Do you get your deductible back if the accident wasn t your fault?

Asked by: Jacques Gaylord  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)

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.

Do I get my deductible back if it wasn't my fault?

It has nothing to do with fault. If you go through the other parties insurance, you won't pay any deductible. If you use your coverage, your insurance company may subrogate against the other party and get your deductible back. Anytime you use your coverage, you pay your deductible.

Do deductibles get refunded?

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. How do I get reimbursed? Your deductible, if recovered, may be mailed as a check to you, or you can login for different payment options.

What happens when a car accident wasn't your fault?

The first step is to get the other party's car insurance information and then report the accident. You should call 911 or the police to respond to the scene. 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.

Do I have to pay my deductible if the accident wasn't my 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.

Do You Have to Pay Your Deductible if You Are Not At Fault For A Car Accident?

19 related questions found

Who gets the deductible on an insurance claim?

You won't pay your deductible to the insurance company like a bill. Instead, it's subtracted from the amount the insurance company pays. You pay the rest of the money (your deductible) to the person or company hired to fix the damage.

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 after a minor car accident not your fault USA?

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident?
  • Safety first: Move to a safe area as soon as you can. ...
  • Check for injuries: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 or ask someone else to call. ...
  • Call the police and report the accident: Even if the accident is minor, it is good to get an official police report.

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.

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

Start the claims process

Regardless of who's at fault, it's a good idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred.

Should I pay the 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.

Are deductibles returned?

Your insurer may choose to attempt to get reimbursement from the at-fault party after the initial claim is finalized via subrogation. If subrogation is successful and they do get that reimbursement, they'll refund your deductible. Subrogation can take months and months.

What gets charged to your deductible?

The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself.

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.

Does your insurance pay if you are not at fault?

Who pays in a no-fault accident? If there's an accident between two drivers, each party's PIP coverage typically pays for their respective medical bills and/or wage loss up to their policies' limits, no matter who caused the accident.

Are deductibles refunded?

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.

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.

Can I make a claim if it wasn't my fault?

If you're injured in an accident that was not your fault, you or your 'legal personal representative' (such as the next of kin in the case of death) can claim compensation from the at-fault driver's compulsory third party (CTP) insurer.

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.

How do I get more for my totaled car?

6 Steps to get the most money from insurance for your totaled car
  1. Ask for the valuation report. ...
  2. Conduct your research on the value of your vehicle. ...
  3. Gather and provide supporting documentation. ...
  4. Consider getting a third-party appraisal. ...
  5. Negotiate with your insurance company. ...
  6. Get what is rightfully yours.

What happens if you don t tell your insurance about a minor 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.

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.

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.