Vehicle Impact Damage: When a Car Hits Your Building

More Damage Than Meets the Eye

When a vehicle strikes a building, the visible damage — a hole in the wall, broken siding, cracked stucco — is almost always just a fraction of the actual damage. The force of a vehicle impact transfers energy through the structure in ways that are not immediately apparent. What looks like damage to one wall may actually involve shifted framing, compromised foundation elements, cracked interior walls on the opposite side of the building, and misaligned doors and windows throughout the structure.

Insurance adjusters frequently underestimate vehicle impact damage because they assess what they can see from the surface. But the real cost of properly repairing a vehicle impact often far exceeds the visible damage. Framing members may be cracked, split, or displaced behind intact drywall. The foundation may have shifted or cracked. Roof trusses may have been stressed. Plumbing and electrical lines running through affected walls may be damaged.

Hidden Framing and Foundation Damage

Framing damage is one of the most commonly overlooked issues in vehicle impact claims. Wall studs, headers, sill plates, and rim joists can all be damaged without any visible indication on the exterior or interior surface. The only way to properly assess framing damage is to open up the walls — remove drywall or interior finishes to expose the structural members. If the insurance company wants to repair only the surface damage without investigating the framing behind it, they are not conducting a proper assessment.

Foundation shifting is another critical concern. Even a seemingly moderate impact can cause a section of foundation to crack or shift, especially in older construction or where the impact occurs near a corner. Signs of foundation movement include new cracks in interior walls, doors or windows that suddenly do not open or close properly, and visible separation between walls and floors or ceilings.

Insurance and Liability

Your homeowners insurance policy covers damage to your building from a vehicle impact — it is a covered peril under virtually all standard policies. You can and should file a claim under your own policy to get the repairs started. Your insurance company may then pursue the driver's auto liability insurance through subrogation to recover what they paid on your claim.

You may also have a direct claim against the driver's auto liability policy for damage to your property. Obtaining a police report is essential — it documents the incident and identifies the driver and their insurance information. If the driver was uninsured or fled the scene, your homeowners policy still covers the building damage.

Protecting Your Claim

After a vehicle impact, call the police to file a report and document the scene. Take photos and video of all visible damage from multiple angles, including the vehicle's position if it is still present. Get the driver's insurance information and contact details. Do not allow any repairs until both your insurance company and a structural engineer have assessed the damage. If the damage is significant, a licensed Public Adjuster can help ensure the full extent of structural damage is identified and included in your claim.