Will my insurance cover me if I crash someone else's car?

Asked by: Sabrina Hane  |  Last update: May 22, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (70 votes)

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.

Does my insurance cover me if I wreck someone else's car?

Typically, the car owner's liability insurance “follows the car,” meaning if you cause an accident while driving someone else's car, their insurance policy should cover the damages. However, this is not always guaranteed, and there may be limitations based on the policy's terms and conditions.

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 insurance work when you hit someone's car?

Auto liability coverage is required in nearly every state. If you're found at fault in an auto accident, liability coverage can pay for damage to other vehicles, damage to objects, bodily injuries to other drivers and their passengers, and lawsuits if you're sued due to an accident.

Does insurance cover if you scratch someone's car?

If you accidentally dent someone's vehicle, ding their car door, or scratch another car, your car insurance policy's property damage liability coverage can cover the cost of repairs, up to your policy's limit.

Does Insurance Cover Someone Else Driving Your Car?

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Will my insurance go up if I report a scratch?

If the damage is deemed your fault, a scratch or dent claim will affect your rate, but if it is not a chargeable claim or the other driver is at fault, your insurance rates should remain the same.

How much is it to fix a scratch on a car?

At a dealer, the cost to remove a car scratch can range from $150 to $1000—double the amount for repairs to the hood or doors.

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 happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren't on your insurance Progressive?

Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.

Will my car insurance go up if I hit someone?

If you cause a car accident, your insurance rates will go up by an average of $87 per month for full coverage. Where you live has a big impact on how much you'll pay for insurance after a car accident. California has the largest rate increase. An accident in California nearly doubles full coverage insurance rates.

How do I claim insurance if it's not my fault?

After a car accident that's not your fault, you can file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver's insurance by providing details of the accident and supporting evidence like photos and a police report. Geoff Williams is a freelance journalist and author in Loveland, Ohio.

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

You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.

Do I make a claim if I'm not at fault?

Making a not-at-fault claim

You'll need to collect the details of the other driver involved when making your claim; this will generally include: The names and contact details of the other driver. The other driver's insurer and policy details. The car model and registration number of other vehicles involved.

What happens if I let someone borrow my car and they crash?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...

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 if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car in PA?

Insurance Follows the Car, Not the Driver

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.

What happens if I crash someone else's car?

In car accidents in this state, the driver who caused the car crash will be responsible for paying for the financial damages. If the accident happened because of the other driver, you may have less to worry about if someone else was driving your car.

Will insurance cover if I hit another car?

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.

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.

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.

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.

When not to call car insurance?

The only time you do not need to call your insurance company is when the accident happens on your own property, involves no other drivers (so no one else may be at fault) and the damage to your vehicle is minimal or at least of an amount you can afford to cover on your own or lose altogether.

What to do if I scratch someone's car?

What to do when you hit someone's car in a parking lot
  1. Don't drive away from the scene of the accident, no matter how minor. If another customer or a surveillance camera spots you, you could be punished with hit-and-run charges.
  2. Track down the other car's owner. ...
  3. Leave a note. ...
  4. Call the police (if necessary).

Is it worth going through insurance for scratches?

If the scratches are minor and would cost less than a few thousand dollars or so to fix, it's likely better to pay cash and fix the damages on your own without involving your insurance company. Involving your insurance company for a minor accident can lead to more headaches in the long run.

Will dealerships fix scratches?

So, although these repairs can be done at home with research and minimal cost, a dealership or reputable body shop can give you a professional looking result. Dealerships can charge as much as $50 – $300 for just 2 ounces of a VIN-matched paint, and another $500 or more to actually repair a major scratch.