Potholes - Comp or Collision?

Potholes - A Comprehensive or Collision Loss?

Why Potholes Are Paid as Collision Claims

When most people think of car insurance, they typically categorize accidents into two main types: collisions and comprehensive claims. While a collision is often visualized as an incident involving another vehicle or object, the idea that hitting a pothole is considered a collision claim might surprise some drivers. Understanding why potholes are categorized this way can help drivers navigate their insurance policies and handle claims more effectively.

Understanding Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is designed to pay for damages to your vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of fault. This includes incidents involving other vehicles, stationary objects like trees or fences, and, crucially, the ground or road surface itself. In insurance terms, a collision is any impact that results in damage to your vehicle, which is why hitting a pothole falls under this category.

Potholes and Their Impact

Potholes are depressions or holes in the road surface that can vary in size and depth. They often form due to weather conditions, poor road maintenance, or heavy traffic. When a vehicle hits a pothole, the impact can cause significant damage, including:

Tire Damage: Potholes can puncture or blow out tires, leaving drivers with costly repairs or replacements.

Wheel and Rim Damage: The force of hitting a pothole can bend or crack wheels and rims.

Suspension Issues: The suspension system, which absorbs shocks and provides a smooth ride, can be damaged, leading to more expensive repairs.

Alignment Problems: A vehicle’s alignment can be thrown off, causing uneven tire wear and affecting handling.

Why Pothole Damage Is a Collision Claim

When you file a claim for pothole damage, your insurer categorizes it as a collision claim because it involves a direct impact with the road surface. Here are a few reasons why pothole damage falls under collision coverage:

1. Nature of Impact: The sudden and forceful nature of hitting a pothole mirrors the characteristics of a collision with another vehicle or object. The vehicle is in motion and impacts another surface, resulting in damage.

2. Coverage Structure: Insurance policies are structured to classify damages based on the incident's nature. Collision coverage is specifically designed to address damages resulting from driving and impacts, making it the appropriate category for pothole-related incidents.

3. Policy Terms: Most insurance policies clearly define what constitutes a collision, often including impacts with road hazards like potholes. By categorizing pothole damage as a collision claim, insurers can provide consistent coverage terms across different types of impacts.

How to Handle a Pothole Damage Claim

If you experience vehicle damage due to a pothole, follow these steps to handle your insurance claim:

1. Document the Damage: Take photos of the damage and the pothole, if possible. This documentation will be helpful when filing your claim.

2. Contact Your Insurer: Report the incident to your insurance company promptly. Provide all necessary information, including photos and a detailed description of the event.

3. Understand Your Deductible: Be aware of your collision coverage deductible. If the cost of repairs is less than or close to your deductible, it might be more economical to pay for repairs out of pocket.

4. File the Claim: Work with your insurance agent to complete the claim process. They can guide you through any additional steps required by your insurer.

5. Consider Comprehensive Coverage: While collision coverage handles pothole damage, comprehensive coverage addresses non-collision incidents like theft or vandalism. Ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.

Conclusion

Understanding why potholes are categorized as collision claims can help drivers make informed decisions about their insurance policies and coverage options. While dealing with pothole damage can be frustrating, knowing how to navigate the claims process and maintain adequate coverage can alleviate some of the stress associated with these road hazards. As always, maintaining safe driving habits and being vigilant on the road can help minimize the risk of encountering damaging potholes in the first place.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Does My Policy Cover My Device?

