Does Car Insurance Cover Single Car Accidents?

Single-car accidents may happen due to several reasons, such as:

• Speeding
  Speeding more than the allowed limit may cause you to lose control and crash your car

• Distracted Driving
  Texting or looking at your mobile, feeling drowsy, or DUI doesn’t allow you to focus on your driving

• Avoiding a Collision with an Animal, Another Vehicle, or Debris
  The sudden appearance of an animal, a speeding car, or a pile of debris may force you to swerve your car to avoid hitting them

• Poor road or weather conditions
  Roads that are in bad shape become accident hotspots. Also, heavy rain or snow can make the road dangerous for driving

• Mechanical snags
  Car-related issues such as brake failure or tire blowout can lead to your losing control
• Inexperience
  Lack of proper driving skills often leads to single-car accidents

For single-car accident claims, the insurance needed for coverage depends on the type of accident.

• Collision insurance covers you for preventable accidents where you are considered at fault
• Comprehensive insurance pays for unexpected and unavoidable accidents that are beyond your control

While for your single-car accident, mostly you may be considered at fault, there are several instances when you may not be held responsible for the accident. They include:

• Vehicle issues
• Road conditions
• Sudden appearance of an animal or vehicle

The steps you must follow after you are involved in a single-car crash include:

• Check for injuries to others and property damage
• Steer your car away from the road or switch on the hazard lights
• Do not approach a wounded animal injured in the crash
• Inform the police
• Take photographs of the scene
• Call for roadside assistance if the car is badly damaged

You can avoid single-car crashes by following the below-mentioned driving practices:

• Stay focused on the road
• Avoid driving if drowsy or drunk
• Drive with caution on bad roads or in bad weather
• Look out for animal crossing signs
• Rest for some time if tired

Whether you may file a single-car accident claim depends on the extent of damage to your car. If the repair and replacement costs are more than your car insurance deductible, filing a claim may be worth it, but you may see an increase in your insurance costs.