Should I contact my insurance company if I am not at fault?

Asked by: Barry Leannon  |  Last update: July 17, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (75 votes)

You may be wondering why you should call your insurance company if you're not at-fault for an accident — this is an important step in connecting your future claim to the accident. This way, you can explain the incident and get your claim started as soon as possible, helping you to get back on the road more quickly.

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

When you are not at fault in an accident, the other driver's car insurance typically pays for your expenses. If it takes a while to determine fault, you can file a collision claim with your insurer, which will then try to recover the cost of the claim and your deductible from the at-fault driver's insurer.

How do you deal with an accident that wasn't your fault?

What Should You Do After a Car Accident That Wasn't Your Fault?
  1. Right After the Accident: Check for Injuries and Stay Safe.
  2. As Soon As Possible: Call the Police.
  3. While Waiting for Police: Gather Information.
  4. Tell Your Insurance Company.
  5. Get Medical Treatment.
  6. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer.
  7. Be Wary of the Insurance Company.

Does insurance go up if it's not your fault?

If a car accident is not your fault, your insurance rate could still go up, depending on your state and insurance company. On average, a not-at-fault accident makes insurance costs go up by about 12%, compared to 45% for an at-fault accident.

When someone hits you do you call their insurance or yours?

Despite the circumstances, whether you are at fault or not, you should always call your insurance if you are involved in an accident. Whether you have found it damaged while parked or in any other unfortunate circumstance, you need to contact your insurance immediately.

Car Accident: Should I call my insurance if I was not at fault?

17 related questions found

Do I need to inform my insurance company if someone hits me?

Yes. You need to declare all accidents that you're involved in, regardless of who or what was at fault. Almost every insurance provider will have a clause in their policy requiring you to declare any incidents you've been involved in while driving in the past 5 years.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.

Why does my insurance go up when someone hits me?

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me? After an accident caused by another driver, you may have concerns about the impact on your auto coverage premium rates. Your auto insurance company will decide whether to raise your rates or not based on the circumstances of the accident.

How much does car insurance go up after a claim?

If you have claimed on your car insurance, you can expect to pay 20% to 50% more for cover in the future. However, the amount varies depending on who is to blame for the claim, the severity and expense of the accident, and your overall driving record.

How much does insurance increase after an accident?

Your premium increase will also depend on other factors such as whether you've made a claim on your insurance before, the cause and severity of the accident, and your overall driving history. However, you'll usually be looking at an increase of between 20%-50%.

Am I at fault if I hit a car in front of me because he slammed on his brakes very suddenly?

Despite how unpredictably the driver or car in front of you slammed on their brakes, it is your liability as a driver not to hit him. As a matter of fact, the driver in front is responding to something in front of him.

What happens when someone hits your car?

Call the police

If someone hits your vehicle, notify the police even if you think it was a minor accident. They'll write up a police report, which can then be used for your insurance claim. Police also act as an objective arbitrator if disagreements arise between you and the other driver.

Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault progressive?

Do I pay a car insurance deductible if I'm not at fault? If the other driver is officially deemed at fault, their insurance company can pay for your repairs if you file them, and you won't have to pay your deductible.

What you must pay before an insurance company will pay a claim?

Deductible. The portion of covered charges that an insured must pay before the insurance company will consider payment and before coinsurance goes into effect. Usually, the deductible amount ($100, $250 or more) is based on a calendar year; yet, it can also be a per-occurrence or per-admission charge.

How do you prove innocence hit and run?

The venue where the car accident occurred is your prime spot to prove your innocence. Visit the place to collect the possible evidence by clicking pictures of the accident scene. What matters is the placement of both the vehicles involved in the accident, the road, weather conditions, and everything else possible.

How do I claim on someone else's car insurance?

Claiming on someone else's car insurance

If you have third party insurance and you've been in an accident that wasn't your fault, you can claim against the other driver's insurance. Write to the driver or their insurer to tell them you want to claim, and their insurer will decide who is at fault before settling.

Is it worth making a car insurance claim?

If you have an accident and the cost of repairing your car or another person's vehicle is cheaper if you claim on your insurance, it's probably the best idea. Insurance is there for these circumstances after all, so you shouldn't avoid using it if you have to.

What is a non fault claim?

Non-fault claims are ones where you've made an insurance claim, but your insurance company has been able to reclaim all their costs from the person whose fault it was (or their insurer). This is different to a claim where you might not have been to blame, but your insurer hasn't been able to recoup their outlay.

Can I claim insurance if I damage my own car?

What Is an Own-Damage Car Insurance Claim? Under the comprehensive car insurance plan, a policyholder can claim insurance in case of third-party liability as well as damage caused to the insured car due to an accident.

Will my insurance go up if someone claims against me?

Whether or not you were at fault, many insurers' data shows drivers who were involved in an accident are statistically more likely to be in an accident again within the next few years. This means you could see a rise in your premium at renewal – the rise could be higher if you were to blame for an accident.

What do I do if I have a minor car accident?

Switch the hazard lights on. Check for any injuries to yourself or your passengers. If it's a minor collision and there are no injuries, make a note of it just in case the other people later try to claim for an injury. Call the police and an ambulance immediately if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked.

Are most hit and runs solved?

Studies have estimated that only about 10 percent of hit-and-run cases are solved, due to an overwhelming lack of evidence.

Do insurance companies talk to each other?

Answer provided by

While car insurance companies don't talk directly to each other, they do share information. All car insurance companies can access your claims history through a database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE).

What should I not tell insurance?

9 Things Not to Say to Your Insurer After an Accident
  • It was my fault. This may be common knowledge for many, but it's worth reiterating that you should never admit fault. ...
  • I think. ...
  • I'm fine. ...
  • Names. ...
  • Recorded statements. ...
  • Unnecessary details. ...
  • I don't have an attorney. ...
  • I accept.

How long do you have to report a car accident?

After being involved in a car accident, you should report it to your car insurance provider as soon as you can. Many insurers specify that you need to inform them about an accident within 24 hours of the incident.