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

Asked by: Cecilia Wunsch  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (75 votes)

You do not have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car, that person is identified, and they have property damage liability insurance. If you file a claim with your own collision insurance or uninsured motorist coverage after someone hits your car, then you will likely have to pay a deductible.

Do you pay deductible if accident not your fault?

Your insurance company will pay for your damages, minus your deductible. Don't worry — if the claim is settled and it's determined you weren't at fault for the accident, you'll get your deductible back. The involved insurance companies determine who's at fault.

How does insurance work if someone hits your car?

If someone hits your car and you do have collision coverage, then your insurance company can help pay for repairs. Collision coverage will also cover damage to your car if you caused the accident, or if there were no other drivers involved, like if you drove into a telephone pole.

Do I have to pay a deductible if I get hit?

The insurance costs of filing a claim for a hit-and-run

Unfortunately, if you can't identify the driver who hit you and file a collision insurance claim, you'll be responsible for paying your own deductible, even if you weren't at fault.

Do at fault drivers pay deductible?

Typically, the at-fault driver's insurance company will pay your deductible. After the collision, the at-fault driver's insurance company will estimate the amount of damage to your car.

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

37 related questions found

Who pays the deductible in an auto accident?

You're responsible for your policy's stated deductible every time you file a claim. After you pay the car deductible amount, your insurer will cover the remaining cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Example: You have a $500 deductible and $3,000 in damage from a covered accident.

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me?

Naturally, most injured victims that contact our firm want to know about the financial consequences of the collision. A common question that potential clients ask us when they call is whether their car insurance rates will increase as a result of the collision – even if they weren't at fault. The answer: no.

What do you do if someone hits your parked car?

Steps to Take at the Scene
  1. Call the police. An officer will document the incident and create an official accident report, which you will typically need to have when filing your claim with your insurance company, says the Insurance Information Institute (III). ...
  2. Document the accident. ...
  3. Notify your insurer.

Can a deductible be waived?

Deductibles can be waived in some circumstances (depending on which state) such as being less than 50% at-fault, claiming for glass repair or having uninsured motorist property damage coverage. As a general rule, it's good to be wary of auto body shops that offer to waive a deductible.

How do you deal with a car accident that isn't your fault?

You should absolutely call the police, whether the accident was a minor fender bender or a significant crash. If the accident wasn't your fault, having an official police report will help you hold the other driver accountable for damages and repair costs.

When someone hits your car do you call your insurance or theirs?

The person who hit your car is responsible for contacting their insurance company, but you should provide their insurance information to your insurance provider when you report the accident.

What happens if someone hits your car and leaves?

What if someone hits my parked car and leaves? If someone hits your parked car and leaves the scene, the accident could be considered a hit-and-run. This is a crime, and you should contact the police to file a report. The police might also be able to help you identify who hit your car.

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

Yes, you should call your insurance company if you were in a car accident that was not your fault. ... First, your insurance company may require you to contact them as outlined in your policy. Second, you may discover available coverage to help you with your damages, even if the accident is not your fault.

Do I have to pay a deductible if someone hit me Geico?

Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle. It may also help with the cost of repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. That means you can use it whether you're at fault or not. ... You will be responsible for paying your selected deductible.

What happens if you cant pay your deductible?

If you can't pay your car insurance deductible, you won't be able to file a car insurance claim to have vehicle damage or medical bills paid for by your insurance company. Instead, you will need to set up a payment plan with a mechanic, take out a loan, or save up until you can afford the deductible.

How can I avoid paying my insurance 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.

Can I pay my car insurance deductible in payments?

Can You Make Payments On A Car Insurance Deductible? Some mechanics will work with you and allow a monthly payment plan to handle your deductible. This may mean that you'll pay more over time, but it's helpful for saving money on a lump sum all at one time.

What should I do if someone hits me?

Call 911

Even in minor accidents, you should still call 911. Calling the emergency line will notify the police to investigate the scene. As mentioned earlier, the police officer will complete a police report detailing the scene of the accident.

What happens if someone hits you and they don't have insurance?

In California, accident victims have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages from a negligent party. However, if the person who is responsible for your injuries did not carry insurance, they may not be able to cover the cost of your injuries.

What should you not say to your insurance after an accident?

Avoid using phrases like “it was my fault,” “I'm sorry,” or “I apologize.” Don't apologize to your insurer, the other driver, or law enforcement. Even if you are simply being polite and not intentionally admitting fault, these types of words and phrases will be used against you.

Can I put insurance on my car after accident?

Car insurance purchased after an accident is not retroactive. ... If you're wondering if you can get insurance to cover a past accident, the answer is no. But, you can still begin car insurance to cover future incidents after you've had an accident.

What type of insurance pays for your car if you are at fault?

Auto liability insurance is a type of car insurance coverage that's required by law in most states. If you cause a car accident — in other words, if you are liable for the accident — liability coverage helps pay for the other person's expenses.

What happens if someone else crashes your car?

Your collision insurance will pay for the damages to your own vehicle if your friend crashes your car, if you have that coverage on your policy, as collision is optional. ... So, if your friend is in a serious accident, the damages may go beyond your limits and that is where it gets interesting.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits your parked car?

Yes, your insurance will go up after someone hits your parked car if you file a claim with your collision insurance or uninsured motorist coverage. ... Even if you're not at fault for an accident, most states allow insurance companies to raise your rate in order to recoup the cost of a claim.

When someone hits your parked car and leaves a note?

You should call the police to make sure an accident report is completed. Make sure they see the note that was left on your vehicle. The person who hit your parked car should report the incident to their insurance company, who in turn should contact you about the claim.