When a car crashes into your home, fence, yard, or other property, the situation can be unexpected and overwhelming. Thankfully, your homeowners insurance and the driver’s auto insurance can help cover the costs of repairs. This step-by-step guide explains the process to ensure you handle the situation smoothly and resolve the claim efficiently.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Before addressing property damage, prioritize safety:
Check for Injuries: Make sure everyone is safe, including the driver and passengers. Call emergency services immediately if anyone is hurt.
Secure the Area: Stay clear of debris, structural damage, or downed power lines.
Contact Authorities: Call the police to report the incident. A police report is essential for insurance claims.
Tip: Avoid confronting the driver or assigning blame. Let the authorities handle the situation.
Step 2: Document the Incident
Gather detailed information to assist with your insurance claim:
Take Photos and Videos: Capture the damage to your property, the vehicle involved, and the scene from multiple angles.
Collect Driver Information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
Record Vehicle Information: Note the car’s make, model, license plate number, and registration.
Obtain Witness Statements: Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident.
Police Report: Ensure you get a copy of the police report or the report number.
Tip: The police report is critical for proving fault and establishing the facts of the incident.
Step 3: Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Provider
Notify your homeowners insurance company about the incident as soon as possible. Provide the following details:
The date, time, and location of the accident.
The driver’s insurance information.
Photos, videos, and any witness statements.
A copy of the police report or report number.
What Your Insurer Will Do:
Open a claim and assign an adjuster to assess the damage.
Advise you on next steps, including emergency repairs or temporary measures.
Tip: Even though the driver’s auto insurance may ultimately pay for the damage, starting the claim with your insurer ensures repairs aren’t delayed.
Step 4: Notify the Driver’s Auto Insurance Company
While your homeowners insurance can help, the driver’s auto insurance is typically primarily responsible for the damage caused by their vehicle. To initiate the claim with the auto insurer:
Provide the details of the accident, including the police report.
Share documentation (photos, videos, witness information).
Confirm the auto insurance policy number with the insurer.
Tip: Keep your homeowners insurance company informed of any communication with the driver’s auto insurer to avoid confusion.
Step 5: Work with the Insurance Adjusters
Both your homeowners insurance and the driver’s auto insurance company may send adjusters to inspect the damage. Be prepared to:
Provide all documentation, including photos, repair estimates, and receipts for emergency work.
Allow adjusters to inspect the damaged property (e.g., fences, walls, landscaping).
Answer questions about the extent of the damage and how it occurred.
Tip: If there’s significant damage, consider hiring your own contractor to provide an independent repair estimate.
Step 6: Make Temporary Repairs (If Necessary)
If the damage compromises your home’s safety, security, or weatherproofing, take temporary measures to prevent further issues:
Board Up Windows: Secure broken windows or walls.
Cover Openings: Use tarps to protect your home from weather damage.
Secure Structural Damage: Ensure unsafe areas are blocked off.
Keep Receipts: Save all receipts for temporary repairs, as these costs may be reimbursed by the insurer.
Tip: Do not start permanent repairs until the adjusters have inspected and approved the claim.
Step 7: Understand Your Coverage
While the driver’s auto insurance is typically primary, your homeowners insurance can help if:
The driver’s auto policy doesn’t fully cover the costs.
The driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Your Homeowners Policy May Cover:
Repairs to your home or structures (e.g., walls, fences, garages).
Landscaping damage (e.g., lawns, trees, shrubs).
Debris removal (e.g., removing damaged materials or vehicle parts).
Tip: If the driver is uninsured, check if your homeowners policy includes uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
Step 8: Review the Settlement and Begin Repairs
Once the investigation is complete, the insurance company will:
Provide a settlement based on repair estimates.
Pay the contractor directly or reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses.
Next Steps:
Review the settlement to ensure it covers all necessary repairs.
Hire licensed contractors to begin permanent repairs.
Follow up with your insurance company if additional damage is discovered during repairs.
Tip: If you disagree with the settlement, work with your adjuster to resolve concerns or seek a second opinion from an independent estimator.
Step 9: Prevent Future Incidents
Once repairs are complete, take measures to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future:
Install barriers like fences, bollards, or landscaping to protect vulnerable areas.
Improve exterior lighting to enhance visibility around your property.
Address traffic concerns with your local government if accidents occur frequently near your home.
Tip: While you can’t prevent all accidents, strategic changes can minimize risks and potential damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will my homeowners insurance premiums increase?
Your premiums may not increase if the damage was caused by a third party, as their auto insurance is primarily responsible. However, filing a claim with your homeowners insurance could impact your policy depending on the circumstances.
2. What if the driver is uninsured or fled the scene?
If the driver is uninsured or cannot be identified (hit-and-run), your homeowners insurance may step in. Check if you have uninsured motorist coverage or similar endorsements.
3. Does homeowners insurance cover car damage?
No, homeowners insurance does not cover the vehicle itself. The driver’s auto insurance will need to address their car damage.
4. How long will the claims process take?
The process can take several weeks, depending on the extent of damage, coordination between insurers, and availability of contractors.
5. Can I choose my own contractor for repairs?
Yes, most insurers allow you to hire your preferred contractor. However, ensure the contractor provides estimates approved by the insurer.
Final Thoughts
When a car damages your property, knowing what to do can help you resolve the situation quickly and minimize stress. By working with both your homeowners insurer and the driver’s auto insurance company, documenting everything thoroughly, and taking temporary measures when necessary, you’ll be on your way to repairing the damage.
If you need expert guidance during the claims process or have questions about your insurance coverage, Loti is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your home and finances are protected!