Can I make a claim if it wasn't my fault?

Asked by: Monica Braun  |  Last update: February 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (21 votes)

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

Do I have to declare a claim if it wasn't my fault?

Yes. You need to declare all accidents that you're involved in, regardless of who or what was at fault, and whether you make a claim. Not telling your provider about an accident could lead to issues down the line.

How do I claim insurance if it's not my fault?

If the accident wasn't your fault, the first step is to file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company. You'll need to provide them with evidence like the police report, medical bills, and any repair estimates for your vehicle.

Can you get compensation if the accident was not your fault?

How Does Insurance Work When It's Not Your Fault? In California, you can file a claim directly with the at-fault driver's insurance company. You must provide evidence of the accident and documentation of your damages.

What happens if both parties are not at fault in a car accident?

A no-fault state is one where drivers involved in a car accident are required to file claims with their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident. This system relies on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which compensates for medical expenses and lost wages up to a state-determined limit.

Auto Insurance Claims Process: Not-At-Fault Accident

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Should I file a claim if I'm not at fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?

Yes, it is generally advisable to notify your insurance company even if the accident wasn't your fault. Most insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report any accidents or incidents, regardless of fault.

Should I call my insurance if it wasn't my fault progressive?

Start the claims process

Regardless of who's at fault, it's a good idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred.

What to do after a minor car accident not your fault USA?

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident?
  • Safety first: Move to a safe area as soon as you can. ...
  • Check for injuries: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 or ask someone else to call. ...
  • Call the police and report the accident: Even if the accident is minor, it is good to get an official police report.

Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage?

It may not make sense to file a claim if the bumper damage is minor and the repair cost is lower than your auto insurance deductible. If you have a low deductible, it may be worthwhile to file a claim, even for minor repairs.

Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Fourth, and perhaps the most important reason you should contact your insurance company after an accident, is that the other driver may claim that you are at fault and pursue a claim against you. Even if you know you weren't the cause of the collision, you do not want to have to pay the cost of defending yourself.

Should you report an accident that wasn't your fault?

Failing to report the collision may result in a violation of your insurance policy. Furthermore, it is crucial to grasp the concept of pure comparative negligence in the state of California. This legal principle allows individuals to seek compensation even if they bear some responsibility for their own injuries.

What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?

Report the Incident

You don't want them to hear from the other party first. Be detailed: Provide them with all the information you've gathered—photos, videos, witness names, and details about the incident. Ask for advice: Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed and whether further action is needed.

Do I lose no claims if it wasn't my fault?

' Accident questions answered. A common question searched online after an accident is 'do I lose my no claims if not my fault' and the unfortunate answer to this question is… Yes, you may lose it.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?

If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, even if it was not your fault, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk to insure and increase your rates. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent to see how much insurance could increase after an accident where you're not at fault.

What happens if you don't report an accident within 24 hours in the UK?

If you don't stop at the scene or report an incident you could be committing an offence and be charged. The penalties include: a fine. up to six months in prison.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?

If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.

What to do if you bump a car but no damage?

* Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. * Document the incident: Take photos of both vehicles, even if there's no visible damage. * Report the incident: If required by law in your area, report the incident to the police.

What happens after a no-fault car accident?

Report the Car Accident to Your Insurance Company

If you had no fault at all in the car accident, the other driver's insurance company should be liable for your damages. You should be compensated for all of the costs of the accident.

When someone hits you, do you call their insurance?

You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.

Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?

However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.

Do you have to pay your deductible if you're not at fault?

It depends on your insurance policy. Some insurance policies require you to pay your deductible even if you are not at fault, while others do not. Reviewing your policy or speaking with your insurance agent to understand your coverage is important.

How does insurance work if it's not your fault?

You will file a claim with your auto insurance for damage to your vehicle, medical bills, property damage, and, potentially, lost wages due to injury. The car insurer collects money from the at-fault driver's coverage. Your claims might be limited by the other driver's coverage limits and the state where you live.

What happens if I don't call my insurance after an accident?

There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.

How to file a claim against someone else's car insurance?

Otherwise, simply call the other party's insurer to file your claim using the information their insured gives you regarding their auto insurance. To get started, be prepared to provide some information about the driver who caused the accident, their insurance, and the accident.