Ever hit a pole with your car and wonder if insurance would cover the damage? The answer depends on what coverage you have. Collision insurance covers damage to your car, while liability covers damage to the pole. For guidance on filing a claim or adjusting your coverage after an accident, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 for help.
What Type of Car Insurance Covers Hitting a Pole?
If your car hits a pole, collision insurance is what protects your vehicle. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car from any collision with another vehicle or a stationary object—like a pole, tree, guardrail, or building—regardless of who is at fault. You pay your chosen deductible amount toward repairs, and insurance covers the rest up to your policy limit (typically the actual cash value of your vehicle).
Comprehensive insurance does not cover hitting a pole. Comprehensive handles non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or hitting an animal. Hitting a stationary object is considered a collision you could potentially have avoided, so it falls under collision coverage—not comprehensive. Understanding the difference between collision vs comprehensive car insurance helps you know exactly what protection you have.
Liability insurance covers damage you cause to others’ property. If you hit a utility pole, traffic light, or private fence, your property damage liability coverage pays to repair or replace it—up to your policy limit. Illinois requires at least $20,000 in property damage liability per accident. To better understand what liability insurance covers, including property damage scenarios, review your policy limits carefully.
What Covers What After You Hit a Pole? (Quick Table)
Here’s exactly which coverage applies to each type of damage after a pole collision:
| Type of Damage | Coverage That Applies | What It Pays For | Deductible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to your car | Collision | Repairs or replacement up to actual cash value of vehicle | Yes (you pay deductible first) |
| Damage to the pole | Property Damage Liability | Cost to repair/replace pole, traffic light, or other property you damaged | No |
| Your injuries | Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Your medical bills, regardless of fault, up to coverage limits | Usually no |
| Passenger injuries | Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Passenger medical bills, regardless of fault, up to coverage limits | Usually no |
| If pole falls on car | Comprehensive (if not your fault) or Collision (if you caused it) | Damage to your vehicle from falling pole | Yes |
Understanding your car insurance deductible is critical for collision claims—if repairs cost $2,000 and your deductible is $500, you pay $500 and insurance pays $1,500. For liability claims (pole damage), there’s no deductible—your insurer pays up to your policy limit.
What Should I Do If I Hit a Pole with My Car?
If you collide with a pole, stay calm and take these steps immediately:
- Check for injuries: Ensure everyone is okay. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Move to safety: If drivable, carefully move your car out of traffic and turn on hazard lights.
- Call the police: Most states require reporting accidents causing property damage. In Illinois, accidents causing over $1,500 in damage (or $500 if an uninsured vehicle is involved) must be reported to law enforcement and the DMV. Never leave the scene.
- Watch for hazards: If you struck a utility pole, stay in your vehicle if power lines are down. There’s electrocution risk. Call 911 and wait for authorities.
- Document everything: Take photos of your car’s damage, the pole, and the scene. Note time, location, road conditions, and whether it’s public or private property.
- Notify your insurer immediately: Report the accident as soon as possible, ideally from the scene. Provide all details and photos. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process.
Police reports are essential for single-car accidents involving property damage. Insurers often require them to process collision claims. By reporting promptly, you protect yourself legally and ensure your insurance coverage applies properly.
Will My Rates Go Up After Hitting a Pole? (What Typically Matters)
Single-car accidents like hitting a pole are usually considered at-fault, which means they typically lead to higher insurance premiums at renewal. Insurance companies view collisions with fixed objects as preventable accidents caused by driver error, so most insurers apply a surcharge or remove safe-driving discounts after such claims.
How much will rates increase? It varies significantly by insurer, claim cost, and your driving history. Generally, expect a 20-40% premium increase after an at-fault collision. For a policy costing $1,500 annually, this means $300-$600 more per year. The increase typically lasts 3-5 years, though it gradually decreases each year you remain claim-free.
Factors that affect the rate increase:
- Claim amount: A $1,000 claim impacts rates less than a $10,000 total loss. Higher claim costs trigger larger surcharges.
- Your driving record: First-time accidents may receive forgiveness or minimal increases, especially if you have accident forgiveness coverage. Multiple claims or violations lead to steeper hikes.
- State and insurer: Some states limit how much insurers can raise rates after a first accident. Some insurers are more forgiving than others—rates can vary by $500+ annually for the same driver between companies.
- Violations involved: If you were speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted when you hit the pole, additional violations compound the rate increase significantly. A DUI combined with a collision can double or triple your rates.
