Whose insurance company do I call after an accident?

Asked by: Prof. Abdiel Wolff  |  Last update: July 28, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (67 votes)

Even if you think you may be to blame, you should never admit fault after an accident. And even when the other driver is clearly at fault, it's best to call your insurance company first. Here's why calling your insurer first is usually the best approach.

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

Even if the damage is minor, it is important to contact your own insurance provider as soon as possible (no matter who you think is at fault) to ensure that you can get your claim started and completed quickly.

Whose insurance do you contact after an accident?

Always call your insurance company first to inform them that you have been in an accident. This applies whether you live in a state with no-fault insurance laws or a state like Texas, which is an at-fault state.

Do I call the other person insurance?

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.

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

You are not legally obligated to speak with the other insurance company's representative or provide them with any information. Politely decline to discuss the specifics of the accident or your injuries and inform them that any necessary information will be provided through your car accident lawyer.

What Questions Do Insurance Companies Ask After An Accident?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

What happens if you don't call your insurance after an accident?

Failing to contact your insurance company shortly after being in a car accident can lead to them denying your claim. Waiting to contact your insurance company can also make it more difficult for the insurance company to investigate your case, which could lead to you receiving a lower settlement amount.

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.

Do you call your insurance agent or insurance company?

Filing a claim or coverage questions. Call your insurance agent with almost anything regarding your policy. If you want to update your insurance policy or just have questions make sure to contact your agent.

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.

How does insurance work if you hit someone else?

You pay for specific coverages, and if you get in an accident, your insurer can pay your covered costs. Voice Over: Coverages typically include liability, which covers the injuries and damage you cause to others.

How do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

If the at-fault party is uninsured, the insurer may pursue subrogation against the driver personally.

Do I get paid if someone hits my car?

If you can prove that a specific vehicle/person was responsible for the crash, and they have insurance, or money for damages, yes.

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.

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.

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.

Should I call their insurance or mine?

Call your insurance provider after you've called the police and checked that all parties involved in a car accident are not injured. Whether or not you're at fault, you're not responsible for contacting the other party's insurance company. Your insurance provider is responsible for that.

Do you have to talk to another person's car insurance?

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 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 call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Yes. 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.

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.

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.