If someone hit my car, whose insurance do I call?

If someone hit your parked car, you should file a police report because it will make the claims process easier and might come in handy if there is more damage than you initially think. If the person who hit your car left a note, their insurance company should pay for your expenses with … read full answerproperty damage liability insurance. But if the incident was a hit-and-run, you or your insurance company will end up footing the bill.

What to Do After Someone Hits Your Parked Car

1. Contact the police to file an accident report.

An officer might be dispatched to the scene to investigate and write a report, or you might be asked to provide details to your local district in person or online.

2. Document the accident at the scene.

Take photos of the note left by the other driver, if there was one. Photograph any damage to your car and the overall scene, including a view of the roadway, the position of your vehicle, and any wreckage or skid marks.

If possible, get information from witnesses, including names, contact details, and a brief statement. Note the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant details, too.

3. Begin the claims process with your insurance company.

Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and contact the other driver’s insurance provider on your behalf, if the person who hit your car left a note. If someone hit your car and didn’t leave a note, you’ll have to file a claim using your own collision coverage or uninsured motorist protection, assuming you carry these coverage types.

Insurance To Use If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

If your car is hit while parked, you can use your collision insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for the damage. Both types of coverage typically have a deductible, though, which means you’ll probably pay something out of pocket to get your car fixed. You’ll also be subject to your policy limits, so you’ll be responsible for any cost that exceeds your coverage terms.

Finally, it’s important to note that uninsured motorist property damage coverage is not available in some states. And in other states where it is available, you might be unable to use it if the at-fault driver is unidentified.

If someone hits your car, you should call your insurance company. But first, you’ll probably want to call the police, especially if the damage is severe, there are any injuries, or the accident was a hit-and-run. Even if you don’t think you are at-fault, you’re required to report potential claims to your insurer.… read full answer

There is no need to contact the other driver’s insurance company, even if the accident was their fault. It is the other driver’s responsibility to contact their own insurer, and your provider will reach out to them on your behalf after you report the accident.

Your insurance company will help you resolve the claim with the other driver’s insurer, if possible. And if your claim can’t be resolved through the other driver’s insurance, reporting the accident to your insurance company is necessary to file a claim using your collision coverage or uninsured motorist protection.

If you can, be sure to collect the following details for your insurance company at the accident scene:

• The other driver’s name, address, and contact information.
• The other driver’s insurance company and policy details.
• The other driver’s license and plate numbers.
• Pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
• Statements and contact information from witnesses.

You’ll need this information when you call to file a report with your insurance company.

Yes, you should call your insurance company after a minor accident. You should contact your insurer anytime you’re in an accident involving another driver, but it’s even more important to call promptly if the accident resulted in property damage or injuries. The only time it might be worth skipping a call to your car insurance company is if you damaged only your own car, there are no injuries, and property damage is minimal.… read full answer

There are two big reasons you should always call your car insurance company if you get into an accident involving another driver, even a minor accident:

1. You might want to file a claim

Even if the accident seems minor at the scene, you might decide later that you want or need to file a claim. Accident-related injuries like whiplash can have delayed symptoms that don’t show up right away, for example. Or, maybe a dent or scratch doesn’t bother you at first, but when you find out the impact on resale value, you change your mind.

2. The other driver might file a claim

A handshake agreement at the scene doesn’t prevent the other driver from filing a claim against your policy. Your insurance company is there to help defend you, either with the other driver’s insurer or in court.

If you don’t report an accident right away, your insurance company may be able to deny any claims you file and won’t represent you in a claim or lawsuit, leaving you to pay out of pocket. Your insurance company can say your delay in reporting resulted in them being unable to properly investigate your claim, so they are no longer obligated to cover you.