"I Ran Over Something I Couldn’t See in the Road…Why Is It My Fault?"
- Ronelle Hunte-Roddy
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
It’s a scenario many drivers can relate to: You're cruising along, focused on the road, and suddenly—bam—you hit something that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Maybe it was debris that fell from a truck, a deep pothole, or even a stray tire. The damage is done, and now you’re stuck asking: Why is this my fault?
Let’s break down what happens in situations like this and what you should know before filing a claim with your insurance.
💥 Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage is key to knowing how your insurer will handle this type of incident:
▶️ Collision Coverage
Collision coverage kicks in when your vehicle hits something—or something hits your vehicle—regardless of fault. This includes:
Running over an object in the road
Hitting a pothole that causes undercarriage damage
Colliding with another vehicle or a fixed object (pole, fence, wall, etc.)
Important: Running over an unseen object or debris typically falls under collision coverage—not comprehensive.
🌪️ Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive is for non-collision events like:
Theft or vandalism
Fire
Natural disasters (hail, flood, wind)
Hitting an animal (e.g., deer)
In most cases, comprehensive claims are not viewed as "at-fault" and typically don't affect your premium as much—if at all.
⚠️ So, Why Is This Collision Considered Your Fault?
In insurance terms, “fault” doesn’t always mean negligence. It means your insurer is paying out a claim on your behalf. When you file a collision claim, it’s recorded as an at-fault incident—even if the object in the road was impossible to avoid.
Why? Because:
The insurance company wasn’t able to recover money from another party.
You had “control” of the vehicle, and no third-party was officially responsible.
That’s why this kind of claim often results in a rate increase—especially if you’ve had other claims recently.
💸 Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?
Before rushing to file a claim, here’s what you should do:
✅ Get a Repair Estimate First
Let’s say your deductible is $1,000 and the damage is $1,200. Filing a claim for $200 in reimbursement may not be worth the potential increase in your premium for the next few years.
Some collision claims can increase your rate by 10–40% depending on your carrier, state, and prior history.
📝 Ask Yourself:
How much will the repair cost?
What’s my deductible?
Can I afford to fix this without involving insurance?
Do I have accident forgiveness on my policy?
🚗 What Else You Should Know:
📈 Collision Claims Stay on Your Record
Most insurance companies keep claims on file for 3 to 5 years, and they can impact your:
Renewal pricing
Eligibility for certain discounts
Ability to switch carriers without higher initial rates
🧾 Document Everything
Take photos of the damage, the object (if still present), and the surrounding area. Even if you don’t file a claim, having documentation helps if more damage shows up later.
🛠️ Consider a Repair Shop That Offers Insurance Guidance
Some body shops work closely with insurers and can help you determine whether a claim makes financial sense.
✅ Final Takeaway: Think Before You Claim
Yes, it's frustrating to be held financially responsible for something you didn’t cause. But when it comes to auto insurance, the type of coverage matters more than the intent or visibility of the object.
Running over something in the road is almost always a collision claim—and yes, that typically counts against you. But that doesn’t mean you always need to file. We recommend getting an estimate first and weighing the long-term impact.
Need Advice Before Filing?
We’re here to help! If you’re unsure whether to file a claim or how it might affect your rates, reach out to us at Customized Insurance Brokers. We’ll walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your wallet and your peace of mind.
📞 Call: 770-755-1775
📧 Email: ronelle@cibinsure.com
🌐 Visit: www.cibinsure.com