Can you claim insurance if you hit your own car?
Asked by: Polly Boehm | Last update: August 13, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (53 votes)
What happens if you hit your own vehicle?
When it comes to self-inflicted car damage, the key types of coverage to consider are comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision coverage specifically covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another car or object, regardless of who is at fault.
What happens when you hit one of your own cars?
Collision Coverage: If you have collision coverage, you're typically covered for damaging your own car. Whether it's an accident with another vehicle or an object (even one of your own), you can file a claim like any other car accident.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am 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.
Will insurance pay you to fix your own car?
nope. insurance determines if its a total loss or not. if they say its fixable its fixable right now. why dont you go to one of their direct repair shops? they likely have capacity and will guarantee the repairs.
Does Insurance Cover Someone Else Driving Your Car?
Can I choose to repair my car myself after an accident?
Fixing a Car After an Accident With Insurance Payout
As long as the repairs you need to make sit within this, you're absolutely within your rights to arrange your own car repairs for fixing a car.
Does insurance pay you or the body shop?
The insurance company pays the collision center
In most cases, the insurance company will pay your body shop directly if you ask. If they make the payment to you, you will need to pay the body shop for the repair amount before you can pick up your vehicle.
When someone hits you, do you call your insurance or theirs?
For example, if your car repair damage is $19,000 and the other driver's insurance covers up to $15,000, you still have to pay $4,000 in repair bills. In this case, your car insurance company may cover the costs resulting from this underinsured driver. This is why you should call your insurance if someone hits you.
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.
Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?
After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.
Will my insurance go up if I hit my own car?
If you file a claim for damaging your own car, your insurance rate may increase when you renew your policy.
How do I claim my own damage?
Once the incident occurs, it's imperative to notify your insurer promptly and gather all necessary documentation to kickstart the claim process. Your insurer will then dispatch a surveyor to assess the extent of the damages firsthand.
What do you do if you hit a car and the owner isn't there?
But if you've waited around and no one appears, the next best thing you can do is leave a note. Your note should include your name, address, phone number and email address. Avoid leaving specific insurance information but be sure that the owner of the car has a way to contact you directly.
Will insurance cover a single car accident?
If you carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, your insurance company may pay to cover the damage from a single car accident, minus your deductible. If you don't carry collision or comprehensive coverage, you'll have to pay for any damage out of pocket.
Will my insurance go up if I file a claim Progressive?
Will comprehensive claims increase my rate? Yes, a comprehensive claim might increase your rate, depending on your insurer and state. Comprehensive claims include non-collision events like car theft, car vandalism, car fire, chipped/cracked windshield, hitting an animal, and acts of nature.
Can you claim insurance if it was your fault?
It is therefore not possible to make a claim if you were entirely at fault for causing the accident. If you were partly at fault for causing the accident, then you may be eligible to make a claim. This is known as split liability or contributory negligence.
What should you not do when making an insurance claim?
While temporary repairs are a good idea, don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected. If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster.
How much will insurance pay for a bumper?
This is where you'll need to pay attention to your deductible and do some math. Bumper damage can range anywhere from $100 for a basic repair to $1,000 for more severe damage. If your deductible is $500 and your repair costs $100, it makes sense to pay out of pocket to avoid the deductible.
What is the downside of filing an insurance claim?
It could increase your premiums
When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.
Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?
Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.
Should I call their insurance or mine?
Even in at-fault states, where the other driver's insurer pays, there are several reasons why you should always call your own auto insurance company first, including: Some insurers will help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company.
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.
Do I have to repair my car after an insurance claim accident?
Most of the time, you are not only obligated to repair your vehicle but to use the auto insurer's preferred mechanic as well. Your lender will want you to promptly take care of the repairs to their asset. If you own the vehicle outright, you have greater flexibility in repair decisions.
Who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled?
If you own the car without any loans or liens, you will receive a check for the value assessed by the insurance company. If there is a loan, the check usually goes first to the leasing company or the lender. If you owe money on the vehicle, you should notify the lending company that your car has been totaled.
Can you keep the insurance money after someone hits your car?
The short answer is that yes, you can choose to do whatever you want with the insurance money, but you need to ask yourself whether or not this is the best decision. If you need the cash more than you need to pay for the repairs, then this might seem like the correct decision.