What to tell insurance after an at-fault accident?
Asked by: Miss Myrtle Roberts Jr. | Last update: October 24, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (60 votes)
- Your name.
- The name of others involved in the crash.
- The date and time of the accident.
- The location of the accident.
- The insurance company of the other driver.
- The make and model of cars involved.
What to say to insurance after accident my fault?
Don't Admit Fault
In California, if you are at fault for an accident, you may be liable for the damages that result from that accident. So, if you say anything that an insurer could construe as an admission of your fault in the crash, you may reduce or even destroy your ability to recover a settlement.
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 file an insurance claim if I am at fault?
If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.
What should you not say when making an insurance claim?
Don't discuss the specifics of the accident with other drivers, witnesses or passengers. Don't make any oral or written statements as to responsibility or blame. Don't tell others involved in the accident how much liability insurance you carry.
What to Say to Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident
What are the 3 most common mistakes on a claim that will cause denials?
- Claim is not specific enough. ...
- Claim is missing information. ...
- Claim not filed on time (aka: Timely Filing)
What are red flags in insurance claims?
No witnesses to the alleged injury-producing incident. Insufficient detail was provided surrounding the injury-producing incident. Alleged injury seems inconceivable considering the work which the claimant performs. Injury is not visible (e.g., soft tissue injury)
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.
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.
Whose insurance company do I call after an accident?
But perhaps you're unclear about the process. You might think that calling the other driver's insurance first makes sense since they hit you. Actually, you'll be better off contacting your insurance company first instead of depending on the other driver. Let's find out why.
Do I have to call my insurance if I'm at 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.
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.”
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 you call your insurance or theirs?
If you absolutely have to speak to the other party's insurance, have your own insurance agent do the talking. And if the other driver won't contact their insurance or doesn't have any, call yours and explain the situation.
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.
Does full coverage cover at-fault accidents?
Full coverage car insurance covers the costs to repair damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident. However, in most states, it doesn't include coverage for bodily injuries that you or your passengers sustained. In “no-fault” states, your auto insurance does cover your bodily injuries up to the limits purchased.
How long does an at-fault accident affect insurance?
In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.
Should I file a claim with my insurance if I wasn't 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 much will my insurance go up with an at-fault accident in Canada?
If you are involved in an at-fault accident, your rate can increase for up to six years because this is how long it can stay on your driving record. Depending on how many accidents you've been involved with, you'll see a 25% to 50% percent increase (or more) in your policy for being at-fault.
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 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.
What is the downside of filing an insurance claim?
It could increase your premiums
When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.
Is insurance higher if your car is red?
The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates. Learn more about the factors that impact auto insurance pricing.
What is the red flag rule?
The Red Flags Rule requires specified firms to create a written Identity Theft Prevention Program (ITPP) designed to identify, detect and respond to “red flags”—patterns, practices or specific activities—that could indicate identity theft.
What is flag insurance?
FLAG Insurance Services offers coverage tailored for private accounting firms with 1-50 professionals. We aim to align coverage, value, and service to meet the specific needs of these firms.