# What if only my car was damaged?

Canonical: https://californiapersonalinjurylaws.com/guides/property-damage-only/

Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin; publisher reported approval on 2026-11-04. Original review date was not supplied.

## Short answer

You may have a property-damage claim even if you have no bodily injury. The type of loss matters. You still need proof of fault and the damage.

## Hypothetical example

A driver hits a parked car. The owner is not hurt but needs repairs.

## How the rule works

A claim for harm to a car is different from a claim for pain or injury. Keep repair records and ask which losses the claim covers.

## What can change the answer

Feeling fine right away is not proof that you have no injury. Get medical advice if you have health concerns. Policy terms and limits may also matter.

## A useful next step

Keep photos, repair estimates, receipts, and policy details. Do not sign an injury release without understanding what it gives up.

## Court decisions behind this answer

### Rowland v. Christian (1968)

69 Cal.2d 108, p. 119. The court applied reasonable-care rules to unsafe property. A visitor’s label alone did not decide the owner’s duty.

Limit: Rowland supplies a general reasonable-care principle. It does not set the value of a damaged car or decide every policy issue.

Source: https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/2d/69/108.html

## Sources

- [Civil Code § 3333 — Compensation for harm](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=3333.)
- [California Department of Insurance — Automobile insurance guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/auto101.cfm)
- [California Civil Code § 1714 — Responsibility for harm](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1714.)
- [Rowland v. Christian (1968) 69 Cal.2d 108](https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/2d/69/108.html)

General information, not legal advice.