What happens if I have a claim against another driver’s insurance company?

If you don’t share any blame in a car accident, should your insurance be affected? What happens if I have a claim against another driver’s insurance company? How to file a car insurance claim in this scenario is crucial to understand. This situation typically leads to a third-party claim, where you directly contact another driver’s insurance company.

Similar to accessing some of the best car insurance discounts available, a successful third-party claim can help you save money. However, discounts like these can also take some work. We’ll go over all the important information you need to know.

Here’s What Happens When You Have a Claim Against Another Driver’s Insurance Company

Some accidents are clearly the fault of another driver, and there was nothing you could do to stop them — like getting T-boned at an intersection. In these cases, you may not want your insurance to pay out a claim, which could raise your insurance premiums and require you to pay a deductible.

Instead, you have the option to make a claim on the driver’s insurance policy, which means they would pay to cover your repairs and associated expenses.

While you should always report an accident to your own insurance company, your insurer won’t always make a third-party claim for you.

Instead, you may have to start the third-party claim process yourself by contacting the other driver’s insurance company. This process is why it’s very important to get the other driver’s insurance information after an accident.

Important Details Regarding Claims Against Another Driver’s Insurance

To make a successful third-party or liability claim, the other driver’s insurance company must determine that its driver was at fault, so liability insurance kicks in. Fortunately, if you have full coverage car insurance, your coverage should help even if the accident was your fault.

Determining fault can be complicated, and sometimes both insurance companies will work at it together (or even disagree about who is at fault).

Determining fault also determines how much the other insurance company will agree to pay for your accident. Sometimes fault can be shared between drivers, and sometimes it can be entirely the fault of one driver.

The insurance company looks at many kinds of evidence when deciding who is at fault. If you have taken pictures of the accident or have other information like a police report, it’s important to submit it when making a third-party claim so you can help support your claim that the other driver was at fault.

If the other driver’s insurance company determines that its driver was at fault after their investigations, they will send you a settlement check based on the other driver’s coverage limits and their estimate of repair costs.

What You Need to File a Third-Party Car Insurance Claim

Be prepared to make a third-party claim by gathering the most important information immediately after a car accident. These car insurance requirements can include:

• The name and contact information of the other driver
• The other driver’s license number and registration information
• The license plate and model of the other vehicle involved in the accident
• The other driver’s insurance number and other policy information
• A statement about what happened
• Any available witness statements
• Photos of the scene
• A police report, if available

Submit this information as soon as possible, and make it clear how the other driver was at fault. The best car insurance companies can let you know what other data you should send them and what to do next.

Case Studies: Claims Against Another Driver’s Insurance

Case Study 1: Successful Third-Party Claim

Amy was involved in a car accident where the other driver was clearly at fault. Instead of filing a claim with her own insurance company, she decided to make a third-party claim against the other driver’s insurance. Amy gathered all the necessary information, including the police report, photos of the accident scene, and witness statements.

She contacted the other driver’s insurance company, provided them with the evidence, and successfully obtained a settlement for her damages.

Case Study 2: Determining Fault in a Shared Liability Accident

Mark found himself in a situation where fault was shared between him and the other driver involved in the accident. Both insurance companies conducted investigations to determine the degree of liability for each party. Mark provided his insurance company with all the relevant information, including photos and a detailed account of the accident.

After evaluating the evidence, the insurance companies agreed on a percentage of fault for each driver, and Mark’s claim against the other driver’s insurance was settled accordingly.

Case Study 3: Making a Claim in a No-Fault State

Sarah resided in a no-fault state where her own insurance would typically cover her expenses regardless of fault. However, in this particular accident, the other driver was clearly responsible. Sarah decided to make a third-party claim against the other driver’s insurance for the damages to her vehicle.

She contacted the insurance company, provided the necessary information, and worked with them to ensure her claim was processed appropriately.

Final Notes About What Happens if You Have a Car Insurance Claim Against Another Driver

Always contact your own insurance company, and ask how you can make a third-party insurance claim. If you need to make the claim yourself, visit the other insurance company’s website and look for information on how to file a claim.

You may be able to file online, or they can provide a phone number to call so you can start the process.

If possible, get contact information so you can contact the company again for updates or to provide additional information. If you would like to get better insurance after an incident, you may want to consider one of the best car insurance companies for drivers with accidents.

Read more: What happens if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?