Accidents don’t always happen on the road. Sometimes, a vehicle accidentally hits a mailbox, fence, garage door, or even the structure of a home. When that happens, homeowners are often left wondering: Will auto insurance cover the damage, or does home insurance apply?
Understanding how auto insurance and homeowners insurance work together in these situations can save time, stress, and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. At CF&P Insurance Brokers, an independent insurance agency serving Walnut Creek, CA, we help homeowners and drivers navigate these scenarios with clarity and confidence.
Accidental property damage involving vehicles can happen in many ways, such as:
Each situation may involve different insurance policies depending on who caused the damage and how it occurred.
In most cases, auto insurance is the primary coverage when a vehicle causes property damage. Specifically, property damage liability coverage pays for damage the insured driver causes to someone else’s property.
If another driver hits your property:
According to the California Department of Insurance, all drivers in California are required to carry minimum liability coverage, which includes property damage liability.
If you accidentally hit your own property with your vehicle, auto insurance usually does not cover the damage, because liability coverage applies only to damage caused to others.
Also Read : How Much Will My Auto Insurance Go Up After an Accident?
Your homeowners insurance may come into play depending on the circumstances. If a vehicle, yours or someone else’s, damages your home or structures on your property, coverage may fall under:
However, homeowners insurance typically acts as secondary coverage if another party’s auto insurance is available.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) explains that homeowners insurance may cover vehicle-related damage if:
Keep in mind that homeowners insurance deductibles apply, and filing a claim may impact future premiums.
If the driver who caused the damage has no insurance, or fled the scene, you may need to rely on your homeowners insurance to cover repairs.
Some auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist property damage coverage, but availability and limits vary in California. This is why reviewing both your auto and home policies together is important.
An independent broker can help identify gaps and recommend solutions tailored to your risk exposure.
Coverage for landscaping, trees, and driveways depends on your homeowners policy terms. Many policies offer limited coverage for landscaping damage, often capped at a specific dollar amount.
Government guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emphasizes reviewing policy limits and exclusions to understand what is—and isn’t—covered before an accident happens.
After a vehicle accident on their property, homeowners often:
These mistakes can lead to denied claims or unnecessary costs.
At CF&P Insurance Brokers, we take a community-focused, educational approach to insurance. As a Walnut Creek–based independent agency, we work with multiple carriers to help you:
Our goal is to protect your property and your peace of mind, before and after an accident occurs.
Accidental property damage can happen when you least expect it. Knowing whether auto insurance or homeowners insurance applies helps you act quickly and confidently. Contact CF&P Insurance Brokers today at (925) 956-7700 to review your auto and home insurance coverage. Contact us today to make sure your policies are aligned and your property is fully protected.
Usually no. Auto insurance liability covers damage to others’ property, not your own.
Yes, in some cases, especially if the driver is uninsured or unknown.
Their auto insurance typically pays first through property damage liability.
It may. This depends on your insurer, claim history, and policy terms.
