Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a falling object?

If you’re driving along an interstate and something falls off a truck and hits your vehicle, you may wonder, “Does car insurance coverage cover damage caused by a falling object?”

Sometimes, such an event can cause significant damage, and you may wonder who should pay for it. We understand your concern and have answered your question below.

Car Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by a Falling Object

Most insurers will pay for this damage if you work with one of the best comprehensive coverage car insurance companies. This type of coverage pays for damage you incur that doesn’t involve a collision with another vehicle. It can also pay for damage from vehicle theft and vandalism.

Note that comprehensive insurance is optional, although if you lease a car, the lender may require that you have this type of insurance.

Falling Objects That Cause Damage

Many objects can qualify, including:

• Tree limbs.
• Rocks that may fall off a mountainside.
• Debris from a construction site.
• Objects that the driver of a moving vehicle may not have secured correctly.

However, you should always check the fine print of your insurance policy to see if there are any exclusions. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask the agent or broker for more advice.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a construction zone accident?

Damage From Falling Satellites or Space Debris

While errant satellites and space debris may be rare, many comprehensive insurance plans still cover this risk. And should you need to swerve to avoid any debris that falls out of the sky, causing a collision, the liability part of your policy would cover the damage you cause to the other vehicle.

Deductibles and Damage From Falling Objects

As you’ll find if you read our article on comprehensive car insurance, you may often choose to pay a deductible when you take out this type of coverage. So, if you claim damage caused by a falling object, the company will pay you a certain amount less the value of the deductible.

If you know the source of the falling object, you should inform the insurance company. For example, you may see the object fall from the back of a truck and can record the license plate.

If so, give this information to the insurance company. They may be able to pursue the owner of that truck to recover the damages, which would include the amount you contributed as a deductible.

Full Coverage Car Insurance for Falling Objects

Most full coverage car insurance policies include liability, collision, and comprehensive. Individual states do not require this amount of cover, but you may need it when you lease a vehicle.

Sometimes, some states require more than just liability protection. For example, additional car insurance requirements may include uninsured/underinsured motorists, medical payments (MedPay), or personal injury protection (PIP).

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by a Falling Object

Case Study 1: Coverage for Falling Tree Branch

During a storm, a large tree branch fell onto Mary’s parked car, causing significant damage. Fortunately, Mary had comprehensive car insurance coverage, which covered the repairs to her vehicle. The insurance company acknowledged that the damage was caused by a falling object and processed the claim accordingly.

This case illustrates the importance of having comprehensive coverage to protect against damage caused by falling objects.

Case Study 2: Protection From Hail Damage

John’s car was parked outside when a severe hailstorm struck his area. The hailstones caused dents and chipped the paint on his vehicle. Luckily, John had comprehensive car insurance, which covered the damages caused by the falling hail. The insurance company assessed the extent of the damage and provided the necessary repairs.

This case demonstrates how comprehensive coverage can safeguard against various types of damage, including that caused by falling objects.

Case Study 3: Coverage for a Damaged Windshield

While driving on the highway, Sarah’s car was hit by a rock that fell off a passing truck, resulting in a cracked windshield. Thanks to her comprehensive car insurance policy, the insurance company covered the cost of repairing the windshield. Sarah only had to pay the deductible specified in her policy.

This case emphasizes the significance of comprehensive coverage in protecting against damage caused by falling objects, even while driving.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage to my windshield?

Car Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by a Falling Object: The Bottom Line

If you have comprehensive insurance, the company will pay for damage to your vehicle caused by falling objects. However, remember that you will usually need to pay a deductible, so if you can identify the owner of the falling object (if applicable), the insurance company may recover that deductible for you.