Do I have to pay a deductible if I hit a parked car?

Asked by: Elbert Pfannerstill  |  Last update: July 27, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (48 votes)

Damage to a parked car is covered under collision insurance, so you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim.

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.

Should I tell my insurance if I hit a parked car?

Officially yes, you should tell your insurance and they should tell theirs. But for smaller things (esp where no chance of injury) then people do sort it out on the side.

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.

Do I need to pay deductible if 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. Keep in mind that collision deductible waivers are not widely available.

Do I Have To Pay Deductible If My Car Is Hit While Parked?

32 related questions found

Do you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car?

With both collision and uninsured motorist property damage coverage, you may be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance provider will help pay for the damage. Your coverage will also be subject to your policy limits, which is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for a covered claim.

Should I pay deductible if not at fault?

Do I Have to Pay My Deductible if I'm Not at Fault? If you get into an accident and it's not your fault, the other driver's insurance company should pay for the damages, and you may not have to pay your deductible.

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.

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.

Will my insurance go up if I file a claim and its not my fault?

Some may raise your premiums by 10 percent, while others may charge you only 2 percent more. In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.

Why does my insurance go up if someone hits my parked car?

Driver premiums can increase when drivers cause accidents, but if another driver hits your vehicle while it is parked, this should not increase your premium rates. However, if you were parked illegally, this could change things.

Do parking violations go on your insurance?

For example, states such as California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts have laws prohibiting insurers from using credit scores to set auto insurance rates. Therefore, unpaid parking tickets sent to collections won't affect your car insurance costs.

How does insurance work when someone hits your car?

If someone on the street hits or sideswipes your parked car and you can prove who caused the damage, their insurance should cover you. If you don't know or can't prove who hit your car but have collision or UMPD coverage, your insurance should cover the damages.

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.

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 insurance deductible?

In any situation where you have to pay your car insurance deductible up front, you will need to dip into savings, ask family for help or take out a payday loan. These loans are truly the last resort option because they have very high interest rates.

What to do when someone hits your parked car in Geico?

Report a Claim

Filing your claim is fast and easy with the GEICO Mobile app or on geico.com/claims. You can also call us at (800) 841-3000. If eligible, you can schedule a damage inspection, repair, and rental. It's important to report your claim as soon as possible for a number of reasons.

Do you have to pay a deductible if your car is hit while parked?

Damage to a parked car is covered under collision insurance, so you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy.

How long does it take an adjuster to look at your car?

Usually, you'll hear from an insurance adjuster within three days of making the claim to discuss matters. If they need to survey the damage, it can be a few more days. If you use a repair garage that is affiliated with (or at least approved by) your insurance company, the process can speed up a bit.

Do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me?

The purpose of the deductible is to share financial responsibility between the insured and the insurance company. It also discourages filing small or frivolous claims. You may have to pay your deductible if someone hits you—even if you're not at fault.

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.

What to do if someone claims you hit their car?

What to Do If Someone Falsely Claims You Hit Their Car
  1. Evaluate the Situation.
  2. Speak to the Other Party Politely.
  3. Take Photos and Videos.
  4. Gather Witnesses.
  5. Check for Nearby Cameras.
  6. Report the Incident.
  7. Explain Your Side Clearly.
  8. When to Consult an Attorney.

Do you pay a deductible if you don't fix your car?

To repair your vehicle you pay your portion (deductible) to the repair shop and your carrier pays the rest. Unless you're trying to get your vehicle fixed/repaired, you don't have to pay a 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.

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.