Can you claim auto insurance if it’s your fault?
After an accident, knowing how you can claim auto insurance if it’s your fault is important. Collision car insurance coverage helps pay for your vehicle damages from an accident even if you caused the crash, so you should still make a claim. Learn how to file an auto insurance claim if you're at fault.
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Ty Stewart
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Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
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UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Insurance is in place to protect you from losses, even if an accident is your fault
- When you claim insurance if you are at fault both your losses and the other party’s losses will be covered
- You will be required to provide information concerning the incident and all parties involved
If you have recently been in an accident, you might be wondering, “Can you claim auto insurance if it’s your fault?” This is often a point of confusion for many drivers. Unfortunately, not understanding how your insurance policy works could cost you a lot of money in the long run.
If you are at fault during an accident, you should definitely still file a claim with your insurance company. During an accident, your vehicle will most likely sustain damage, and you may sustain injuries as well.
These expenses will need to be paid for. This is the reason you have an insurance policy in place. The coverage is intended to protect you from having to pay these types of costs out of pocket in the event of an accident.
Keep reading to learn how to file a car insurance claim if you’re at fault.
File an Auto Insurance Claim if You’re at Fault
If you’ve caused an accident and your vehicle has sustained damage, you should file a claim with your insurance company if you have collision or full coverage, so you can have your car repaired. If you didn’t cause the accident, you would file a claim with the other driver’s insurance.
This compensation can help you to recover from your accident financially, and insurance companies do not usually drop you after a claim.
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What Happens After You’re at Fault in an Accident
After an accident, the authorities and the insurance companies involved will take time to determine who was at fault in the wreck if there is contention around who filed the accident. Now, if it is clear that you caused the accident, you shouldn’t hesitate to go ahead and file an insurance claim with your insurance company.
Each insurer has its own process on how to file a car insurance claim, so be sure to follow directions to get your claim resolved quickly.
The claims process will involve your insurance company reviewing the details of your crash and the amount of damage done. The insurance company will then use this information to help you better understand the options you have concerning your claim.
Depending on the policy you chose, there are different types of auto insurance coverage that may be included in it:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
- Glass coverage
Even when you are at fault during an accident, your insurance policy can benefit you financially if you have the above types of coverage. If you have only purchased the minimum car insurance required in your state, then you may not be able to have your losses covered following a wreck.
How to File an Auto Insurance Claim if You’re at Fault
You should not hesitate to call your insurance company following an accident. Contact your insurance representative first instead of the claims department, so you can receive the best guidance for your situation.
Your insurer will want to know all the details of the accident, so it’s helpful to be prepared. Immediately after the accident, take note of the following items.
Do Not Admit Fault
It is essential that you do not admit fault, but rather that you allow the authorities to prove who was at fault. Admitting fault is a big mistake that a lot of people make immediately following an accident.
Do Take Photos
Taking photos of the scene is also a good idea. This provides even more evidence to help the insurance company determine who is at fault. You should take photos of the damage to your vehicle, skid marks on the road, and any injuries you sustained during the wreck.
If your insurance company offers an app to expedite claims, be sure to use this as well.
Do Exchange Information
It’s always a good idea to speak to the other party involved and exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their information as well. This will be helpful if you need to get back in touch for any reason.
Do Document Side Effects
You should also document any medical procedures and expenses that are a result of the accident. These records could be very useful if a lawsuit results from your accident.
When to Avoid Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
There are some scenarios in which filing a claim should be avoided. This would include minor accidents that did not involve another party. If you can easily pay out of pocket to have your vehicle repaired, it may be better not to file a claim. Filing claims for minor damage could result in a rate increase.
If there was only damage to your own vehicle in a minor accident, you may want to avoid filing a claim. If damage to someone else’s property was also minimal, then you may want to consider simply paying for the damage out of pocket rather than involving insurance companies.
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A Final Word on Making a Claim if You’re at Fault in an Accident
If you were at fault during a car accident that resulted in significant damage to your vehicle and other vehicles, do not hesitate to file a claim with your insurance company.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) April 10, 2023
Your insurance policy is in place to protect you from paying large expenses out of pocket in the event of an accident even if the accident is proven to be your fault. Filing a claim in a timely manner can save you money and ensure that you can get the necessary repairs done quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an auto insurance claim if the accident was my fault?
Yes, you can file an auto insurance claim even if the accident was your fault. Your insurance policy is designed to provide coverage for both at-fault and not-at-fault accidents, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in your policy.
What type of coverage do I need to file a claim for an accident that was my fault?
To file a claim for an accident that was your fault, you will typically need collision coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your own vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
Will my insurance rates increase if I file a claim for an accident that was my fault?
Filing a claim for an accident that was your fault may result in an increase in your insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premiums, and an at-fault accident can be one of those factors. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand how your rates may be affected.
What should I do if I want to file a claim for an accident that was my fault?
If you want to file a claim for an accident that was your fault, follow these steps:
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and provide you with the necessary forms and information.
- Provide accurate and detailed information: When filing the claim, provide accurate and detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. Provide any supporting documentation or evidence, such as photos or witness statements, if available.
- Cooperate with the claims adjuster: Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to handle your case. Cooperate with the adjuster, provide any requested documentation, and answer their questions truthfully.
- Follow the claims process: Follow the instructions provided by your insurance company and complete any required forms or documentation. Keep track of all communication and documentation related to the claim.
- Pay your deductible: If your policy includes a deductible, you will be responsible for paying it before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.
- Repair or replace your vehicle: Once your claim is approved, you can proceed with repairing or replacing your vehicle, depending on the extent of the damage and your policy coverage.
Will filing a claim affect my future insurability?
Filing a claim for an accident that was your fault may impact your future insurability. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining whether to provide coverage, and a history of at-fault accidents may be a consideration. However, each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines, so it’s best to consult with your specific insurance provider for accurate information.
Should I file a claim for a minor at-fault accident?
Whether to file a claim for a minor at-fault accident depends on the circumstances, the extent of the damage, and your deductible amount. If the cost of repairs is close to or less than your deductible, it may not be beneficial to file a claim as you would be responsible for paying the repairs out of pocket. However, it’s recommended to consult with your insurance provider to determine the best course of action.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.