Do I have to pay a deductible even if it's not my fault?

Asked by: Mr. Taylor Hauck  |  Last update: February 13, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (2 votes)

Yes, you have to pay your deductible, even if you were not at fault for a car accident.

Why do I have to pay deductible when it's not my fault?

Generally speaking, you owe the deductible whenever you use your own first party coverage to pay for damage to your car. Has nothing to do with fault, except that the at fault driver (and their insurance) may ultimately cover your damages, which includes your deductible.

How to avoid paying deductible?

How Can I Avoid Paying a Car Insurance Deductible?
  1. Choose not to file a claim until you have the money.
  2. Check your policy, as you may not have to pay up front.
  3. Work out a deal with your mechanic.
  4. Get a loan.

Do I have to pay deductible if someone hits my parked car?

Yes you have to pay your deductible anytime you file a claim. Your company will attempt to get out back from the other party but that can take months and there's no guarantee you'll ever get it back.

Can you get your deductible waived?

In most situations, for coverages with a deductible, a deductible will apply - but there are some circumstances in which the deductible may be waived. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and make a claim to repair windshield glass damage, then your deductible may be waived.

Car Insurance Deductible- Why Do I Have To Pay My Deductible If The Accident Wasn't My Fault?

19 related questions found

What if I can't pay my medical insurance deductible?

Your healthcare provider can't waive or discount your deductible because that would violate the rules of your health plan. But they may be willing to allow you to pay the deductible you owe over time. Be honest and explain your situation upfront to your healthcare provider or hospital billing department.

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

If a driver hits you, your collision coverage will still cover the damage to your vehicle, but you won't have to pay your deductible. In some states, the driver must also be uninsured for a CDW to apply.

Who pays the deductible if someone hits you?

Policyholders will generally pay the deductible before comprehensive coverage kicks in. Liability insurance. Liability coverage, which is required in California, doesn't involve deductibles but covers damages the policyholder causes to other vehicles, drivers, or property. Uninsured motorist coverage.

What happens if you scratch someone's car and leave it?

Does that count as a hit-and-run? Yes. If you hit someone's car and then leave the scene, it is a hit-and-run, and you can be charged with a crime. You may not see any damage, but that doesn't mean you can leave the scene.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

What if I can't pay my car deductible?

Auto insurance companies typically require policyholders to pay the deductible before processing the claim and covering any expenses. Failure to pay the deductible can lead to a denied claim, leaving you responsible for covering the entire cost of repairs, medical expenses, or other damages resulting from the incident.

Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault with Allstate?

Will I have to pay my deductible if I'm not at fault? It's possible, but we will do our best to recover the amount paid from the person responsible, including your deductible.

Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault with Geico?

Let's say your vehicle is damaged due to another driver's negligence. Once GEICO settles your claim, we'll likely seek to recover your deductible, as well as the amount we paid, from the negligent party or that party's insurance company.

Do I have to pay my deductible if the accident wasn't my fault state farm?

Your deductible is due to the repair shop once repairs are completed. If the other party is found to be at fault for the accident, we'll begin the deductible recovery process to reimburse you for the amount you paid for your loss.

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

After an investigation finds you're not at fault, we'll recover the deductible from the other insurance company for you. If both drivers are found to be at fault, you may have to pay a portion of your deductible.

Is it illegal to not pay your deductible?

If you do not pay your deductible you are committing a crime. Technically, this is a form of insurance fraud. Most homeowners' insurance policies will have a concealment or fraud section.

Is it worth reporting a scratch on a car?

If the scratch was caused by vandalism or another vehicle and the responsible party is known, it's advisable to report the incident to the police. A police report can be crucial when filing an insurance claim, especially in cases of vandalism, as it serves as an official record of the incident.

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.

Can you sue someone if they scratch your car?

Can I Sue Someone for Damaging My Car? If you are not injured, you can still sue someone for damaging your car and any other property in it. If the damage isn't serious, you may be able to take your case to small claims court.

Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?

Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.

Who is responsible for paying the deductible?

Simply put, a deductible is the amount of money that the insured person must pay before their insurance policy starts paying for covered expenses.

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

In most markets, when you're not at fault for an accident, we can waive the deductible if we can identify the other party, that they're at fault, and their insurance carrier confirms they have valid liability coverage for the accident.

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.

Who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled?

If you own the car outright, you will receive the check. If not, the check goes to the leasing company or the lender, otherwise known as the lien holder. If you owe money on the vehicle, you should notify the lending company that your car has been totaled.

What happens if you can't pay your car insurance deductible?

If you can't pay your auto or home insurance deductible, you won't be able to file a claim and get your repairs covered.