Do I need to file a claim if I hit someone?
Asked by: Prof. Zane Murray IV | Last update: January 27, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (37 votes)
Is it better to not file an insurance claim?
In general, it's better to report an accident to your insurance company than not to, especially if another party is involved. But there are some instances where not filing a claim makes more sense.
Can I report an accident without filing a claim?
You are not required to file an insurance claim after an accident, but you may need to file a police report. Not filing a claim can be risky, especially if there are any physical injuries involved that may result in a lawsuit.
Does insurance cover when you hit someone?
People at fault for an accident must replace what they damaged and pay for the harm they caused victims of car accidents. Most drivers have liability auto insurance to cover the costs of an accident. In the US, drivers must have some way to pay for the damages they cause.
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.
Should I file a claim on my insurance or the at-fault party's insurance following an auto accident?
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.
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.
Should I go through my insurance or the person who hit me?
If your vehicle received minor damage, it might be worth filing a collision claim with your insurance if the damage costs more than your deductible. If the other driver caused the accident, then you could file a claim with their insurance company instead.
What happens if I don't call my insurance after an accident?
There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.
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.
When not to go through car insurance?
You accidentally cause minimal damage to your own car, like backing into a pole or mailbox. No, don't bother contacting your insurer if you don't have collision coverage or if the damage is less than your collision deductible.
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.
What happens if I don't file a claim?
If you're not sure how much the damage is – try and figure it out before filing a claim – but don't wait too long. If you wait too long after a loss to notify your insurer – the insurer may complain that you “prejudiced” their interests by failing to notify them promptly. They may even deny the claim on that ground.
Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?
Yes, it is generally advisable to notify your insurance company even if the accident wasn't your fault. Most insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report any accidents or incidents, regardless of fault.
What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?
Report the Incident
You don't want them to hear from the other party first. Be detailed: Provide them with all the information you've gathered—photos, videos, witness names, and details about the incident. Ask for advice: Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed and whether further action is needed.
Should you report an accident that wasn't your fault?
You must also report the accident to both your own insurer and theirs. Generally, this will start the claims process with the at-fault party's insurer. Next, seek immediate medical attention—even if you don't think you were injured—and follow up on any suggested treatment.
Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?
If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, even if it was not your fault, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk to insure and increase your rates. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent to see how much insurance could increase after an accident where you're not at fault.
Should you file a claim if I'm not at fault?
» FAQs » Should I Call My Insurance If a Car Accident Was Not My Fault? Yes, you should call your insurance company if you were in a car accident that was not your fault.
How does insurance work if someone hits you?
if someone hits your car and which insurance company will pay for the damage. If another insured driver hits your car and is at fault for the accident, their insurance company will pay for the damage. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your own insurance will pay if you have the right coverage.
Should I contact the person who hit my car insurance?
If you get into a car accident, you are under no obligation to call another driver's insurance company to work out the claim. All you need to do is talk to your insurance provider when you get into an accident or if someone else hits your car, and they will handle the claim on your behalf.
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.
Will my insurance go up if I hit a bumper?
An at-fault accident can increase your auto insurance rates for at least three years, depending on your state and insurer. A driver with a recent at-fault accident pays more a year on average for a full coverage policy than a driver with no traffic violations.
Should you always file a car insurance claim?
It's important to note that you should file a claim as soon as possible after a car accident. You may even be able to start the process while you're still at the site of the accident. You should file a claim whenever something happens that your policy would cover.
Should I call my insurance if it was my fault?
There are many reasons why the answer to the question, “Should I call my insurance if it was my fault?” is a resounding yes. In fact, you likely agreed to do so as part of your insurance contract. Make sure to check your policy documents carefully.