What Happens If I Hit a Curb?

Most of us have had the misfortune of running our tires into the edge of a sidewalk or street curb while driving. This often happens when we make bad decisions while turning, parking, or just failing to notice the curb at the side of the road. It may not seem like much, but it can be one of the most damaging mistakes you can make with your vehicle. The impact can cause serious damage to the car’s suspension, which could lead to serious problems in the future. Fortunately, the damage caused by hitting a curb or pothole is sometimes minor and can be dismissed as a minor incident. However, it is still important to take this type of accident seriously as it can cause serious damage to your vehicle. 

Hitting a curb can cause a variety of damage, depending on the speed and angle of impact. It can cause damage to the tires, wheel rims, suspension, and steering components. It can also cause damage to the underside of the vehicle, including the exhaust system and/or oil pan. In extreme cases, hitting a curb can cause structural damage to the vehicle’s frame. When driving, the car may veer off course and make rattling noises when turning. This can be a very hazardous situation as it can cause damage to the brakes and cause the steering wheel to tremble and shake. This puts other drivers on the road at risk of a collision. If the issue is assigned to you, it is your responsibility to replace the necessary OEM auto parts. Additionally, high, angular curbs can often blow the oil pan, disconnect cooling cables and lines, and cause destruction to axles and shafts. Moreover, the rough edges of curbs can cause damage to fuel lines, catalytic converters, and mufflers, leading to a loss of fuel and the activation of the “check oil” indicator.

To ensure that all damage is properly documented, it is advisable to use your phone to take photographs of the damage from multiple angles after you have left the car. These images may be needed if you plan to file an insurance claim in the future. Additionally, it is important to inspect the damage in detail, both inside and outside the car, as it is possible that the vehicle’s suspension, tire, and other small parts may have been damaged when it scraped the curb. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may decide that it is not safe to drive the car back home. If the suspension appears to be affected, it is essential to get help as this can sometimes interfere with the steering. In order to be able to drive the car safely again, the alignment will need to be checked. Many auto insurance policies include emergency roadside assistance, which could potentially cover the cost of towing the car in this case. Hitting a curb can be considered an accident, depending on the circumstances. If the accident causes property damage or injuries, it is likely that it would be considered an accident. 

If you have an accident that causes damage to your car, your collision insurance will cover the costs of repairs. This could include a situation where you collide with another vehicle, but it could also extend to striking a curb, a signpost, a person, or an animal. In any of these cases, your collision coverage will take care of the damage to your automobile. Securing collision coverage for your insurance policy is of utmost importance, as it can provide a great deal of protection in the event of a crash. Even though it may come with an additional charge, the cost of the investment is well worth it to avoid any potentially expensive expenses that may arise if an accident were to occur, regardless of who is to blame.

If you are unfortunate enough to hit the curb with your vehicle and you do not have collision coverage, then it is likely that you will be responsible for all damages associated with the incident. It is important to understand that comprehensive coverage does not provide any protection for you in the event of a collision. Therefore, if you are hoping that your comprehensive policy will cover the costs associated with hitting a curb, then that is not the case. On the other hand, if you have full coverage on your vehicle, then you will likely be able to make a claim and receive assistance with covering the expenses related to hitting a curb. When you make a vehicle insurance claim due to hitting a curb, the rates may go up. This is because it is typically considered an at-fault accident. However, the exact effect it will have on your premium depends on a few different factors. Your driving record and the assessment of whether you were to blame for the crash are two of the main things that your insurer will consider. Additionally, other elements may be taken into account when determining the eventual premium rate.

The size and expense of a claim can vary from one situation to another. For example, a minor collision would not have the same impact on your insurance policy as an accident resulting in a totaled car. When assessing whether to increase or decrease your insurance premium, the cost and severity of the claim are significant factors to consider. Additionally, your driving record is also taken into account by auto insurers when determining the cost of your auto insurance policy. If your vehicle has been in a collision with a curb, it is important to assess the level of damage, what your deductibles are, and what potential effects a claim may have on your future insurance rates before actually submitting the claim. It is important to remember that submitting a claim may have repercussions on your future rates.

In the majority of auto insurance contracts, the insured is liable to pay a certain amount of money out of pocket prior to the insurance provider covering the cost of the repairs for the car. This amount is known as the deductible and the amount is deducted from the total cost of the repairs and any applicable depreciation costs. Following the deduction of the deductible and depreciation, the insurance provider will cover the remaining cost of the repairs for the car. If you have been involved in a car accident and your vehicle has sustained damage as a result of someone else’s carelessness, then you may be able to make a third-party insurance claim against them. To do so, you must be able to demonstrate that the other party was at fault for the collision. This may include providing evidence such as photos, witness statements, or police reports. Once you have gathered the necessary evidence, you can then submit a claim to the third party’s insurer in order to seek reimbursement for the damage to your vehicle.