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
Kristine Lee
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...

I have liability coverage only and I hit a highway median. Am I covered for any damages?

Liability insurance only covers damages you directly cause. It never covers your own property. If the state seeks damages and the insurance was not active you do open yourself up to potential lawsuits for them to collect their damages.
Mar 30, 2023 Fort Wayne, IN

How do I know if I'm covered and what coverage I have if I'm not the primary policyholder?

We are sorry to hear that you were involved in an accident and to hear about your current predicament.Does the primary policy holder have the written policy so that you can see what cars are covered on it and for which coverage? If not, you may want to contact the broker that sold the insurance pol…
Aug 8, 2025 San Antonio, TX

How does my insurance company handle a claim if I hit a car that was already damaged?

After any sort of collision, it's always recommended that you take pictures at the scene. Pictures should be taken of both vehicles, the location of the crash, and the other driver's info and license plate. When your insurance company investigates the crash and assesses the damage on the car that y…
Aug 13, 2024 Upper Marlboro, MD

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