Should I file a claim if I'm at fault?
Asked by: Dr. Shaylee Beahan IV | Last update: September 3, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (37 votes)
Is it better to not file an insurance claim?
Always file a claim if there's serious property damage or potential injuries. Even if the other driver is honest and the accident was only a fender bender, the damage might be more serious than it appears. Additionally, a car might have hidden damage that won't be found until it's been looked at by a mechanic.
Should I make a claim if I'm at fault?
Tell Your Insurance Company
Most policies require that you report an accident as soon as you can. Otherwise, you could miss out on coverage. Police might also give you a ticket for causing the car accident. It might be tempting to avoid this, but failing to report the accident is far more serious.
Do I make a claim if it's my fault?
To claim compensation you will need to show that the accident was the fault of another person or organisation. If the accident was completely your fault it is highly unlikely that you will be able to make a claim. If you were partly at fault, however, you may be able to make a claim.
At what point is it worth claiming on insurance?
You should consider filing a car insurance claim whenever your out-of-pocket costs would extend past your deductible. Reminder: your deductible is the amount you'll pay out of pocket when you file certain claim types, like comprehensive or collision.
Should I file a claim on my insurance or the at-fault party's insurance following an auto accident?
What happens if you don't file a claim after an 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.
Should I report bumper damage to insurance?
Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage? While it's usually recommended to inform your insurance company about any damage to your car, you may choose not to file an insurance claim for bumper damage if you'd prefer to pay for repairs out of pocket.
Will my insurance go up if I file a claim and its not my 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.
Will insurance pay out if it was my fault?
Who pays for an at-fault accident? If the situation is clear-cut, or one party admits that they caused the accident, the at-fault driver's auto insurance should pay for any property damage and medical bills, and in some cases compensation for other damages, such as pain and suffering.
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.
When not to claim car insurance?
“If your damages are minor, you're much better off just paying out of pocket.” Even if the repairs cost slightly more than the deductible, it's still not worth submitting a claim that gets added to your claim history and can negatively affect your premiums in the future.
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.
What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?
You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)
Will my insurance drop me if I file a claim?
Yes, your car insurance company can drop you if you file too many claims.
What should you not say when making an insurance claim?
Don't discuss the specifics of the accident with other drivers, witnesses or passengers. Don't make any oral or written statements as to responsibility or blame. Don't tell others involved in the accident how much liability insurance you carry.
Is it better to file a claim or pay out of pocket?
If you're involved in a minor accident, you may consider paying out of pocket instead of making a claim with your insurance. If another driver is at fault, they may offer you cash. Otherwise, if you file a liability claim, their insurance rates could increase.
How much will my insurance go up if it was my fault?
If you cause a car accident, your insurance rates will go up by an average of $87 per month for full coverage. Where you live has a big impact on how much you'll pay for insurance after a car accident. California has the largest rate increase. An accident in California nearly doubles full coverage insurance rates.
Should I file a claim with my insurance 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.
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.
Can you claim insurance if it was your fault?
It is therefore not possible to make a claim if you were entirely at fault for causing the accident. If you were partly at fault for causing the accident, then you may be eligible to make a claim. This is known as split liability or contributory negligence.
How long does an at-fault accident affect insurance?
In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.
What is accident forgiveness?
What is Accident Forgiveness? Available in select states, Accident Forgiveness is an auto insurance coverage option that potentially helps you avoid a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. Others on your policy can also benefit from Accident Forgiveness. But it can only be used once per policy.
Will my insurance go up if I hit a bumper?
An at-fault accident can increase your auto insurance rates for at least three years, depending on your state and insurer. A driver with a recent at-fault accident pays more a year on average for a full coverage policy than a driver with no traffic violations.
Do you have to pay less for car insurance if you are younger?
What age does car insurance go down? Car insurance costs will decrease as you age because younger drivers are seen as riskier by insurers given they are inexperienced and statistically more likely to file claims. The biggest drop is typically from 18 to 19, when the average rate drops by around $1,595.
Is tapping a bumper considered an accident?
Yes, even a minor bumper tap is considered an accident.
These are often referred to as fender benders.