QUICK ANSWER
If someone hits your car, the first call should always be to your own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault. Your insurer acts as your advocate and can help you navigate repairs, towing, and claims processing. If the other driver is clearly at fault and insured, you can file a third party claim with their provider to cover damages. However, if the other driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you will need to rely on your own Collision or Uninsured Motorist coverage to protect your finances.
The sound of metal crunching is sickening. In the seconds after a car accident, your heart rate spikes and your brain scrambles to figure out what to do next. Once you check for injuries and get off the road, the logistical nightmare begins. You have a damaged car and a lot of questions. One of the biggest is simply, “Who do I call?” Do you call your agent? Do you call the other driver’s company? Understanding how the claims process works can save you hours of frustration.
First Moves at the Scene
Before you pick up the phone to call any insurance company, you need to secure the scene. Safety is the priority. Call 911 if there are injuries or if the cars are blocking traffic. Once you are safe, you need to gather intelligence.
Get the other driver’s full name, phone number, and insurance details. Take photos of everything. Photograph the damage to both cars, the license plates, and the intersection or road conditions. If there are witnesses, get their numbers. This evidence is the ammunition you will need later. Most importantly, never admit fault at the scene. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be twisted into an admission of guilt later.
When the Other Driver Is at Fault
If the other driver clearly caused the crash, their liability insurance is technically responsible for your damages. In this scenario, you have the option to file a third party claim directly with their insurance carrier.
This can sometimes keep your own premiums from rising, but it has downsides. The other insurance company does not work for you. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They might drag their feet on the investigation or dispute the repair costs. If they deny the claim, you are back to square one.
Why You Should Call Your Insurer
Regardless of who caused the wreck, your best move is usually to call your own insurance company immediately. You pay them to advocate for you.
If you have collision coverage, your insurer can pay for your repairs right away, minus your deductible. This gets your car back on the road faster. Once they pay you, they will go after the other driver’s insurance to get their money back through a process called subrogation. If they succeed, they will often refund your deductible. This approach removes the stress of dealing with a hostile insurance adjuster from the other side.
The No Fault Factor
Location matters. If you live in a no fault state, the rules change slightly. In these states, you are required to file a claim with your own insurance for any injuries under your Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, coverage. This happens regardless of who caused the accident.
However, property damage in no fault states is usually still handled on a liability basis. This means the driver at fault is still responsible for fixing your car, even if you have to handle your own medical bills.
Dealing with Uninsured Drivers
Sometimes the person who hits you doesn’t have insurance at all. If that happens, calling their (nonexistent) provider is a dead end.
This is where Uninsured Motorist coverage becomes vital. If you have this on your policy, your own insurance steps in to act as the other driver’s liability carrier. They will pay for your injuries and, in some states, your vehicle damage. If you don’t have this coverage, you might be stuck paying for the repairs out of your own pocket.
The bottom line is simple. Secure the scene, get the info, and call your own agent. Let the professionals handle the fight so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whose Insurance to Call After an Accident
Who should I contact first after someone hits my car?
You should first contact your own insurance company to report the accident. They can guide you on filing a claim and help determine whether to pursue your policy or the at-fault driver’s insurance. Additionally, collect the other driver’s contact and insurance information if available.
Do I have to call the other driver’s insurance company?
Not necessarily. You can choose to file a claim with your own insurance, especially if the other driver is uncooperative or uninsured. Your insurance may then pursue subrogation to recover costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
How does filing with my insurance affect my rates?
Filing a claim with your own insurance may impact your rates depending on your policy and driving history. If the accident was not your fault, many carriers offer accident forgiveness or may not raise your rates. Always discuss potential rate changes with your insurer when reporting the claim.
