Do you call your insurance company if someone hits you?
Asked by: Mrs. Annie Kuvalis | Last update: August 16, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (31 votes)
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.
When someone hits you, do you call their insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your own insurance will pay if you have the right coverage. Always call your own insurance company, even if you think the other driver is at fault.
Should you always call your insurance company after an accident?
Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident? Yes. It's essential to contact your insurer if you're in an accident with another vehicle because it's not always possible to determine how severe someone's injuries are or how much damage a car sustained in the crash.
How does car insurance work if someone hits you?
Collision coverage typically helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle (or if you hit another vehicle or object), regardless of who is at fault. Even if you cannot find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's collision coverage.
The driver who hit me doesn't have insurance. Can anything be done?
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.
When someone hits you does your insurance go up?
Rate increases will go up even more if there are injuries and property damage. If you are not at fault, however, the rate increase is less severe. On average, drivers who are not at fault will only have their rates go up by about 4%.
Do I have to contact the other driver's insurance company?
Are You Required to Speak to the Other Driver's Insurance Company. First and foremost the answer to that is, no. Legally, there is no requirement for you to speak with the other driver's insurance company. You do likely have to talk to your own insurance company as they will need your account of what happened.
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.
When should you not call car insurance?
The only time you do not need to call your insurance company is when the accident happens on your own property, involves no other drivers (so no one else may be at fault) and the damage to your vehicle is minimal or at least of an amount you can afford to cover on your own or lose altogether.
Should you talk to the other insurance company?
You are not legally obligated to speak with the other insurance company's representative or provide them with any information. Politely decline to discuss the specifics of the accident or your injuries and inform them that any necessary information will be provided through your car accident lawyer.
What to do if someone claims you hit their car?
- Evaluate the Situation.
- Speak to the Other Party Politely.
- Take Photos and Videos.
- Gather Witnesses.
- Check for Nearby Cameras.
- Report the Incident.
- Explain Your Side Clearly.
- When to Consult an Attorney.
Do I get paid if someone hits my car?
If you can prove that a specific vehicle/person was responsible for the crash, and they have insurance, or money for damages, yes.
How do I claim insurance if it's not my fault?
After a car accident that's not your fault, you can file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver's insurance by providing details of the accident and supporting evidence like photos and a police report. Geoff Williams is a freelance journalist and author in Loveland, Ohio.
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 have to report an accident to my insurance if I wasnt at fault?
Even if you find yourself as the victim of an automobile accident, it is important to inform your insurance provider, as stated in the guidelines set by the California Department of Insurance.
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.
What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car Progressive?
Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.
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.
When someone hits your parked car, do you call their insurance?
You'll want to contact the other driver's insurance company or your own insurance agent as soon as possible. You have a short period of time to report the accident and file an insurance claim, so don't procrastinate even if the damage is minor.
How do I talk to car insurance after an accident?
- Don't Admit Fault. ...
- Contact an Attorney. ...
- Beware of Recorded Statements. ...
- Watch Out for Speedy Settlement Offers. ...
- Don't Give Too Much Detail About Your Injuries. ...
- Remember: Insurers Are Not on Your Side. ...
- Document the Accident and Your Injuries.
Is it illegal to pay out of pocket for a car accident?
Strictly speaking, paying out of your pocket for a car accident isn't illegal, but accepting the offer may have unwanted consequences.
Do I give my insurance to someone who hit me?
Yes, you do have to exchange insurance information with the other party involved in the accident. This is a customary procedure that ensures both parties can file claims and have their damages covered. After the collision, make sure to call the police to document the incident officially.
Will my insurance go high if someone hits me?
It may seem unfair, but accidents that aren't your fault may still increase your rate depending on your state and insurer. Not-at-fault accidents can indicate a higher likelihood of future accidents.
Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?
However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.