Do you pay a deductible if not at fault?

Asked by: Miss Sharon Douglas Sr.  |  Last update: November 19, 2025
Score: 5/5 (54 votes)

You must pay your deductible every time you seek compensation from your car insurance company, regardless of how the accident happened. However, if you decide to sue the liable party for damages, your car accident lawyer could include the deductible as part of the settlement you seek from their insurance company.

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

Generally speaking, you owe the deductible whenever you use your own first party coverage to pay for damage to your car. Has nothing to do with fault, except that the at fault driver (and their insurance) may ultimately cover your damages, which includes your deductible.

Do you have to pay deductible if not your fault?

If your coverage includes a Direct Compensation and Property Damage (DCPD) deductible, you must still pay the DCPD deductible even if you are not at fault.

Who is responsible for paying the deductible?

Simply put, a deductible is the amount of money that the insured person must pay before their insurance policy starts paying for covered expenses.

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

29 related questions found

Do I pay my deductible if someone hit me?

Policyholders will generally pay the deductible before comprehensive coverage kicks in. 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.

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.

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.

Do you pay your deductible if you're not at fault progressive?

Who pays my deductible if I'm not at fault? If another person is found to be at fault for the accident, we'll work with you to make sure either they or their insurance company pays for your damages and losses and recover any money you may have paid toward your deductible or repairs.

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.

Do insurance rates go up after a no-fault accident?

Yes, insurance rates may go up even if the accident is not your fault, depending on the circumstances of the accident, the types of coverage you have, and your claims history. However, the increase may not be as significant as it would for an at-fault accident.

Do you pay a deductible if you don't fix your car?

To repair your vehicle you pay your portion (deductible) to the repair shop and your carrier pays the rest. Unless you're trying to get your vehicle fixed/repaired, you don't have to pay a deductible.

What happens if a third party does not report an accident?

The insurer can repudiate liability. It can lead to a loss of protection under the policy of the insured policyholder. The insurer can also, in case of any delay in reporting the car accident, do any of the following: Confiscate the policyholder's NCD entitlement.

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.

Do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me in Geico?

Generally, when you have Geico collision coverage, an adjuster provides an estimate of damages. This allows the policyholder to go to a body shop, give it the insurer's estimate, and get the car repaired. The policyholder usually needs to pay a deductible.

Can you get your deductible waived?

In most situations, for coverages with a deductible, a deductible will apply - but there are some circumstances in which the deductible may be waived. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and make a claim to repair windshield glass damage, then your deductible may be waived.

Do I have to pay my deductible even if it's not my fault?

It depends on your insurance policy. Some insurance policies require you to pay your deductible even if you are not at fault, while others do not.

Does your insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault Progressive?

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.

What happens when your car is totaled but still drivable?

Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title: Once a salvage vehicle has been repaired and inspected, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue a "rebuilt" or "reconstructed" title for the vehicle. Once you obtain this, you can legally drive the vehicle.

Do I pay deductible if not at 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.

How to get a roof replaced without paying the deductible?

No matter what you hear or what a roofing company says, you must pay your deductible for your insurance roof replacement once your claim is approved. Trying to avoid this leads to one of the biggest scams in the roofing industry. You'll hear some roofing companies offering to pay deductibles, but this is illegal.

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.

How does insurance work if it's not your 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.

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.

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.