Can we claim third party insurance?

Asked by: Dr. Gia Torphy IV  |  Last update: January 4, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (60 votes)

To file a third-party car insurance claim in California, follow these steps: Get the at-fault driver's insurance information. Alert your own insurance company of the accident. Contact the at-fault driver's insurance company to report the claim.

Can you make a claim on a third party?

What is a third party claim and what do you need to know? Anytime you're involved in an auto accident and it was not your fault, you potentially have a third party claim. If the at fault party has liability insurance, then when you file a claim with their insurance company and you have a third party claim.

What is an example of a third party claim?

An Example of a Third-Party Claim

Another driver runs their stop sign and hits you. You have vehicle damage, a broken arm, and whiplash. The other driver has an insurance policy that covers liability for physical injuries, including medical expenses, and property damage.

Is it better to file a third party claim?

It's better if you file a third party claim directly with the other person's insurance. That will keep your insurance rates from rising (yes, your rates can rise if you file a claim with your own insurance even if you're not at fault.) You can't use a delay in processing the claim as an excuse to run up more expenses.

Can I use 3rd party insurance?

Third Party Car Insurance is the minimum level of cover you can take out to enable you to drive on public roads. It meets the legal requirements and provides cover to third parties in the event of an accident or incident. However, it does not cover any damage to your car or property.

How Does A Third Party Insurance Claim Work?

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What is disadvantage of third party insurance?

One of the major drawbacks of Third party car insurance is its narrow coverage. The policy does protect you against claims from others when you accidentally cause any damage or injury. However, it never covers any damage to your vehicle or other property, nor does it come to your rescue when any theft occurs.

When can you use third party insurance?

Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) Insurance is car insurance that covers damage you cause to other people's cars or property in an accident. And that's not all. If an uninsured driver damages your car, you'll be covered for that too (up to $5,000)2.

Will a third party claim affect my insurance?

Will a Third-Party Claim Affect My Insurance? Typically, third-party claims are separate from your insurance. If you are worried about your premiums being affected, you can file the third-party claim directly with the insurance company of the person at fault.

When should you not file a claim?

If the claim amount equals or is less than the deductible, there's not much sense in filing a claim. “Most car insurance policies have a deductible in place which you have to pay before their coverage kicks in,” says Ross. “If your damages are minor, you're much better off just paying out of pocket.”

What happens with a third party claim?

The insurer will investigate the claim, determine liability, and compensate the third party for their damages or injuries, excluding coverage for your own vehicle.

Should I file a claim with the other person's insurance?

When the other driver is at fault, and you have a police report that documents that, you can and should gather information about the other driver's insurance. We do not recommend that you contact that insurance company directly because they will try to reduce their claim and shift the blame to you.

What is a 3rd party insurance?

Third-party liability insurance is a type of coverage that financially protects you if you're considered responsible for damages or injury to another person or their property. This type of coverage is available for both home and car insurance.

What are the steps for filing a third party claim?

Steps to File a Third-Party Insurance Claim

Notify the other party's insurer that you intend to file a claim. Provide a detailed account of the incident and your damages. Submit supporting documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses.

What is a third-party claim example?

Examples of third-party claims include: a pedestrian injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by the insured driver. a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by a patient against the insured doctor. a product liability suit brought against a manufacturer or retailer.

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.

How many claims are allowed in car insurance?

In any case, two at-fault claims within three years are grounds for non-renewal with many insurance companies. Since your driving record follows you, your next insurance company will consider you high risk as well, and your insurance rates will reflect it. unless you file more than three within three years.

What should you not say in a claim?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include:
  • “I'm sorry.”
  • “It was all/partly my fault.”
  • “I did not see the other person/driver.”

When can you not claim someone?

You can't claim someone who is claimed as a dependent on another tax return. You also can't claim a person who states that they are not able to be claimed as a dependent on their own tax return (takes a personal exemption for himself).

Does insurance cover 3rd party?

Third-party cover is the minimum level of car insurance that drivers legally need. It typically covers the cost of damage to another person's vehicle, as well as any compensation costs for injuries caused to other people.

Who pays the excess in a third party claim?

In a third-party insurance claim, the excess is typically paid by the policyholder who is at fault for the incident that led to the claim.

How much damage does third party insurance cover?

Third party property damage covers liability for accidental damage to other people's vehicles and property arising from the use of your car, up to $20 million.

What is considered third party insurance plans?

Third-party insurance provides compensation to other individuals or businesses (third parties) when the insured individual or business is liable for damages.

What are the risks of third party payments?

Third parties are at higher risk of money laundering because of weaknesses in their partners' compliance systems or processes, such as: Inadequate due diligence, which means not thoroughly verifying or assessing the identity, ownership, business activities, reputation, or risk profile of third parties.

Which type of car insurance is best?

Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy

This type of insurance policy provides complete protection. It covers both third-party liabilities as well as damages to your vehicle. Also, with a comprehensive cover, you can get compensation if the accident results in your death; the family members will receive the benefit.