Navigating Insurance Claims: Collision or Comprehensive Coverage?
Hello everyone,
Yesterday, while navigating a highway in Georgia in my 2017 Honda Fit, I encountered an unexpected incident involving a wayward tire—and am grateful my first accident left us unharmed. After safely pulling over to assess the damage, I discovered the front bumper had partially detached and was scraping the left tire. Thankfully, I managed to secure it back into place and ensure a safe journey home. Upon further inspection, I found that the encounter with the tire also caused damage to the bottom shield, which will need removal or replacement soon.
Upon reviewing my dashcam footage, it revealed that another vehicle, identifiable by its license plate, had initially made contact with the tire, propelling it into my lane with barely any time to respond. I am now preparing to file an insurance claim, but I’m unsure whether this situation should be categorized under collision coverage with a $600 deductible or fall under comprehensive coverage with a $100 deductible. Initially, I assumed hitting a stationary object made me at fault, but the new evidence complicates this assumption.
In hindsight, not contacting the police or engaging with the other driver was likely an oversight, even though the shock of the moment influenced our immediate actions. With the license plate number in hand and confirmation of the vehicle’s details from the DMV, I’m uncertain of the next steps since the tire didn’t belong to that driver, complicating liability. I’m seeking advice on obtaining a damage estimate and understanding the appropriate details to communicate to insurance adjusters. Any guidance on navigating this process and clarifying coverage distinctions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
It’s understandable that this experience was unsettling and left you with several questions regarding how to proceed. Navigating insurance claims can be a bit complex, especially when events unfold in unexpected ways, such as an accident involving debris on the road. Here’s a structured approach to address your situation:
Comprehensive Coverage deals with damage not caused by a collision, such as theft, fire, or hitting an animal. It typically covers incidents involving debris if it was stationary on the roadway. However, since the tire was propelled into your path, comprehensive is less likely to apply here.
Considerations for Reporting:
Reach Out to the Other Driver: Since you have their license plate number, you could attempt to contact the other driver. They might be unaware of the incident, but sharing your footage with them could lead to a mutual resolution, or at least, give them a chance to address this with their insurer.
Insurance Claim Process: