Should I call my car insurance or theirs?

Asked by: Nadia Jast  |  Last update: December 22, 2025
Score: 5/5 (75 votes)

Even if the damage is minor, it is important to contact your own insurance provider as soon as possible (no matter who you think is at fault) to ensure that you can get your claim started and completed quickly.

Is it better to call your insurance or theirs?

By law, you must report an accident to your own insurance company. If your car was damaged in the crash and you purchased collision and comprehensive insurance, your insurer pays for the damage. You might have out-of-pocket expenses for your deductible.

Do I call the other person's insurance or mine?

Your first call should be to your insurance company, as they can provide valuable aid when they're notified. Avoid speaking to the other driver's insurance company or giving a recorded statement, as your words could be used against you to reduce or invalidate your claim.

Should I go through my insurance or the person who hit me?

It's better if you file a third party claim directly with the other person's insurance. That will keep your insurance rates from rising (yes, your rates can rise if you file a claim with your own insurance even if you're not at fault.) You can't use a delay in processing the claim as an excuse to run up more expenses.

When should you not call car insurance?

The only time you do not need to call your insurance company is when the accident happens on your own property, involves no other drivers (so no one else may be at fault) and the damage to your vehicle is minimal or at least of an amount you can afford to cover on your own or lose altogether.

3 Ways to MAXIMIZE your Auto Accident Insurance Claim

40 related questions found

Should I call the person who hit my car 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.

Should I call their insurance or mine?

Call your insurance provider after you've called the police and checked that all parties involved in a car accident are not injured. Whether or not you're at fault, you're not responsible for contacting the other party's insurance company. Your insurance provider is responsible for that.

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.

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 happens if I don't call my insurance after 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.

When someone hits your parked car, do you call their insurance?

You'll want to contact the other driver's insurance company or your own insurance agent as soon as possible. You have a short period of time to report the accident and file an insurance claim, so don't procrastinate even if the damage is minor.

How do I talk to car insurance after an accident?

How to Deal with Insurance After a California Car Accident: 7 Essential Tips
  1. Don't Admit Fault. ...
  2. Contact an Attorney. ...
  3. Beware of Recorded Statements. ...
  4. Watch Out for Speedy Settlement Offers. ...
  5. Don't Give Too Much Detail About Your Injuries. ...
  6. Remember: Insurers Are Not on Your Side. ...
  7. Document the Accident and Your Injuries.

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.

Do you call your insurance or the other person's insurance?

If you or the other driver involved in a collision are injured, you need to contact your insurance company. The bodily injury liability portion of an insurance policy typically covers injuries to the other driver in an at-fault accident.

What happens if no one is at fault in an accident?

But what will happen if no one is at fault for your car accident? You can always file a no-fault car insurance claim. The insurance provider will compensate the policyholder and its passengers for the cost of minor injuries and loss of income regardless of who caused the accident.

Should you contact the other person after an accident?

When involved in a car accident, there are specific details you should share with the other driver to ensure proper documentation and help facilitate any potential insurance claims, including: Contact information: Provide your full name, phone number, and address. Request the same information from the other driver.

Is it normal for the other person's insurance calling me?

The other driver's insurance company may be calling to gather information about the accident. They want to confirm details about what happened, assess the extent of your injuries, and determine liability. Their goal is to protect their own financial interests, often by finding ways to minimize or deny your claim.

Can someone be on your car insurance if they don t live with you?

Yes, it is possible to add someone to your car insurance policy who doesn't live with you, depending on your insurance company's policies. Typically, insurance companies allow you to add immediate family members or someone who regularly drives your vehicle.

Can I call insurance on behalf of someone else?

In many cases, those listed on the policy as beneficiaries or executors are able to complete the claim process. In certain scenarios, a third party may be able to file claims on behalf of the insured individual. Here are the steps: Contact the Insurance Company.

What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car Progressive?

Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.

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.

Is it illegal to pay out of pocket for a car accident?

Strictly speaking, paying out of your pocket for a car accident isn't illegal, but accepting the offer may have unwanted consequences.

Should I call insurance if I'm 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.

How does car insurance work if someone hits you?

Collision coverage typically helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle (or if you hit another vehicle or object), regardless of who is at fault. Even if you cannot find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's collision coverage.

Should I pay for a car accident out of pocket or let insurance pay?

If the repair costs are less than your deductible (or even slightly more) you should pay for the repairs out of pocket. For example, if the damage to your car costs $300 to fix, and your deductible is $200, you would save $100 by filing a claim.