Do you have to pay a deductible if you hit someone's car?

Asked by: Judy Larson  |  Last update: November 6, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (37 votes)

Do I have to pay a deductible if I damage someone else's car but not my own? No. For at-fault accidents where you damage someone else's property, you won't owe a deductible. The other person's damages are covered under your liability coverage which doesn't have a deductible.

Do I have to pay a deductible if I hit someone else's car?

Liability insurance.

Liability coverage, which is required in California, doesn't involve deductibles but covers damages the policyholder causes to other vehicles, drivers, or property.

Who pays for the 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.

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.

What do I have to pay if I hit a car?

Your liability insurance will pay for the damages to the other vehicle. Liability coverage does not have a deductible, meaning you will only pay a deductible to have your car repaired if your comprehensive or collision coverage pays for the damages.

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

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Why do I have to pay deductible when it's not my fault?

Insurance companies collect deductibles every time they settle a claim, so they don't care who was at fault. You would not be at fault if your car was stolen from a secure facility, but you would still pay a deductible if you filed an insurance claim.

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.

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.

What if I can't pay my car deductible?

Auto insurance companies typically require policyholders to pay the deductible before processing the claim and covering any expenses. Failure to pay the deductible can lead to a denied claim, leaving you responsible for covering the entire cost of repairs, medical expenses, or other damages resulting from the incident.

Is deductible mandatory?

Depending on your policy, and the types of coverages you have, a deductible may be required. With an auto insurance policy, coverages like comprehensive and collision may require a deductible before said coverages apply in the event of a covered incident.

How do I know if I have to pay a deductible?

Deductibles for car insurance require you to pay the deductible amount every time you file a claim. Once you pay the car deductible amount, your insurer will cover the remaining cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Auto insurance policies don't require you meet an annual deductible.

Should I file a claim with my insurance 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.

How does a car deductible work?

A car insurance deductible is how much money you'll pay out of pocket for damages to your vehicle before your insurance kicks in. You'll pick this deductible amount when buying your insurance. In general, car insurance policies offer a choice of deductibles, like $250, $500, $1,000, and $2,000.

Do I need to make an insurance claim if I hit someone?

In CA, you have to file an SR 1 within 10 days if the accident caused damage exceeding $1000. Sometimes insurance handles this for you, but if not, you'd have to. And if you don't, they can suspend your license when the other person files a claim and submits said form.

Why do I need to pay a deductible?

Key Takeaways. An insurance deductible is a specific amount you must spend before your insurance policy pays for some or all of your claims. Insurance companies use deductibles to ensure policyholders have skin in the game and will share the cost of any claims.

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.

How to avoid paying a collision deductible?

How do I avoid paying my collision deductible? You can avoid paying your collision deductible by choosing not to file a claim until you have the money or checking your policy for options that don't require upfront payment.

How to get your deductible waived?

Fault determination: Most insurers require you to be not at fault for the accident. Some auto companies may require you to be 100 percent fault-free to have the deductible waived, while others may waive a percent of your deductible based on your percentage of fault.

Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?

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.

What happens if you don't pay the deductible?

If you can't afford your deductible, there is a chance you won't be able to begin repairs right away. If your insurer requires your deductible be paid before they issue the remaining funds for a claim, you will need to find a way to pay it upfront.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.