Can you claim auto insurance if it’s your fault?

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 must be covered, which is why you have an insurance policy. The coverage is designed to protect you from paying these costs out of pocket after an accident. Learn what to do if someone bumps your car, find out who pays if a friend crashes your car, and understand if insurance will cover your car if you’re at fault.

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 is damaged, you should file a claim with your insurance company if you have collision or full coverage to get your car repaired. If the accident wasn’t your fault, file a claim with the other driver’s insurance. It’s also important to understand the implications of hitting a pedestrian with your car, know what to do after filing a claim for a car accident, and understand what happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance in Texas.

This compensation can help you to recover from your accident financially, and insurance companies do not usually drop you after a claim. 

What Happens After You’re at Fault in an Accident

Following an accident, both authorities and insurance companies will typically investigate to determine fault, especially if there’s disagreement over who caused the incident. If it becomes evident that you are responsible for the accident, it’s crucial to promptly initiate an insurance claim with your insurer. This ensures you understand the outcomes if the accident is your fault, know the procedures if you’re at fault in a car accident, learn the consequences of totaling your car due to your fault, and understand the implications if an uninsured driver crashes into your vehicle.

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.

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. 

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.