We use our vehicles for many purposes – including hauling large items. Yet, when we do this, we run the risk of those objects falling off our vehicle and causing damage to our vehicle – not to mention other drivers and vehicles on the road. And, even if we’re not hauling one of these items, we run the risk of hitting debris that fell off other vehicles and sustaining similar damage. What can we do to address the problem?

In this case, auto insurance policies may provide some help. Depending on what damage occurred, they can provide financial coverage for losses sustained in these incidents. Here’s what to know.

What Happens If You Strike an Object in the Road?

The most common type of damage involving large objects occurs when a driver strikes an object in the road. This can happen when someone’s chair falls out of their truck, or a truck loses a portion of its load. In instances like this, any damage you suffer to your car may be the responsibility of the party who lost the item. For example, the driver of the vehicle that dropped the chair is responsible the damage caused to your car. In this case, their property damage liability insurance will cover your loss.

If you have the other driver’s license plate number jotted down, you can file a police report. This is critical, because there's a chance the other driver might not have realized they lost items, and continued driving. If this is the case, use the police report as a first step to make sure you can contact the party in question. Also, make sure you don’t leave the scene of the incident.

If you do not have the other driver’s information, still file a police report. Then, contact your insurer. If you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, that policy may help cover you.

What If You Lose Something?

If you are the driver who lost an item you were hauling, you have concerns to tend to as well. You might have sustained damage to your vehicle in the incident, and you lost a valuable item. Will your car insurance help you?

This depends on the type of auto insurance you have. A comprehensive policy may cover your losses, as long as you could not have prevented the damage. However, damage you cause to another party’s car or property will fall under your liability insurance. Some car insurance policies may not provide any coverage to you at all. So, check with your Affordable Insurance Group agent first.

What Could You Do Better?

It is important to remain a safe driver. This helps keep your auto insurance costs low. To reduce your risks, avoid carrying objects that could fall out of your vehicle. Take proper steps to protect your valuables. And, be sure you do not put other drivers at risk. Whether you’re hauling large objects down the street or across the state, causing a lost load related accident might cause your insurer to consider you a high-risk driver.

Try and prevent increases in car insurance costs from avoidable accidents. But, when you need help, contact your Freedom Insurance agent.