What Happens If a Car Crashes into Your House?

What happens if a car crashes into your house? Learn in detail who pays for repairs, insurance coverage, and liability, and what steps to take after the accident. A car can hit a house. When it does, the damage can be big. It can harm the home and the people in it. It can also bring fear and stress.

Many people do not know who will pay for the damage. They may not know which insurance helps. They may also enquire whether the city is obligated to provide assistance.

A sad case showed this. A car hit a home. It took the lives of a family of four. It also broke the house. The tragedy made many people ask the same questions. This guide explains what happens, who may be at fault, and how insurance works.

What Happens If a Car Crashes into Your House?

When a car collides with a home, the impact can cause:

• Major structural damage (walls, foundation, roofline)
• Destruction of personal property
•  Injuries or fatalities
•  Fire hazards
•  Long-term instability in the structure

Even at low speed, a car can cause big damage. The cost can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Who Pays When a Car Hits Your Home?

In most cases, car insurance pays first. But this coverage has limits. Homeowners need to know these limits.

Auto Insurance Coverage

• A driver’s auto insurance policy typically includes:
•  Property damage liability—covers damage to your home
•  Bodily injury liability—Covers physical injuries caused by the crash

Auto Insurance Limits Are Often Too Low

Here is the main problem. Auto insurance limits are often very low. Many drivers only have $10,000 in coverage. That amount is far too small to fix a home.

Even higher limits may not help. Policies with $25,000 or $50,000 still fall short. A home can cost much more to repair or rebuild.

Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

Many people think homeowner’s insurance pays for all damage. This is not always true. Homeowner’s insurance may help, but there are limits.

• It does not cover damage if you caused the crash.
• It usually covers storms, fires, or vandalism.
• It does not focus on car crashes.

It may pay small medical costs if someone is hurt. Those payments are limited. Many homeowners are underinsured. Some are only partly covered.

Can the City or County Be Responsible?

Some people look to the city or county for help. This often happens when the road seems unsafe. To win a claim, you must prove three things:

• The road agency had a duty to keep roads safe
• They knew the road was dangerous
• They failed to fix it or warn people

Even if they are at fault, payouts are limited. Most areas have legal caps:

• $200,000 per person
• $300,000 per event

All losses must fit under that cap. This includes injuries, deaths, and home damage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Here is something many people do not know. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply. This can happen even if you were inside your home. If a car caused the damage, and the driver had no insurance or too little insurance, your UM coverage may help.

UM only pays for injuries. It does not pay to fix your house.

How to Protect Yourself Before a Crash

Because coverage is often limited, take steps early.

Consider:

• Higher homeowner’s insurance limits
• Higher UM or UIM coverage
• Reporting unsafe roads to the county
• Adding an umbrella policy

These steps can protect your finances.

What to Do Right After a Car Hits Your Home

1. Call 911 right away
2. Check everyone for injuries
3. Take photos and videos
4. Call your homeowner’s insurer
5. Get the driver’s insurance info
6. See a doctor, even if pain is mild
7. Talk to a lawyer if coverage is unclear

Final Thoughts

A car hitting a home is rare. But the damage can be severe. Auto insurance limits are often too low. Homeowner’s coverage is narrow. Knowing your options can help you recover faster.

FAQ: Car Crashes into Your House

Does homeowner’s insurance cover this?

It may help with repairs. It does not apply if you were the driver.

Does auto insurance pay for house damage?

Yes, but only up to the driver’s limit.

Can I sue the city or county?

Occasionally, you must prove they knew the road was unsafe.

What if the driver had no insurance?

UM coverage may pay for injuries. It will not pay for home repairs.

What should I do first?

Call 911, document the damage, contact insurance, and consider speaking with an attorney.

Can more than one policy apply?

Yes, Auto, homeowners, and UM coverage may all apply.