Who pays for car damage in California?
Asked by: Mr. Abdiel Mitchell | Last update: October 3, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (71 votes)
Is my employer responsible for damage to my vehicle in California?
A: An employer is typically liable for damages caused by an accident involving an employee in California if the accident occurs while the employee is performing work-related duties. This includes activities that are within the scope of employment, such as running errands for their employer.
Who pays for a car accident in California?
California is an at-fault state, meaning that the driver who is responsible for an accident can be sued for the cost of injury care and property damage.
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.
How does car insurance pay for damages?
Comprehensive and collision coverage pay for damages to your car that are not caused by another driver. This is different from liability insurance, which only covers damage you do to someone else or their property. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car when you cause an accident.
How Does Car Accident Liability work in California?
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.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in California?
You can not drive a vehicle in California without insurance, and you or the person you're borrowing from must have insurance to drive legally. Your regular auto insurance policy in Los Angeles tends to follow the car instead of the person who has paid for the insurance. The same applies to when you borrow a car.
How does insurance work if it's not your fault?
Who pays in a no-fault accident? If there's an accident between two drivers, each party's PIP coverage typically pays for their respective medical bills and/or wage loss up to their policies' limits, no matter who caused the accident.
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.
Do I pay deductible if not at fault in California?
If You're Not at Fault
You can wait for the at-fault driver's insurance to pay directly for the damage to your vehicle. While this option means you won't need to pay a deductible, it could take time for the other insurer to approve the claim, assess the damage, and arrange repairs.
Do I call the other person's insurance if they hit me?
You do likely have to talk to your own insurance company as they will need your account of what happened. There is, however, times when speaking to the other driver's insurance company will benefit you and will depend heavily on the specifics of your case.
How much is the average car accident settlement in CA?
According to data from 2022 to now, the average car accident settlement in California for bodily injury is $26,501 and $6,551 for property damage. In California, this number can vary greatly between cities due to variations in the cost of medical care.
What to do after a car accident not your fault in California?
The first step is to get the other party's car insurance information and then report the accident. You should call 911 or the police to respond to the scene. You must also report the accident to both your own insurer and theirs. Generally, this will start the claims process with the at-fault party's insurer.
What happens if my car gets damaged at work?
Employer Liability
Generally, California employers may be vicariously liable for any damages caused by their employees if they were on the job or acting within their scope of employment when the accident occurred.
Who is liable for a car accident in California?
Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law
Under California Vehicle Code Section 17150, every owner of a motor vehicle is liable for death, injury or property damage resulting from negligent or reckless operation of the motor vehicle.
Do you have to report an accident to your insurance company in California?
If the accident involved bodily injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, you are legally required to make a report. Given the relatively low threshold for property damage, this will apply to most accidents.
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.
Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?
Most insurers cover someone else driving the policyholder's car with their permission once in a while. But, if you're going to start driving one of your parent's cars regularly, you'll need to be added or named on their auto insurance. You can't legally drive your parents' car without any insurance at all, either.
What happens when someone hits your car?
Don't leave the scene or move your car. Locate the person who hit your car and exchange information (if possible) Take photos and contact the authorities to file a police report. Contact your insurer and file a claim if necessary.
How does car insurance work when you are not at fault in California?
If you were hurt but were not at fault for the accident, you can open a claim with the responsible party's insurance company to recover damages caused by the accident. It could take some time, but you should receive money from the other party's insurance company to pay for the damage to your car.
What to do after a minor car accident not your fault USA?
- Safety first: Move to a safe area as soon as you can. ...
- Check for injuries: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 or ask someone else to call. ...
- Call the police and report the accident: Even if the accident is minor, it is good to get an official police report.
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.
Can I drive my wife's car if I'm not on her insurance?
If you're not on the owner's policy, applicable coverage will again depend on consent. Assuming the driver gave you consent to operate the vehicle or, at the very least, there is reasonable belief that you had permission to drive it, then you're probably covered.
What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren t on your insurance in ca?
Insurance follows the vehicle, so if someone else drives your car and gets into an accident, your insurance will handle the claim. This is known as permissive use — your policy covers the damage, not theirs. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Can my son drive my car if he doesn't live with me?
If your son doesn't live with you but needs to borrow your car, he can do so with your permission. It is known as permissive use, which means that when someone who doesn't live with you gets permission to borrow your car, they are also “borrowing” your auto insurance coverage.