Should I talk to the other insurance company after an accident?

Asked by: Prof. Zoie Ledner IV  |  Last update: April 3, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (73 votes)

It may serve in your best interests to have a simple, minimal conversation with the driver's company. If there is a question as to who is at fault, then you should refrain from having that conversation and retain a lawyer to handle that communication on your behalf.

Do I have to talk to the other person's insurance 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.

Should I switch insurance companies after an accident?

Whether or not you should switch car insurance after an accident depends on your situation. Some drivers might benefit from switching to a new policy, but others might be better off staying with their current coverage, especially if it means delaying a car insurance rate increase.

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 does insurance work if it's not your fault?

You will file a claim with your auto insurance for damage to your vehicle, medical bills, property damage, and, potentially, lost wages due to injury. The car insurer collects money from the at-fault driver's coverage. Your claims might be limited by the other driver's coverage limits and the state where you live.

What Should I Say To the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

26 related questions found

Should you contact your insurance company if you are not at fault?

» FAQs » Should I Call My Insurance If a Car Accident Was Not My Fault? Yes, you should call your insurance company if you were in a car accident that was not your fault.

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.

Do 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.

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.

Should I call my insurance if it was my fault?

Yes, you will want to call your insurance provider regardless of whose fault you believe it may be. Your insurance provider will be able to walk you through the next steps of filing a claim and finding out what your coverage does and does not cover.

How soon after an accident can you change insurance?

You can switch auto insurance companies after an accident while your claim is still pending. It is important to consider your reasons for switching, ensure there is no gap in coverage, and be aware of the potential impact on your claim.

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.

How to negotiate with insurance after accident?

General Tips for Settlement Negotiations
  1. Initiate your claim as soon as possible after a car accident. ...
  2. Keep accurate records about your accident and injuries. ...
  3. Calculate a fair settlement. ...
  4. Send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company. ...
  5. Do not accept the first offer. ...
  6. Get everything in writing.

When someone hits you do you call your insurance or theirs?

You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.

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 call the other party insurance?

At some point after a car accident, you'll probably receive a call from the other driver's insurance company. Here's what to know at the outset: You're typically under no legal obligation to talk to the other driver's car insurance company, and any time you do, it's crucial to watch what you say.

Should I go through my insurance or the person who hit me?

If your vehicle received minor damage, it might be worth filing a collision claim with your insurance if the damage costs more than your deductible. If the other driver caused the accident, then you could file a claim with their insurance company instead.

Why does insurance go up when it's not your fault?

If your driving record is laden with traffic violations or accidents, you might see an increase in your insurance rates after a no-fault claim, as insurance providers perceive drivers with a history of accidents or violations as high-risk and impose higher rates to mitigate the associated risk.

How long does an accident stay on your record?

In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.

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.

How do you prove it's not your fault?

How To Prove You Are Not At Fault In A Car Accident
  1. Gather Evidence. ...
  2. Obtain Witness Statements. ...
  3. Inform Your Insurance Company. ...
  4. Visit a Doctor. ...
  5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney. ...
  6. Review Traffic Laws.

How to get the most out of insurance after a car accident?

How to Deal with Insurance After a California Car Accident: 7 Essential Tips
  1. Don't Admit Fault. ...
  2. Contact an Attorney. ...
  3. Beware of Recorded Statements. ...
  4. Watch Out for Speedy Settlement Offers. ...
  5. Don't Give Too Much Detail About Your Injuries. ...
  6. Remember: Insurers Are Not on Your Side. ...
  7. Document the Accident and Your Injuries.

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

Are You Required to Speak to the Other Driver's Insurance Company. 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. You do likely have to talk to your own insurance company as they will need your account of what happened.

What is an example of a minor accident?

Minor auto accidents typically involve slight damage to the vehicle that does not impede the vehicle's ability to operate or cause severe injuries. Examples of minor auto accidents may include: A slight fender bender. Busted headlight/ taillight.

Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?

However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.