A vehicle just plowed into your fence, mailbox, or front yard. You weren’t expecting it, and you’re probably not sure what comes next. The steps you take in the first few hours matter more than most people realize.
Call the Police and Start Documenting
Get law enforcement on the scene. Even if the damage looks minor, a police report creates an official record that carries real weight later. Our friends at The People’s Law Team, PA Property Damage Lawyers stress that early documentation often shapes the entire outcome of a property damage case. Insurance companies respond very differently when there’s a formal report backing up your claim.
While you’re waiting for officers, pull out your phone. Photograph everything. Capture video evidence too. Get the vehicle, the license plate, skid marks, and debris. Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information.
These are a few things worth capturing right away:
- The full extent of visible damage to your property
- Where the vehicle ended up relative to your fence, wall, or structure
- Weather and lighting at the time
- Damage to the driver’s vehicle
- The driver’s contact and insurance details
Don’t Accept the First Offer
This is where homeowners get tripped up. An insurance adjuster will often present a number quickly, and it almost always falls short. Before you agree to anything, get at least two independent repair estimates from licensed contractors.
Those estimates do two things. They show you what repairs actually cost, and they give you something concrete to push back with if the offer doesn’t add up. The NAIC offers resources on your rights during the claims process, including how to file a complaint against an insurer acting in bad faith.
Figure Out Who’s Paying
Usually, the driver who caused the accident is on the hook. Their auto liability coverage should pay for your repairs. But what happens when that driver is uninsured? Or when they flee the scene?
In hit-and-run situations, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the damage, though you’ll likely owe a deductible. Some policies specifically cover vehicle-caused property damage. Others don’t. It’s worth having a property damage lawyer review your policy so you know exactly where you stand.
Look Beyond What’s Visible
A car hitting your fence can do more than bend a few posts. Underground irrigation, electrical lines, retaining walls, and even your foundation can take damage you won’t see right away. A professional inspection protects you from discovering costly surprises after you’ve already settled.
Move Quickly
Every state imposes a deadline for filing property damage claims. Miss it, and you lose your right to compensation no matter how clear-cut your case is. Acting fast also preserves evidence that fades or disappears over time. Keep every photo, receipt, estimate, and piece of correspondence in one organized file.
You shouldn’t have to absorb the financial cost of someone else’s mistake. If you’re dealing with an uncooperative insurer or an uninsured driver, reaching out to an attorney who handles property damage cases can help you understand your options and figure out the strongest path forward.