September 18, 2025

Will Your Auto or Home Insurance Cover Your Mobile Device or Computer? Our phones and laptops aren’t just gadgets anymore, they’re lifelines. From handling business on the go to streaming that must-watch series at night, they’re practically extensions of ourselves. But what happens when the unexpected occurs? A drop, a theft, a spilled cup of coffee, will your auto or home insurance policy swoop in to save the day? Let’s break it down. Home Insurance & Your Tech Good news! Most homeowners and renters insurance policies can cover personal electronics like smartphones, tablets, and computers, at least up to policy limits. Theft or Fire : If your laptop is stolen from your home or damaged in a covered event like a house fire, your policy may reimburse you. Vandalism & Certain Storms : Same deal here. If your tech is damaged by something your policy specifically lists as covered, you’re in luck. But here’s the potential issue: coverage is usually subject to your deductible. If you have a $1,000 deductible and your device is worth $800, you might be out of pocket. 💡 Pro Tip: Ask your agent about scheduled personal property coverage or a rider, these can give your devices extra protection (and sometimes lower deductibles). Auto Insurance & Your Devices This one surprises people. If your phone or laptop is stolen from your car, your auto policy generally doesn’t cover it. Instead, it would fall back to your homeowners or renters insurance. However, your auto insurance can play a role if your car itself is damaged and your devices are harmed in the process. Example: a covered accident shatters your windshield and your laptop sitting in the passenger seat gets smashed. Some policies may extend limited coverage for items damaged inside the vehicle. Still, it’s not the main player here, think of your car insurance as handling the car first and foremost. What’s Not Typically Covered Accidental Damage (a.k.a. Clumsy Drops) : Most standard home or renters insurance won’t pay out if you drop your phone in the pool. Wear & Tear : If your laptop battery dies from age, that’s on you. Manufacturer Defects : That’s what warranties or protection plans are for. How to Make Sure You’re Protected Inventory Your Devices : Keep a running list (and receipts if you have them). Check Your Policy Limits : Electronics often have sub-limits that cap coverage. Consider Add-Ons : Riders or endorsements can provide stronger coverage for today’s high-ticket devices. Device Protection Beyond Your Plan While you’re safeguarding your tech, why not protect how you carry it? If you’re in the market for premium, durable, stylish leather accessories, check out our office favorites and get our exclusive 10% discount - Andar – Handcrafted Wallets & Tech Accessories These items don’t replace insurance, but they make sure your phone or computer travels in style and gets treated like the valuable gear it is. The Sonon Insurance Takeaway Insurance is about more than protecting the big stuff like your car or home, it’s also about safeguarding the tools that keep your everyday life running smoothly. If you rely on your devices (and who doesn’t?), make sure your coverage fits your lifestyle. At Sonon Insurance, we’ll walk you through what’s covered, what’s not, and how to fill in the gaps so your laptop or phone doesn’t leave you stranded in the digital stone age. ✅ Affiliate Disclosure & Legal Stuff We want to be transparent: some of the product links in this post are affiliate links—meaning Sonon Insurance may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you, and we only promote products we genuinely believe will provide value. We’re not responsible for warranties, returns, or damage once the product is in your hands—any such policies come from the product brand itself.

What is Gap Insurance?

By Justin Sonon • September 10, 2025

Gap Insurance: Dealer Add-On vs. Auto Insurance Policy — Which Is the Smarter Choice? Buying a new car is exciting, but it also comes with financial risks. The moment you drive off the lot, your vehicle starts to depreciate in value. If your car is ever totaled or stolen, your standard auto insurance typically pays out the actual cash value, not the balance left on your loan or lease. That’s where Gap Insurance comes in. Short for Guaranteed Asset Protection, it covers the “gap” between what your vehicle is worth and what you still owe your lender. Why You’ll Hear About Gap Insurance at the Dealership When you’re finalizing your purchase, the finance manager often offers Gap Insurance as an add-on. Convenience : You can roll it right into your financing paperwork. Cost : This convenience comes at a price. Dealers typically charge $400– $900 as a one-time fee, and because it’s financed, you’ll also pay interest on it. Commitment : Once it’s bundled into your loan, you’re locked into that cost even if your balance drops faster than expected. For example: if you buy a $30,000 SUV and total it a year later when it’s worth only $24,000, but you still owe $28,000, the dealer’s Gap Insurance would cover the $4,000 difference. Useful—but not always cost-effective. Gap Insurance Through Your Auto Insurance Policy What many car buyers don’t realize is that they can add Gap Insurance directly to their auto insurance policy. Lower Cost : Most carriers charge just $20–$40 per year for the same protection. Flexibility : You can add or remove the coverage as your loan balance changes. Same Protection : It covers the same difference between your loan and your vehicle’s actual cash value. In the SUV example above, adding Gap Insurance through your policy would provide the same $4,000 protection—but at a fraction of the cost. Which Option Is Best? If you like convenience and don’t mind paying more, the dealership option works. If you want long-term savings, adding Gap Insurance to your auto policy is almost always the smarter financial choice. At Sonon Insurance , you can explore whether adding Gap Insurance to your auto policy makes more sense for your wallet. Because protecting your vehicle, and your finances, shouldn’t cost more than it has to.