Accidents can happen in a split second, and sometimes that means colliding with unexpected objects like fire hydrants. But what kind of car insurance covers this type of damage? Knowing which policy applies is crucial to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
In this guide, we’ll break down the coverage you need if you hit a fire hydrant, whether it’s your own vehicle that’s damaged or the hydrant itself and how to navigate filing a claim.
- Collision coverage will cover accidents with stationary items like fire hydrants.
Does car insurance cover damage from hitting a fire hydrant?
If you only have liability coverage, you’re out of luck with fixing your car if you hit a fire hydrant. If you have collision insurance, it will cover any damages due to collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects like fire hydrants.
Use your car insurance for the big things and take care of smaller repairs yourself. So, even if the repair costs are just a bit more than your deductible, pay out of pocket instead of filing an auto insurance claim. This will keep a claim from going on your record and affecting your future car insurance rates.
Drivers with multiple accidents (two or more within three years) appear to auto insurance providers to pose more of a risk, and thus insurers file their rates with the state in a way that allows these types of drivers to be charged more to be insured. Keeping accidents and claims to a minimum will help you obtain lower auto insurance rates.
What fees will I have to pay if I hit a fire hydrant?
If you damage a fire hydrant, the city or local jurisdiction could charge you for damages to the fire hydrant. You’ll face steep fines if you hit the hydrant so hard that it topples or loses water. Many water authorities will charge a driver for the water and the hydrant, which could quickly add up to thousands of dollars.
For example, the city of Asuza, California, charges a traffic incident hit hydrant impact fee that must be paid, along with the cost of water loss and to repair and replace the fire hydrant.
Asuza fines drivers the following fees if they hit a fire hydrant:
- Traffic Incident Hit Hydrant Impact Fee: $2,500
- Fire Hydrant Relocation Impact Fee: $2,500
- Fire Hydrant Inspection Fee: $2,500
Your property damage liability coverage will pay, up to your limits, for damages you do to other people’s property. So, if the hydrant was damaged and you receive a letter requesting compensation, you should contact your auto insurance company so that your property damage liability will cover it.
How to file a collision claim after hitting a fire hydrant
Filing a collision claim with your car insurance company involves the following steps, whether you hit another vehicle or a stationary object like a fire hydrant.
- Contact your insurer: Call your insurance company’s claims department or use their online portal or mobile app to report the accident. Be prepared to provide details such as the date, time and location of the collision, as well as a description of what happened.
- Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle and any other cars or property involved.
- Work with the adjuster: Once your claim is submitted, your insurer will assign an adjuster who will assess the damage and determine the payout based on your policy’s terms. Be sure to provide them with any additional documentation they request.
- Get repair estimates: Depending on your insurer’s process, you may need to obtain repair estimates from approved body shops. Your adjuster may recommend repair shops or you can choose one within the insurer’s network.
- Complete the repairs to your vehicle: After the adjuster approves the claim, proceed with the repairs. Your insurer will either pay the shop directly or reimburse you after you pay for the repairs, minus any deductible amount.
Following these steps will help streamline your collision claim and ensure you receive the coverage outlined in your policy.
Source:
Azusa, CA – Official Website “Fire Hydrant Charges” Accessed November 2024.
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