Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Can you get in legal trouble if you hit a parking pole?

So I hit a parking pole at a gas station near me. Can I get in legal trouble for that?

Dec 18, 2019 Cambridge, MD

Answer
Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Whether or not you could get into hot water legally-speaking depends on a few factors: 1. Was there another party involved in the collision? and 2. Was the collision reported to anyone?

You should report any accident you cause to the other party. If they find out you caused damages via security tapes and failed to disclose it to them, you could get charged for a hit-and-run — and thus invite a host of legal problems that come along with such a charge. Having this on your record will not only cost you time and money, but it will also deter other insurers from insuring you as a driver.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

An automated security gate hit my door, should I file a claim or get them to pay for the damages?

It's unlikely the company will pay for damages to your vehicle because, as you stated, you misjudged where the gate would open to. In terms of filing a claim with your insurance company, I recommend getting an estimate first to see how much the damage will cost. Especially because this type of…
Dec 10, 2017 Portland, Oregon

Will my insurance rate increase after an uninsured motorist claim?

I'm sorry to hear about the hit-and-run! That is a very frustrating situation. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage usually comes with a deductible, much like your collision coverage would. However, unlike collision coverage, an uninsured motorist property damage claim won't raise …
Feb 2, 2018 Frederick, MD

If I hit a tire in the road, is that considered a comprehensive claim?

This accident would actually be paid out under your collision coverage because you collided with the tire. Because you only damaged your vehicle in this single-vehicle collision, it would also be considered an at-fault collision claim. What you should think about is the rate increase you will proba…
Aug 18, 2018 Columbus, OH

Should I file a claim if I damaged my car backing out of the driveway but I only have liability?

If you only have liability coverage then you won't be able to file a damage claim. Your policy would need to include collision coverage at the time of the incident for you to be able to get it repaired through your insurance provider. Unfortunately, you aren't able to add any additional c…
Jun 21, 2017 Dallas, TX