Does my car insurance cover damage to my own car if I am at fault in an accident?

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No matter how carefully you drive, accidents are sometimes unavoidable, and you may sometimes be at fault. Car collisions are frequent in the U.S., with over 5 million each year. So, it’s important to know if your car insurance covers damage to your car if you’re at fault in an accident.

Does car insurance cover damage to your car if you are at fault in an accident? Whether or not your policy pays for damages to your car when you’re the driver at fault depends on whether or not you have collision coverage. Read on to learn more about how this type of car insurance coverage works.

Car Insurance Coverage if You’re At Fault in an Accident

If you have an accident, the type of coverage you need for your vehicle depends on who’s at fault. When you’re at fault, your liability coverage applies to any damages and injuries you cause to other drivers, along with their cars and passengers.

However, this won’t help you pay for repairs to your car. For that, you need collision coverage. Collision insurance pays for any repairs to your vehicle when you cause an accident. It typically includes a deductible, the amount you must pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in.

So, for example, if you have a $500 deductible and $2,500 worth of repairs, your insurance company will pay $2,000 for damages.

If your car is damaged beyond repair, collision insurance will pay for those damages, too. Your insurance company will reimburse you for the car’s actual cash value minus your deductible. However, this won’t be enough to pay for a comparable vehicle in many cases.

Collision Coverage Car Insurance for At Fault Accidents

Since collision insurance is additional coverage for your insurance policy, it will add to your monthly premium. The average rate for this type of insurance from the best collision coverage car insurance companies is $29 per month.

However, collision insurance rates can also change based on your age, driving record, and coverage limits. In addition, the size of car insurance deductible you choose will also affect your monthly cost — a smaller deductible will result in a higher premium, and vice versa.

Together with comprehensive and collision insurance is part of what’s commonly called full coverage car insurance.

Read more: Collision vs. Comprehensive Coverage: An Expert Guide

When Collision Coverage Might Not Help in an Accident

In some cases, you can be denied a claim even if you have collision coverage. For example:

• If you damage your car intentionally
• If you broke the law
• If your policy doesn’t cover the damage

It’s important to understand your coverage and any possible exclusions before you ever have an accident. Always review your policy details carefully to ensure you have the necessary coverage.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for At-Fault Accidents

Case Study 1: No Collision Coverage

John was involved in an accident where he was at fault. Unfortunately, he did not have collision coverage as part of his car insurance policy. As a result, he had to bear the full cost of repairs to his own car, which amounted to a significant financial burden.

Case Study 2: Utilizing Collision Coverage

Amy caused an accident and damaged her own car. Fortunately, she had collision coverage included in her car insurance policy. She filed a claim with her insurance company and only had to pay the deductible amount. The insurance company covered the rest of the repair costs.

Case Study 3: Total Loss with Collision Coverage

Mike’s car was severely damaged in an at-fault accident, to the point where it was deemed a total loss, (read our “What should I do if my vehicle is deemed a total loss?” for more information).  However, he had collision coverage, which meant that his insurance company reimbursed him for the actual cash value of his car, minus the deductible. While it wasn’t enough to purchase a comparable vehicle, it provided him with some financial assistance.

Collision Car Insurance Protects When You’re At Fault in an Accident

Car accidents are common, and considering how unpredictable things can get on the road, even responsible drivers may find themselves at fault.

Collision coverage insurance can protect you against vehicle damage even if you are at fault. Getting collision insurance, in addition to liability insurance, can help bring you peace of mind while out on the road.