Should I contact other drivers insurance?

Asked by: Mikayla Fritsch I  |  Last update: March 31, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (39 votes)

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.

Should I call the other driver's insurance company?

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 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.

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.

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.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company After an Accident? | Car Accident FAQ (2020)

17 related questions found

Do you call your insurance or theirs?

If you absolutely have to speak to the other party's insurance, have your own insurance agent do the talking. And if the other driver won't contact their insurance or doesn't have any, call yours and explain the situation.

Do I need to call my insurance if someone hit me after?

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.

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.

Do I contact the other person's insurance?

First and foremost the answer to that is, no. Legally, there is no requirement for you to speak with the other driver's 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.

How does insurance work if you hit someone else?

You pay for specific coverages, and if you get in an accident, your insurer can pay your covered costs. Voice Over: Coverages typically include liability, which covers the injuries and damage you cause to others.

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.

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.

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.

How do you deal with a fault driver's insurance company?

Communicating with the At-Fault Driver's Insurance Company
  1. Provide only basic information such as the date, time, location, and vehicles involved.
  2. Keep conversations concise, sticking to the facts and avoiding elaboration or speculation.
  3. Document the interaction by taking notes during the conversation.

Should you talk to another person's insurance company?

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.

Do I have to 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.

How soon should you report an accident to your insurance company?

In California, reporting an accident to your insurance company as soon as possible is generally advisable.

Can my husband drive my car if he is not on my insurance?

Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.

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.

Does it matter who the primary driver is on insurance?

Insurance companies use their driving record, age, location, and other factors to calculate premiums and coverage. So the primary driver can affect insurance rates.

How does insurance work if someone hits my car?

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.

Do I have to contact another driver's insurance company?

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.

Should I contact the person who hit my car?

If you can locate the person who hit your car, exchange information with them. Then, call the local authorities to file a police report and notify your insurer.