitting a curb. If one or more of your wheels are bent after hitting the curb, the misalignment can impact your car's overall steering. Since the damage can impact your ability to drive the vehicle, it's important to check for potential car damage after hitting a curb.

Does insurance cover scratched rims?

Your collision coverage may pay to repair or replace a scratched rim if it's damaged after hitting a curb. If the cost of repairs is less than your collision deductible, however, your insurance won't pay for any of the damage. If you have custom rims, you may also need additional coverage to make sure their full value is covered. Progressive covers custom parts up to $1,000 under collision coverage. If your custom rims are worth more than that, you should consider custom parts and equipment coverage (CPE), which typically covers custom parts up to $5,000.

What should I do if I hit a curb?

If you encounter that familiar but dreaded "thump" on the curb, don't panic. Follow these basic steps any time you hit a curb:

Examine all the wheels and tires for damage, like scratches, dents, or chips.
Check the front end and undercarriage for any damage.
Test out the steering to ensure that your car is driving straight with a normal amount of control at the wheel.
Take pictures of any damage in case you need to file a claim.
If your car or the curb is more severely damaged, report the incident to the police and notify your insurance company, even if you don't plan on filing a claim.

If you notice or suspect any damage to your car, take it to an auto body shop to avoid further damage and repairs down the line.