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?

Aug 13, 2024 Cambridge, MD

Answer
Author profile picture
Insurance Data Insights Analyst

Kristine joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer, with a property and casualty insurance license. Before joining The Ze…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 6+ 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.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

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

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!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

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

Hitting road debris is usually a collision claimThis 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…
Mar 2, 2026 Columbus, OH

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 clai…
Apr 21, 2022 Portland, Oregon

Is a hydroplaning accident my daughter's fault?

Unfortunately, auto insurance companies list almost all single-vehicle accidents as at-fault on your claims report, meaning that this situation would likely be considered an at-fault collision accident. This is because there is no other party at-fault and this can be seen as a failure to maintain c…
Aug 4, 2023 Cranberry Township, PA

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 your premi…
Feb 14, 2024 Frederick, MD