Should I tell my insurance it was my fault?

Asked by: Prof. Lionel Kirlin DDS  |  Last update: April 4, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (68 votes)

You Already Agreed to Tell Your Insurance Company About Wrecks. There are many reasons why the answer to the question, “Should I call my insurance if it was my fault?” is a resounding yes. In fact, you likely agreed to do so as part of your insurance contract. Make sure to check your policy documents carefully.

Should I let my insurance know if it was my fault?

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.

Should I call my insurance if the accident was my fault?

Whether you think you're at fault or not, it is vital that you contact your insurance company immediately following a crash.

Is it better to admit fault in a car accident?

No, you should not admit fault at the scene of a car accident, even if you believe it was your fault. Admitting fault can complicate insurance claims and legal matters. Instead, focus on ensuring everyone is safe, exchange information with the other party, and report the accident to your insurance company.

What happens if you don't tell your insurance about an accident?

Not reporting the accident results in higher costs to the insurance company, and ultimately higher premiums for you.

Auto Insurance Claims Process: Not-At-Fault Accident

30 related questions found

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.

Do I have to report an accident to my insurance if it was my fault?

It is always a good idea to report any collision, no matter how minor, to your insurance company.

Why should you never admit fault?

Sometimes people believe that if they caused the accident, admitting fault will speed up the process and they can move on. However, admitting fault means that your insurance company may need to pay for damages, your insurance premiums could increase, and your driving record may reflect the accident.

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.

How long does at fault affect insurance?

Typically, the DMV will hold onto these records for around 3 years, but this can go up to 10 years if the accident involves a commercial vehicle. This 3-year countdown also starts on the day that the accident occurred.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to do if someone claims you hit their car?

What to Do If Someone Falsely Claims You Hit Their Car
  1. Evaluate the Situation.
  2. Speak to the Other Party Politely.
  3. Take Photos and Videos.
  4. Gather Witnesses.
  5. Check for Nearby Cameras.
  6. Report the Incident.
  7. Explain Your Side Clearly.
  8. When to Consult an Attorney.

What not to tell a claims 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.”

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.

Do I make a claim if I'm not at fault?

Making a not-at-fault claim

You'll need to collect the details of the other driver involved when making your claim; this will generally include: The names and contact details of the other driver. The other driver's insurer and policy details. The car model and registration number of other vehicles involved.

What happens if I don't call my 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. 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.

What is a person that never admits fault?

A person who is narcissistic has a personality disorder which makes it difficult if not impossible for them to see themselves as at fault. They feel that others are lower than they are and that they could not possibly do anything wrong.

What if neither party admits fault?

One avenue to pursue if you're in a car crash and no one admits fault in a car crash is to contact your insurance company. They will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing the accident report and gathering evidence.

Does saying sorry admit fault?

You can exchange contact and insurance information and offer best wishes and pleasantries. But the word “sorry” or anything like it should never pass your lips. Remember, the other party, witnesses, and first responders may view apologizing the same as admitting fault and can be called to testify to that fact.

What do I tell my insurance company about a minor accident?

You can give them general information about the accident, including:
  1. Your name.
  2. The name of others involved in the crash.
  3. The date and time of the accident.
  4. The location of the accident.
  5. The insurance company of the other driver.
  6. The make and model of cars involved.

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 file a claim if I'm 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.