Auto insurance coverage for road debris can vary depending on the specific policy and the circumstances of the incident. In Ontario, basic auto insurance policies typically include coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by collision or upset, which may include incidents involving road debris.
However, it’s important to note that not all road debris incidents are covered by auto insurance policies. For example, if the debris was already on the road and you hit it, it may not be considered a collision and may not be covered. Additionally, if you swerve to avoid debris and end up colliding with another vehicle or object, your coverage may depend on the specific details of the incident and your policy.
To better understand your coverage for road debris incidents, it’s recommended that you review your auto insurance policy and speak with your insurance provider. They can provide specific information on your coverage and any exclusions or limitations that may apply.
Collision claim
If you have experienced damage to your vehicle due to road debris and you have collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, you may be able to file a collision claim to cover the damages.
Collision coverage typically covers damage to your vehicle that occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object, including road debris. However, it’s important to note that you will likely need to pay your deductible before your insurance company will cover the remaining cost of the damage.
To file a collision claim, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the incident. They will likely ask for details about the incident, such as where and when it occurred, and may request photos of the damage to your vehicle.
Once your claim has been processed, your insurance company will determine the cost of the damages and the amount of coverage you are eligible to receive, minus your deductible. It’s important to review your policy and understand your coverage limits and deductible so that you are aware of what you can expect to pay out of pocket.
Comprehensive claim
If you have experienced damage to your vehicle due to road debris and you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, you may be able to file a comprehensive claim to cover the damages.
Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage to your vehicle that is caused by non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, weather events, or damage from road debris. This coverage may also cover other non-collision incidents, such as hitting an animal or a tree falling on your vehicle.
To file a comprehensive claim for damages caused by road debris, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the incident. They will likely ask for details about the incident, such as where and when it occurred, and may request photos of the damage to your vehicle.
Once your claim has been processed, your insurance company will determine the cost of the damages and the amount of coverage you are eligible to receive, minus your deductible. It’s important to review your policy and understand your coverage limits and deductible so that you are aware of what you can expect to pay out of pocket.
Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage is optional and not required by law in Ontario, so if you don’t have this coverage on your policy, you may not be able to file a claim for damages caused by road debris.
Deductible
A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance policy starts to cover the remaining costs of a claim. For example, if your auto insurance policy has a $500 deductible and you file a claim for $2,000 in damages, you would be responsible for paying the first $500, and your insurance company would cover the remaining $1,500.
Deductibles are typically specified in your insurance policy and can vary depending on the type of coverage and the policy itself. In general, higher deductibles mean lower insurance premiums, while lower deductibles mean higher premiums.
When you file a claim, your insurance company will determine the cost of the damages and subtract your deductible from the amount that they will cover. For example, if your damages are worth $1,000 and your deductible is $500, your insurance company will pay the remaining $500.
Should I claim a windshield?
Whether or not you should file a claim for a windshield repair or replacement depends on a few factors, such as the extent of the damage, the cost of the repair or replacement, and your deductible.
In general, if the cost of the repair or replacement is less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim as you would be responsible for paying for the repair out of pocket. On the other hand, if the cost of the repair or replacement is significantly more than your deductible, it may be worth filing a claim.
Additionally, if the damage is minor, such as a small crack or chip, and can be repaired quickly and easily, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to pay for the repair out of pocket rather than filing a claim.
It’s important to review your insurance policy and understand your coverage for windshield repair and replacement. Some policies may cover the cost of repairs without requiring a deductible, while others may require a deductible or only cover a portion of the cost.
Ultimately, the decision to file a claim for a windshield repair or replacement is up to you and depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re unsure whether to file a claim, you can speak with your insurance provider for guidance.
Road debris accidents
Road debris accidents can be unexpected and dangerous, and it’s important to take steps to stay safe while on the road. Here are some tips to help prevent road debris accidents:
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles. This can help you avoid collisions with debris kicked up by the vehicles in front of you.
- Keep an eye out for road debris. Scan the road ahead of you for any debris, such as rocks, tree branches, or trash.
- Slow down in construction zones. Construction zones often have loose gravel or debris on the road, so it’s important to reduce your speed to avoid collisions.
- Avoid swerving to avoid debris. Swerving to avoid debris can be dangerous, as it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or collide with other vehicles.
- Report any hazardous road debris. If you notice any hazardous road debris, such as large objects or debris blocking the road, report it to the authorities so that it can be removed.
How much will my insurance rise after making a claim?
The amount that your insurance will rise after making a claim depends on a variety of factors, including the type of claim, the severity of the claim, your driving record, and your insurance company’s policies.
In general, making a claim on your insurance can result in an increase in your insurance premiums, as insurance companies view you as a higher risk after a claim. The amount of the increase can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. For example, if you have a history of multiple claims or traffic violations, you may see a larger increase in your premiums compared to someone with a clean driving record who is making their first claim.
It’s also important to note that some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness, which means that your rates may not increase after your first at-fault accident. However, this varies by insurance company and policy.
About the Author: Ashley Miller
