Should I call my insurance if it wasn't my fault Geico?

Asked by: Loraine Raynor  |  Last update: May 29, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (59 votes)

Depends, but always tell us about any accident that happens. If the other person is at fault and there is no dispute you may be able to file directly with them.

Should I file a claim with my insurance if I'm not at fault with Geico?

When you're involved in a car accident in which you're not at fault, you would file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company.

Should I call my insurance if it's not my 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.

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.

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.

6 Ways To Fight Back Against Geico Insurance After Car Accident

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Do I call the other person's insurance if they hit me?

You do likely have to talk to your own insurance company as they will need your account of what happened. There is, however, times when speaking to the other driver's insurance company will benefit you and will depend heavily on the specifics of your case.

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.

Should I call their insurance or mine?

Even in at-fault states, where the other driver's insurer pays, there are several reasons why you should always call your own auto insurance company first, including: Some insurers will help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company.

What to do when you get in a car accident and it's not your fault?

Here's what you need to know to increase your chances of obtaining full compensation:
  • Get out of harm's way.
  • Check for injuries.
  • Call the police.
  • Gather information at the car accident scene.
  • Report the crash to your insurance company.
  • Understand insurance coverage.
  • Get medical treatment.
  • Contact a car accident lawyer.

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.

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.

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.

Should I call insurance if no damage?

Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident? Yes. It's essential to contact your insurer if you're in an accident with another vehicle because it's not always possible to determine how severe someone's injuries are or how much damage a car sustained in the crash.

How does GEICO determine fault?

California follows the doctrine of comparative negligence. That means that a jury will determine the plaintiff's total damages based on the types of injuries suffered and also assign percentages of fault.

What happens if you don t file insurance claim after accident?

If you fail to report a car accident and another party later makes a claim against your insurance for compensation, your insurance company could say that you never reported an accident and refuse to make good on your coverage. Then, you would have to pay out of pocket.

Does GEICO raise rates after the first accident?

With Accident Forgiveness on your GEICO auto insurance policy, your insurance rate won't go up due to your first qualifying accident. We waive the surcharge associated with the first at-fault accident caused by an eligible driver on your policy. GEICO Accident Forgiveness is per policy, not per driver.

Do I 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. Your insurance provider will be able to walk you through the next steps of filing a claim and finding out what your coverage does and does not cover.

Do you call the other person's insurance?

You're Not Required to Speak With the Other Driver's Insurance Company. No matter what type of car accident you've been in, you're not legally required to speak with the other insurance company's representative.

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.

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.

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.

How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance in Texas?

You Must Report Accidents that Caused Injury or Vehicle Damage Immediately. In Texas, you generally have 30 days to report a car accident to your insurance company. However, this can vary depending on your specific insurance policy. Check your policy for the exact deadline to ensure compliance.

What happens when a car accident wasn't your fault?

If another driver caused your recent accident and you file a claim against their auto insurance policy, you do not have to pay a deductible because you were not at fault. However, if you must use your own auto insurance after an accident, you would likely need to pay your deductible before your coverage would apply.

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.

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.