Should I file a claim if I'm not at-fault?
Asked by: Lizeth Kris | Last update: December 17, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (52 votes)
Do I need to file a claim if I wasn't at fault?
After a car crash, review your policy or speak to your insurance company to identify the coverages you can file a claim for. Even if you weren't at fault in an accident, you may be able to file a claim under your own collision coverage.
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.
Can I make a claim if it wasn't my fault?
If you're injured in an accident that was not your fault, you or your 'legal personal representative' (such as the next of kin in the case of death) can claim compensation from the at-fault driver's compulsory third party (CTP) insurer.
Do I have to declare a claim if it wasn't my fault?
Yes. You need to declare all accidents that you're involved in, regardless of who or what was at fault, and whether you make a claim. Not telling your provider about an accident could lead to issues down the line.
Should I file a claim on my insurance or the at-fault party's insurance following an auto accident?
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.
What to do if you get in a car accident and it's not your fault?
The first step is to get the other party's car insurance information and then report the accident. You should call 911 or the police to respond to the scene. 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.
How does insurance work if it's not your fault?
Who pays in a no-fault accident? If there's an accident between two drivers, each party's PIP coverage typically pays for their respective medical bills and/or wage loss up to their policies' limits, no matter who caused the accident.
What to do if someone claims you hit their car?
- Evaluate the Situation.
- Speak to the Other Party Politely.
- Take Photos and Videos.
- Gather Witnesses.
- Check for Nearby Cameras.
- Report the Incident.
- Explain Your Side Clearly.
- When to Consult an Attorney.
Do I lose my no claims if the accident wasn't my fault?
A common question searched online after an accident is 'do I lose my no claims if not my fault' and the unfortunate answer to this question is… Yes, you may lose it. However, you may be able to avoid losing it. A person's no claims bonus is something that takes years to build up but only a moment to lose.
When someone hits you, do you call your insurance or theirs?
For example, if your car repair damage is $19,000 and the other driver's insurance covers up to $15,000, you still have to pay $4,000 in repair bills. In this case, your car insurance company may cover the costs resulting from this underinsured driver. This is why you should call your insurance if someone hits you.
Do I 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.
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 file a claim if it's not my fault?
You will need to report an accident to your insurance carrier. Typically, an auto insurance policy will dictate the reporting requirements for accidents, including those that the policyholder did not cause.
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.
What happens if you don't tell your insurance about 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.
Can you sue someone if you hit their car?
Yes, you can sue someone for property damage after a car accident even if you haven't suffered any injuries. In some cases, auto accidents can lead to sizable property damage, resulting in overwhelming expenses.
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 to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car in the UK?
What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car in the UK. If someone falsely claims you hit their car, you should inform your insurer and gather evidence - for example, witness statements or photos and videos that show you weren't there at the time of the incident.
Should you report an accident that wasn't your fault?
Failing to report the collision may result in a violation of your insurance policy. Furthermore, it is crucial to grasp the concept of pure comparative negligence in the state of California. This legal principle allows individuals to seek compensation even if they bear some responsibility for their own injuries.
How to file an insurance claim when not at fault?
If you have the information from the other person involved in the accident, you may call his or her insurance company to file your claim. Some companies may also offer online claim reporting. If you have an insurance agent, he or she may be able to help you through this process or provide you with more information.
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 happens after a no-fault accident?
A no-fault state is one where drivers involved in a car accident are required to file claims with their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident. This system relies on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which compensates for medical expenses and lost wages up to a state-determined limit.
What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?
What should I do if someone falsely accuses me of hitting their car? First thing to do is have them make a police report. tell them you can't settle an insurance claim without it. Otherwise they can take a home.
Do you get your deductible back if you're not at fault?
Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.