Do you have to report an accident if it is not your fault?

Asked by: Eva Ferry  |  Last update: March 15, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (4 votes)

No matter the circumstances, you should contact your insurance if you were in a car accident that was not your fault. Then contact Morelli Law Firm. Our legal team has the resources and staff necessary to handle your case. We fight to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Should I report an accident to my insurance if it wasn't my fault?

Fourth, and perhaps the most important reason you should contact your insurance company after an accident, is that the other driver may claim that you are at fault and pursue a claim against you. Even if you know you weren't the cause of the collision, you do not want to have to pay the cost of defending yourself.

How does insurance work if it's not your fault?

You will file a claim with your auto insurance for damage to your vehicle, medical bills, property damage, and, potentially, lost wages due to injury. The car insurer collects money from the at-fault driver's coverage. Your claims might be limited by the other driver's coverage limits and the state where you live.

What happens when you get into an accident and it's not your fault?

In California, you can file a claim directly with the at-fault driver's insurance company. You must provide evidence of the accident and documentation of your damages. If the at-fault driver's insurance does not cover all your medical expenses, you may need to use your own insurance to supplement.

Do you have to report a car accident to police WA?

After an accident, you must immediately report the crash to the police if: anyone was hurt, or. the property damage is likely to cost more than $3,000 to repair.

Report auto accident to your insurance if not your fault?

21 related questions found

How long do you have to report an accident in Washington state?

Each driver involved in the collision must submit a report within 4 days of the collision.

Whose insurance company do I call after an accident?

But perhaps you're unclear about the process. You might think that calling the other driver's insurance first makes sense since they hit you. Actually, you'll be better off contacting your insurance company first instead of depending on the other driver. Let's find out why.

Do I have to call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Should I call my insurance provider even if it wasn't my fault? Yes, you will want to call your insurance provider regardless of whose fault you believe it may be.

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.

How to report a not at fault accident?

10 Steps You Can Take to Help Prove You're Not At Fault For Your Car Accident
  1. Collect the Other Driver's Information at the Scene of the Car Accident. ...
  2. Get a Police Report. ...
  3. Report the Car Accident to Law Enforcement and the DMV. ...
  4. Document Vehicle Damage. ...
  5. Contact Witnesses and Get Their Statements.

Do you have to talk to another person's car insurance?

You are not legally required to speak with the other driver's insurance company or give a recorded statement. They often employ tactics to use your statements against you, potentially minimizing your payout. You should report the accident to your own insurance company.

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.

Do I lose no claims if it wasn't my fault?

Does a non-fault claim affect my no-claims bonus? It might sound unfair, but you can lose your no-claims bonus for an incident even if it wasn't your fault (unless you've got a protected no-claims bonus). After all, it's a “no-claims bonus”, not a “no-blame bonus” – and a claim is a claim, regardless of who's at fault.

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

You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.

Will my insurance go up if I file a claim and its not my fault?

Some may raise your premiums by 10 percent, while others may charge you only 2 percent more. In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.

Should you report an accident that wasn't your fault?

Failing to report the collision may result in a violation of your insurance policy. Furthermore, it is crucial to grasp the concept of pure comparative negligence in the state of California. This legal principle allows individuals to seek compensation even if they bear some responsibility for their own injuries.

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.

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.

What happens if you don't tell your insurance about 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.

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 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 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.

Do I need to talk to the other person's 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.

Should you contact your insurance company if you are 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.