Why do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me?
Asked by: Mrs. Felicia Buckridge Sr. | Last update: February 11, 2022Score: 4.5/5 (8 votes)
Both insurance companies involved will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. This investigation could take time. That's why you should pay your deductible even if you didn't cause the accident—so you don't have to put your life on hold while the insurers sort out fault and liability.
Do I have to pay my insurance deductible if someone hits me?
You do not have to pay a car insurance deductible if you are not at fault in a car accident. The at-fault driver's liability insurance will usually cover your expenses after an accident, but you may want to use your own coverage, in which case you will likely have to pay a deductible.
Do you have to pay deductible if not your fault?
When you're not at fault for a car accident, claims typically fall under the Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) coverage on your insurance policy. ... This means that if you're not at fault and DCPD coverage applies, the damage will be completely covered by your insurer and you won't have to pay a deductible.
Who pays the deductible in an accident?
You're responsible for your policy's stated deductible every time you file a claim. After you pay the car deductible amount, your insurer will cover the remaining cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Example: You have a $500 deductible and $3,000 in damage from a covered accident.
How can I avoid paying my collision deductible?
- Choose not to file a claim until you have the money.
- Check your policy, as you may not have to pay up front.
- Work out a deal with your mechanic.
- Get a loan.
Do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits my car?
How does insurance work if someone hits your car?
If someone hits your car and you do have collision coverage, then your insurance company can help pay for repairs. Collision coverage will also cover damage to your car if you caused the accident, or if there were no other drivers involved, like if you drove into a telephone pole.
Can a body shop waive the deductible?
Can an auto body shop waive a deductible? The short answer is yes. After all, it is an agreement between a body shop and a private party.
Do I have to pay my deductible to fix someone else's car?
What if I hit another car? If you hit a car and are found at fault, you won't have to pay a deductible for your insurance to cover the other driver's damage. ... You only pay a deductible if you're at fault and need repairs to your own car.
How do I get my deductible waived?
- You have broad collision coverage. If you have broad collision coverage you may be able to have your deductible waived: ...
- You have purchased a car insurance deductible waiver. ...
- The other driver is uninsured. ...
- You need to repair a crack in your windshield or windows.
Do I have to pay a deductible if someone hit me Geico?
Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle. It may also help with the cost of repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. That means you can use it whether you're at fault or not. ... You will be responsible for paying your selected deductible.
How do you deal with a car accident that isn't your fault?
You should absolutely call the police, whether the accident was a minor fender bender or a significant crash. If the accident wasn't your fault, having an official police report will help you hold the other driver accountable for damages and repair costs.
How do I make an insurance claim if not at fault?
How to make a not-at-fault claim on your car insurance policy. You'll need to provide details of the other driver involved when making your claim – check with your insurer exactly what details are required. Claims are commonly lodged online over the phone or by filling out a form.
What does it mean if deductible is waived?
The waiver of deductible is a clause in your insurance policy that lists situations where you will not have to pay the deductible in the event of a claim. ... If you have an insurance policy that has a waiver of deductible clause, you may also feel better about taking a higher deductible to save money on your insurance .
What happens if someone hits your car and leaves?
What if someone hits my parked car and leaves? If someone hits your parked car and leaves the scene, the accident could be considered a hit-and-run. This is a crime, and you should contact the police to file a report. The police might also be able to help you identify who hit your car.
What should I do if someone hit my car?
- Call the police. An officer will document the incident and create an official accident report, which you will typically need to have when filing your claim with your insurance company, says the Insurance Information Institute (III). ...
- Document the accident. ...
- Notify your insurer.
Can I sue an uninsured motorist for my deductible?
You can sue, but are better off waiting until your insurance company and the other one figure it out. ... If you just sue for deductible you will waive all other damages.
Is deductible waived for hit-and-run?
If you're injured in a hit-and-run, you might make a claim on your uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. You won't pay a deductible on that coverage.
What happens if you can't pay deductible?
If you can't afford your deductible, there is a chance you won't be able to begin repairs right away. If your insurer requires your deductible be paid before they issue the remaining funds for a claim, you will need to find a way to pay it upfront.
What if repair cost is less than deductible?
If your car repairs are less than your $500 deductible, you won't be able to file a claim. You should cover any repairs close to your deductible amount, as they're considered small repairs. It's unwise to file a claim for a minor accident.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance?
If a friend or a family member has an accident and isn't insured, then you will have to use your insurance. Unless you have expressly denied that driver permission to use your vehicle.
Does my car insurance cover me in another car?
Does My Car Insurance Cover Me When Driving Another Vehicle? If you're specifically listed on the car owner's insurance policy, you'll be covered when driving that car – even if it's not your own. ... Renting a car from a rental car company or the car-sharing marketplace.
Do you need insurance to drive someone else's car?
You do not need your own car insurance policy to drive someone else's car every once in a while. However, if you frequently drive someone else's car, you might want to consider getting non-owner car insurance.
Can I change my deductible after an accident?
Once your claim is submitted and closed, you can change your deductible or shop around for a better policy to ensure this doesn't happen in the future.
How does a 500 deductible work?
How Do Deductibles Work? A car insurance deductible is what you have to pay out of pocket to cover damages from an accident before the insurance company covers anything. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you'll have to pay that $500 out of pocket before your insurer will put a dime toward damages.
Do you get your insurance deductible back?
Your insurance company will pay for your damages, minus your deductible. Don't worry — if the claim is settled and it's determined you weren't at fault for the accident, you'll get your deductible back.