Does car insurance cover accidental damage?

Car insurance covers accidental damage; the coverage that applies depends on the cause of the damage. Collision coverage repairs damage from an accident, while comprehensive coverage covers non-collision damage. If you're at fault, liability insurance covers accidental damage to others.

Last updated: Jul 28, 2026

Which types of coverage protect against accidental damage?

Collision, comprehensive and liability coverage protect against different types of accidental damage. Collision pays for crash damage to your car. Comprehensive pays for non-collision damage to your car. Liability pays for damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property. The coverage that applies depends on what caused the damage.

Here’s a breakdown:

Coverage	Damage covered	Example
Collision	Collisions with other vehicles, objects, and single-vehicle accidents like rollovers	You back into a light post
Comprehensive	Non-collision damage like weather, theft or vandalism	A baseball breaks your windshield
Liability	Damage to the property of others for which you're at fault	You back into your neighbor's car

Collision coverage

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision with another car or object, regardless of who is at fault. It usually covers accidents like hitting another car, colliding with a tree, or damaging your vehicle due to a single-vehicle accident.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, and falling objects. It also covers accidental damage caused by natural disasters such as hailstorms, floods, fires, or hitting an animal on the road.

Liability coverage

While liability coverage doesn't cover damages to your vehicle, it helps pay for damages you cause to someone else's vehicle or property in an accident where you are at fault.

For example, if you back into your neighbor’s car, your property damage liability coverageAuto insurance coverage for losses that result when you damage or destroy someone else's personal property. This coverage is required in most states. pays for the damage to that car, up to your policy limits.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your damages.

When is accidental damage not covered?

Accidental damage is not covered when you do not carry the coverage that applies to the loss. A liability-only policy does not cover damage to your car. Coverage also does not apply when the policy has lapsed, the vehicle is used illegally, or the damage is excluded by your policy.

Damage is not covered when:

You don’t carry the right coverage for the damage
Illegal or unauthorized use of the vehicle
If the coverage has lapsed
Any damage specifically excluded by your policy

It’s vital to read your policy and talk to your insurance agent or representative to understand what’s not covered.

What to do after accidental damage

After accidental damage, document the damage, take photos or videos, and contact your insurer. File a police report if the damage involves injuries, theft, vandalism, hit-and-run, or major loss. Review your policy so you know which coverage applies and what deductible you pay.

Follow these steps:

Document the damage: Take photos or videos of the damage as well as the situation in which it occurred.
File a police report: Contact the police if the damage involves a crime, is extensive or if injuries are also involved.
Contact your insurance company: Immediately get your claim started by calling the number on your insurance card or using a mobile app to file a claim.
Review your policy: Ensure you understand your coverage and deductible.

Remember, your car insurance coverage may vary based on the insurer and your auto policy. Don’t forget to take your needs and budget into account when purchasing car insurance.

FAQ: Car insurance and accidental damage

Will a claim for accidental damage raise my premium?

It might, depending on the cause of the damage. Collision claims generally result in a premium increase while comprehensive claims don’t, but it depends on the situation and the insurance company.

Does insurance cover me if I accidentally hit a pole?

Yes, as long as you have collision coverage, your car insurance will cover damage from hitting a pole.

Is hitting a deer considered an accident?

Yes, but it is not considered a collision for insurance purposes. Hitting an animal is considered a comprehensive claim rather than a collision claim and doesn’t go on your record as an at-fault accident in most cases.