How do you report an accident not your fault?
Asked by: Arnoldo Osinski | Last update: October 26, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (30 votes)
What do you do after a car accident that wasn't your 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.
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.
How to file an insurance claim not at fault?
Third-party insurance claim procedure
While you won't be filing the claim with your insurance company, call your insurer as soon as possible to report what happened. Often, they'll file the claim with the driver's insurance company for you, after working with the other insurer to determine fault.
What happens if both parties are not at fault in a car accident?
A no-fault state is one where drivers involved in a car accident are required to file claims with their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident. This system relies on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which compensates for medical expenses and lost wages up to a state-determined limit.
Auto Insurance Claims Process: Not-At-Fault Accident
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do you call the other person's insurance?
If you get into a car accident, you are under no obligation to call another driver's insurance company to work out the claim. All you need to do is talk to your insurance provider when you get into an accident or if someone else hits your car, and they will handle the claim on your behalf.
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.
Does insurance go up even if it's not your 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.
What is the one thing you must never do after an accident?
#1. Don't Drive Away From the Scene
Even if you don't believe any harm has been done, you should never leave the scene of an accident, regardless of how minor it may seem. Even if you're not at fault, staying and exchanging information with the other drivers is essential.
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.
How to file a claim against someone else's car insurance?
Contact your own auto insurer as soon as possible after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Your insurer can work with the other driver's insurance company on your behalf and help you file a third-party auto insurance claim. Insurance companies determine fault based on state laws and details of the accident.
Should you report an accident that wasn't your fault?
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. Next, seek immediate medical attention—even if you don't think you were injured—and follow up on any suggested treatment.
Do I have to declare a claim if it wasn't my fault?
Yes. You need to declare all accidents that you're involved in, regardless of who or what was at fault, and whether you make a claim. Not telling your provider about an accident could lead to issues down the line.
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.
Is it better to file a claim with 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.
How do I make a not at fault claim?
Making a not-at-fault claim
You'll need to collect the details of the other driver involved when making your claim; this will generally include: The names and contact details of the other driver. The other driver's insurer and policy details. The car model and registration number of other vehicles involved.
What to do if someone claims you hit their car?
Provide Collected Evidence. Providing your insurance company with all the evidence you've collected is another crucial step in dealing with a false car accident claim. These could include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and any communications with the accuser or their insurance company.
What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car in the UK?
What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car in the UK. If someone falsely claims you hit their car, you should inform your insurer and gather evidence - for example, witness statements or photos and videos that show you weren't there at the time of the incident.
Can you sue someone if you hit their car?
Yes, you can sue someone for property damage after a car accident even if you haven't suffered any injuries. In some cases, auto accidents can lead to sizable property damage, resulting in overwhelming expenses.
What happens if someone lies about a car accident?
Lying About Injuries in a Car Accident
If discovered, it can result in the denial of the insurance claim, legal actions from the insurance company, and demands for reimbursement of any compensation already paid. Legal repercussions may also include fraud charges, which can lead to fines or criminal penalties.