Should you file a claim or pay out-of-pocket? If damage is only slightly more than your deductible, paying for repairs yourself avoids a claim on your record and prevents rate increases. However, you must report the incident to your insurer if the pole’s owner (city, utility company, private property owner) files a claim, or if there’s any possibility of injuries or liabilities. Failing to report a claim that later surfaces can result in coverage denial.
Accident forgiveness: Some insurers offer accident forgiveness as an optional or earned benefit. If you have this coverage, your first at-fault accident may not increase your rates. Check your policy or ask your agent whether you qualify—this benefit can save hundreds of dollars after a pole collision.
What Happens If I Hit a Pole and Leave the Scene?
Leaving the scene after damaging a pole is a hit-and-run offense—even if no other vehicles are involved. In Illinois, fleeing a property-damage accident is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in jail. If damage exceeds $1,000, the state can also revoke your driver’s license.
From an insurance perspective, leaving the scene jeopardizes your coverage. Insurers rely on police reports as key evidence. If you fled without reporting, your insurer may deny your claim for violating policy terms requiring you to report accidents and cooperate with investigations. You’d be personally responsible for all damages—your car, the pole, and any civil liability if the property owner sues.
Safety is another critical factor. Utility poles can have live electrical wires. Leaving hastily puts you and others at risk. Always stay at the scene, call police, report what happened, and notify your insurer. Taking responsibility minimizes legal consequences and ensures your insurance claim processes smoothly.
What If I Hit a Pole and Don’t Have Insurance?
If you’re driving uninsured and hit a pole, you’re personally liable for all damages—repairing your vehicle and paying for the pole replacement (which can cost thousands). Utility companies and municipalities will bill you directly.
In Illinois, driving without insurance carries severe penalties: $500-$1,000 fine for a first offense, plus license and registration suspension for up to three months. After an accident, the state may invoke Safety Responsibility laws, suspending your license until you pay for all damages caused. You’ll also likely need to file an SR-22 certificate—proof of insurance required for high-risk drivers—to reinstate your license. SR-22 status typically lasts 3 years and results in significantly higher insurance premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does liability insurance cover hitting a pole?
Liability insurance covers damage to the pole itself, but not your car. Your property damage liability pays to repair or replace the pole you hit, up to your policy limit. For your own vehicle damage, you need collision coverage.
Will collision or comprehensive insurance pay for a pole accident?
Collision insurance covers damage to your car from hitting a pole. Comprehensive does not cover this scenario—comprehensive handles non-collision events like theft, fire, or hitting an animal. You need collision coverage specifically for pole accidents.
Do I have to pay a deductible if I file a claim for hitting a pole?
Yes, for collision coverage on your car. You pay your deductible first, then insurance covers the remaining repair costs up to your vehicle’s value. For liability coverage on the pole’s damage, there’s no deductible—your insurer pays the full amount up to your policy limit.
Will my insurance go up even if I only damaged a pole and no one else was involved?
Yes, typically. Single-vehicle accidents are considered at-fault claims, usually resulting in premium increases of 20-40% at renewal. The rate hike lasts 3-5 years but gradually decreases if you remain claim-free.
Should I call the police if I knock down a pole with my car?
Yes. Most jurisdictions legally require reporting accidents causing property damage over a certain amount. The police report is essential for your insurance claim and keeps you compliant with the law. If it’s a utility pole, authorities must secure the area for safety.
What happens if I hit a telephone pole and drive off?
Leaving the scene is a hit-and-run, punishable by fines, possible jail time, and license suspension. Your insurance claim can also be denied for failing to report the accident properly. Always stay, report the incident, and deal with it responsibly.
If I don’t have insurance and crash into a pole, what should I do?
You’re personally liable for all damages and will face legal penalties—fines and license suspension. Get insurance immediately to avoid further trouble. You’ll likely need SR-22 filing for license reinstatement. Contact an insurer like Insure on the Spot to arrange coverage.
Does hitting a pole count as an “at-fault” accident?
Yes. Hitting stationary objects is considered at-fault on the driver’s part. Your insurer covers damages only if you have collision coverage, and the incident typically impacts your rates and driving record.
Will my insurance cover injuries if I’m hurt from hitting a pole?
If you have Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, those pay your medical bills regardless of fault, up to policy limits. Collision coverage only covers vehicle damage, not injuries. Without MedPay/PIP, you’d use health insurance.
Get Help with Your Coverage
Having an accident like hitting a pole can be stressful and costly, but the right insurance coverage makes all the difference. Collision coverage handles your car, liability covers the pole, and MedPay/PIP covers injuries. If you have questions or need to adjust your policy after an incident, Insure on the Spot is here to help. Call 773-202-5060 or get your free quote online to stay protected on the road.