Hit a utility pole or downed power line? What to do and who pays

Read the full article →

A short explainer on utility pole crashes: why every downed line should be treated as live, when to leave the car, and how property damage liability and collision coverage usually split the bills.

This short video is a summary of our explainer Ohio Crash Brings Down a Utility Pole and Lines on a Second Car: Who Pays When You Hit a Pole?, which covers the details, the steps to take, and how auto insurance typically handles it.

Transcript

Hit a utility pole, or power lines fell across your car? Here's what to do. Treat every downed line as live. Stay inside, call 911, and warn people to keep at least 35 feet away. Leave only for fire or smoke. Jump clear with feet together, then shuffle away. The utility can bill the at-fault driver for the pole. Property damage liability usually pays that. Collision fixes your own car. Rules vary by state. Compare free quotes at autoinsurancebundle.pro.

More videos

• Hit by a train at a railroad crossing? (36 sec)
• Car seat in a crash? When to replace it (34 sec)
• Slid on black ice? Here's who usually pays (34 sec)
• All videos
• All news and explainers

Important: This video is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice, and coverage rules vary by state, insurer, and policy. AutoInsuranceBundle.pro is a free, independent insurance comparison and referral service. We are not an insurance company, we do not issue policies, and we do not provide insurance advice. Calls to the number on this site are routed to licensed insurance agents or agencies in our partner network, who may receive compensation. Calling is completely voluntary and there is no obligation to buy. Rates, discounts, and availability vary by carrier, state, and individual eligibility; not all carriers, products, or discounts are available in all states. Calls may be recorded for quality and compliance purposes.