Will my rates increase if I hit a fence?

I lost control of my car and ran into someones fence. Will my car insurance cover the damaged fence and will my insurance rate go up?

If you have liability coverage on your vehicle, the damage to the fence should be covered. This falls under the property damage portion of your liability policy, which pays for damage you cause to someone else's property.

But filing a claim will likely count as an at-fault accident on your record, and your rates will probably go up as a result. How much depends on your insurer, your driving history, and your state, but at-fault accidents are one of the most common reasons rates increase. In California, where rates are already among the higher end nationally, an at-fault accident can have a meaningful impact on your premium, typically for three years.

Before you file, it's worth getting a repair estimate for the fence first. If the damage is relatively minor and close to or below your deductible, paying out of pocket may be the smarter move. You'd avoid the claim on your record and the potential rate increase that comes with it. Our claims calculator can help you think through whether filing makes financial sense in your situation.

If the damage is significant and well above your deductible, filing is probably the right call. Just go in knowing your rates may increase at your next renewal and plan accordingly.