What do I have to pay if I hit a car?

Asked by: Prof. Myrtis VonRueden V  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (50 votes)

Your liability insurance will pay for the damages to the other vehicle. Liability coverage does not have a deductible, meaning you will only pay a deductible to have your car repaired if your comprehensive or collision coverage pays for the damages.

Do you have to pay if you hit someone's car?

Hitting a parked car is the same as any other kind of car accident when it comes to key issues like fault and insurance coverage. If no insurance covers the incident, the driver who hit the parked car will personally be on the financial hook for any resulting vehicle damage.

Who pays for car damage in MN?

Minnesota is a No-Fault State

In most cases, this is a fairly straightforward process. You file a claim, and the insurance company sends out an adjuster. Then you receive money from the insurance company for paying to fix your damaged vehicle or to get a new one.

How do you get paid when someone hits your car?

You have two standard options: File with your own insurance carrier, provided you have the correct type of coverage, or take a claim to court, which will likely be a small claim. Your carrier may pay to fix your vehicle, and then pursue the reimbursement with the offender.

Does insurance pay if you hit someone?

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 Have To Pay Deductible If My Car Is Hit While Parked?

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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.

Will my insurance go up if I hit my own car?

If you file a claim for damaging your own car, your insurance rate may increase when you renew your policy.

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.

Will my insurance go up if I'm not at fault in Minnesota?

If the accident was not your fault, and even in some cases when it is your fault, various insurance carriers offer accident forgiveness if you are enrolled in such a program. In these cases, there will not be an increase after the first accident.

Do you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your car?

Suppose you have collision coverage and are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in California who is at fault. In that case, the collision damage waiver will likely apply and cover your deductible.

How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance?

How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident to Insurance In California? Insurance Claim Time Limit. California car insurance companies may have different requirements and procedures for filing an accident claim. In California, personal injury claims from accidents must be filed within two years from the incident date.

What do I do if I hit someone's parked car?

What to Do if You Hit a Parked Car: 5 Important Steps
  1. Don't Leave the Scene. Leaving the scene is one of the worst things you can do if you hit a parked car. ...
  2. Leave a Note. You should wait for a while to see if the owner shows up. ...
  3. Record the Scene. ...
  4. Alert the Authorities. ...
  5. Call Your Agent. ...
  6. What if Your Car Was Hit?

What happens if you lightly hit a car?

Despite how lightly you may have hit the parked car, it is still essential to follow the proper protocol following this type of incident. As mentioned above, even if there is no visible damage, the driver must abide by the necessary steps to avoid any conflict or issues for the owner of the parked vehicle.

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 happens to your insurance when you hit a car?

If you caused the collision then you pay for your own damage and your insurance pays for the damages you're liable for. If the other driver caused it then they pay for their own damage and their insurance pays for their liabilities (including damage to your car).

Will my insurance company sue an uninsured driver?

In some cases, your insurance company may decide to subrogate your claim. This means the insurer will sue the other driver rather than leave it to you to recoup your damages.

When someone hits you does your insurance go up?

Rate increases will go up even more if there are injuries and property damage. If you are not at fault, however, the rate increase is less severe. On average, drivers who are not at fault will only have their rates go up by about 4%.

What happens if I hit one of my own cars?

What if I hit my own car in my driveway? If you hit your car on any barriers in your driveway and the damage was unintentional, then you should be covered if you have collision coverage on your policy.

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 file a claim?

Insurance claims can cause your insurance rate to increase for a temporary amount of time, typically three to five years.

When someone hits you, do you call their insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your own insurance will pay if you have the right coverage. Always call your own insurance company, even if you think the other driver is at fault.

Is it illegal to pay out of pocket for a car accident?

Strictly speaking, paying out of your pocket for a car accident isn't illegal, but accepting the offer may have unwanted consequences.

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.