Will it affect my insurance if someone hits me?

Asked by: Yvonne Hoppe  |  Last update: September 9, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (8 votes)

Naturally, most injured victims that contact our firm want to know about the financial consequences of the collision. A common question that potential clients ask us when they call is whether their car insurance rates will increase as a result of the collision – even if they weren't at fault. The answer: no.

Does someone hitting you affect your insurance?

Generally, hit-and-run car accidents will not cause your car insurance rates to go up. You can file a claim for car repairs under the collision insurance portion of your policy. For hit-and-run accidents, your insurer may require you to report the accident within 24 hours of discovering the damage.

Why does your insurance go up when someone hits you?

If you file numerous hit and run claims, your insurance company may demand documentation before paying the damages. They could also raise your rates due to these filings or if they perceive that you live or drive in a dangerous area where accidents often occur.

Will a no fault claim affect my insurance?

Does declaring a non-fault claim affect my insurance premium? Yes. Your premiums could go up after you've declared a non-fault claim because your insurance provider may decide that the reason for the claim – even though it wasn't your fault – is more likely to happen again.

What do I do if I have a minor car accident?

Switch the hazard lights on. Check for any injuries to yourself or your passengers. If it's a minor collision and there are no injuries, make a note of it just in case the other people later try to claim for an injury. Call the police and an ambulance immediately if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked.

Do I Call My Insurance If Someone Hits Me? | The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys

32 related questions found

What happens when someone hits your car?

Call the police

If someone hits your vehicle, notify the police even if you think it was a minor accident. They'll write up a police report, which can then be used for your insurance claim. Police also act as an objective arbitrator if disagreements arise between you and the other driver.

How do I claim if someone hits my car?

Steps to take at the scene
  1. 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). ...
  2. Document the accident. ...
  3. Notify your insurer.

How much does car insurance go up after a claim?

If you have claimed on your car insurance, you can expect to pay 20% to 50% more for cover in the future. However, the amount varies depending on who is to blame for the claim, the severity and expense of the accident, and your overall driving record.

How does car insurance work when you are not at fault?

If you are involved in an accident and found not to be at fault, the insurance of the responsible party will cover your costs. When you buy a motor insurance policy from an insurance company, you will get an insurance disc and a certificate of insurance.

Is it worth making a car insurance claim?

If you have an accident and the cost of repairing your car or another person's vehicle is cheaper if you claim on your insurance, it's probably the best idea. Insurance is there for these circumstances after all, so you shouldn't avoid using it if you have to.

How long do you have to tell insurance about accident?

If you're involved in an accident, you must tell your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers specify that you must inform them within 24 hours of the incident.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.

What to do after an accident that is not your fault?

A. STOP Immediately and move only if it is safe to do so.
  1. Call 911 if there are injuries.
  2. Call the police. ...
  3. Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers from all drivers.
  4. Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers.

Does full coverage cover at fault accidents?

So what does full coverage car insurance cover? In most cases, it includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. Collision and comprehensive will protect you and your vehicle if you get into an accident. If you're found at fault for an accident.

Do you pay excess if not your fault?

Paying the excess when it's not your fault

If the other driver has admitted fault and has already told their insurer, your excess might be waived. But usually you'll have to pay it – so make sure you can afford it. When your insurer is certain you're not at fault, you'll get it back.

How do I claim car insurance for damage?

How to Claim Car Insurance for Own-Damage?
  1. Inform Your Insurer. You must inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as it occurs. ...
  2. File an FIR. File the First Information Report (FIR) at your nearest police station as soon as possible. ...
  3. Evaluate the Status of Damage. ...
  4. Claim Settlement.

What happens if you don't call the police after an accident?

If you do not call the police after an accident in situations where there has been an injury or death, you may face fines, a license suspension, or even jail time. It is always best to report the accident and let the police make the determination as to whether a police report is needed.

How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim?

Generally, the insurance company has about 30 days to investigate your auto insurance claim, though the number of days vary by state.

Is it worth repairing a car after an accident?

You can pay for the repairs out of your own pocket, especially if the damage is minor. But if the damage is significant, you could be looking at a significant amount of money. Your car will have lost value after being involved in a collision, but it may have more value than you think despite the damage.

What should I not tell insurance?

9 Things Not to Say to Your Insurer After an Accident
  • It was my fault. This may be common knowledge for many, but it's worth reiterating that you should never admit fault. ...
  • I think. ...
  • I'm fine. ...
  • Names. ...
  • Recorded statements. ...
  • Unnecessary details. ...
  • I don't have an attorney. ...
  • I accept.

Do insurance companies talk to each other?

Answer provided by

While car insurance companies don't talk directly to each other, they do share information. All car insurance companies can access your claims history through a database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE).

Do I need to report a minor car accident to the police?

You don't need to leave your insurance details unless someone is injured, but it can speed up the claims process if you do. If you didn't exchange details at the scene, you should report the accident to the police within 24 hours.

Do you have to go through insurance after minor accident?

Drivers must have valid insurance which covers you in the event of damage or injury. But when it comes to a minor scratch or prang, motorists may decide it's not worth going through the insurance companies. Instead of claiming through the insurer, the parties could agree to handle the issue privately.

Do I need to report a car accident if no damage?

Always notify your insurers if you are involved in an accident, however minor it may be and regardless of whether there is any damage. If you are involved in an accident and do not wish to make a claim on your policy you can simply advise your insurers about the accident 'For notification purposes only'.

Is it better to pay out of pocket or use insurance?

You should file an insurance claim when you can't afford to pay cash for damages or medical bills that your insurance policy will cover. You should pay out of pocket instead of filing an insurance claim if the repairs or medical bills incurred in an accident that you cause will cost less than your deductible.