Should I talk to other insurance after an accident?
Asked by: Prof. Richie Daugherty Sr. | Last update: November 30, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (15 votes)
Should you speak to the other insurance company after an accident?
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 call the other person's insurance if they hit me?
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.
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.
What happens if you don't contact your insurance after 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.
Should I Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company After an Accident? | Car Accident FAQ (2020)
Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?
If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, even if it was not your fault, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk to insure and increase your rates. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent to see how much insurance could increase after an accident where you're not at fault.
How do I talk to car insurance after an accident?
- Don't Admit Fault. ...
- Contact an Attorney. ...
- Beware of Recorded Statements. ...
- Watch Out for Speedy Settlement Offers. ...
- Don't Give Too Much Detail About Your Injuries. ...
- Remember: Insurers Are Not on Your Side. ...
- Document the Accident and Your Injuries.
Do you call your insurance or theirs?
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 always call insurance after an accident?
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.
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.
How long do I have to fix my car after a claim?
Most insurance companies don't set a strict deadline for when repairs must be completed, but they often require you to file a claim within a specific timeframe after the accident. Once your claim is approved, your coverage for vehicle repair may remain valid indefinitely, but it's a good idea not to delay repairs.
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.
Do you have to report accidents to new insurance?
When applying for your first car insurance policy, you need to disclose any previous accidents and claims.
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.
What not to say when talking to insurance adjuster?
Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”
How to handle insurance after a car accident?
Immediately notify your agent and/or insurance company of an accident. Cooperate with the insurance adjusters/investigators to aid in their efforts. If you don't understand something about the claims procedure, ask your agent and/or insurance company representative to explain.
Should I talk to the other person's insurance?
This question is less straightforward but generally speaking, and you shouldn't talk to the other driver's car insurance company if there is any potential for you or anyone else involved to make a claim. In this situation, you need to seek legal advice immediately.
What happens if you don t respond to insurance after an accident?
Because California's insurance coverage is based on a “fault” system, the individual responsible for the accident can be sued for property damage, medical bills and other related expenses.
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.
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.
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.
Whose insurance should I call after an accident?
Call your insurance provider after you've called the police and checked that all parties involved in a car accident are not injured. Whether or not you're at fault, you're not responsible for contacting the other party's insurance company. Your insurance provider is responsible for that.
Who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled?
If you own the car without any loans or liens, you will receive a check for the value assessed by the insurance company. If there is a loan, the check usually goes first to the leasing company or the lender. If you owe money on the vehicle, you should notify the lending company that your car has been totaled.
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)