Should you call your insurance or theirs?
Immediately report the accident to the other driver's insurance company. You must make the damaged vehicle available for inspection by the insurance company before you have it repaired. Protect your vehicle from further damage and limit your losses.
Yes, you will want to call your insurance provider regardless of whose fault you believe it may be. Your insurance provider will be able to walk you through the next steps of filing a claim and finding out what your coverage does and does not cover.
The only time you do not need to call your insurance company is when the accident happens on your own property, involves no other drivers (so no one else may be at fault) and the damage to your vehicle is minimal or at least of an amount you can afford to cover on your own or lose altogether.
Yes, all drivers who are involved in car accidents in California are required to remain at the scene of an accident and exchange information with the other involved parties. Under Cal. Veh.
Actually, the advise is to NOT talk with them under any circ*mstance.
There are benefits and drawbacks to having two health insurance plans. A secondary health insurance plan may be able to cover expenses that your primary plan doesn't. Your overall out-of-pocket costs may be reduced if the plans complement each other to help limit your individual responsibilities.
Your insurer typically only pays the actual cash value of the car, and that may not be enough to cover the outstanding amount of your loan or lease. In such cases, you'll be on the hook to cover the difference between what your insurer will pay and what you owe. Lease or loan gap coverage can help.
If you file a claim with your carrier when you are not at fault, your carrier will eventually begin a process called subrogation. Essentially, this means that once liability is determined, your insurance carrier will send a demand to the at-fault party's carrier to pay back the damages that were paid out to you.
Follow up with the insurance company after a few weeks of not hearing back. Leave a voicemail explaining that you filed a claim or sent a demand letter and are still awaiting a response. Include your latest contact number and address. A reminder could be all the insurance company needs to return your call.
Getting a repair estimate is the key first step toward resolving your vehicle damage claim after an accident. When you're making an insurance claim after any kind of traffic accident, getting a trustworthy repair estimate (or two) is a necessary first step toward getting your vehicle fixed and back on the road.
Who should you call as soon as possible after an accident has occurred?
Call the police to report the accident
Dial 911 and wait for the police to arrive. Answers any questions so the police officer can file a police report.
- “I'm Glad You're Okay” ...
- “How are you feeling” ...
- "Is there anything I can do to help you right now?" ...
- "I can't imagine what you're going through, but know that I'm here for you." ...
- "Take all the time you need to recover. ...
- "I'll be praying for your quick recovery."
- Stop and help. ...
- Give your name and contact information to the injured person. ...
- Get the injured person's name and contact information. ...
- If you have a smart phone with a camera, take pictures. ...
- Try and write down what you saw as soon as possible.
Call your insurance provider after you've called the police and checked that all parties involved in a car accident are not injured. Whether or not you're at fault you're not responsible for contacting the other party's insurance company. They are responsible for that.
You can also start a claim online by using the insurer's website or mobile app. If you have an auto insurance policy, notify your own insurer first, regardless of who was at fault for a motor vehicle accident in California.
In some cases, an insurance company may hire a private investigator to follow you throughout your day to gather evidence about your activities and injury claims. If you are in public or in a place where privacy isn't expected (like outside your house), an insurance company may be able to spy on you.
Usually, your employer's plan is primary. If you also are covered by your spouse's plan, that plan is usually secondary. There are other rules for many other situations. A special case may come up if you have both medical and dental insurance, and you have a procedure such as oral surgery.
To determine which plan is primary, which means the insurer pays for covered services first according to the benefits provided by the plan. The other insurer pays secondary, which means it pays the remaining unpaid balance according to the benefits provided by its plan.
Thus, each driver files fewer claims and presents less risk to an insurance provider. There are some other rating factors that make married drivers cheaper to insure than single drivers.
A total loss alone won't affect your credit. However, if you still owe payments on your car, you should continue paying your loan until the claim is settled. Not paying and getting behind on payments could impact your credit.
Which is better replacement cost or actual cash value?
Actual cash value may be a more affordable option, but it may not offer sufficient coverage if your personal belongings are stolen or damaged. On the other hand, RCV increases the cost of your policy, but the payout amount you will likely receive from your insurer will be higher in the event of a covered loss.
Barring extenuating financial circ*mstances (like missed payments), having a negative equity car loan usually just means you've purchased a car that's value depreciated faster than you've made payments and you need time to catch up.
Even if the wreck isn't your fault, the other driver could claim that you are to blame. In this instance, you must make a report to your insurance company so that you do not get blamed for an incident that wasn't your fault. When you call your insurer, it is crucial to be mindful of what you say.
It depends on your insurance policy. Some insurance policies require you to pay your deductible even if you are not at fault, while others do not. Reviewing your policy or speaking with your insurance agent to understand your coverage is important.
Call Your Insurance Agent or Company Representative
After a property loss you must report the damage to your insurance company agent or representative to start the claim process.
References
- https://www.pitsasinsurances.com/en/article/which-area-is-not-protected-by-most-homeowners-insurance/
- https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/how-do-those-car-insurance-tracking-devices-work
- https://www.credible.com/blog/home-insurance/additional-insured-vs-additional-interest/
- https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/revealed--most-common-insurance-complaints-229676.aspx
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/changing-car-insurance-companies/
- https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/03-res/res-ins-guide.cfm
- https://m.economictimes.com/wealth/insure/life-insurance/latest-claim-settlement-ratios-of-life-insurance-companies-in-india-released-in-2024/articleshow/108141141.cms
- https://www1.deltadentalins.com/brokers/insider-update/2023/dual-coverage.html
- https://www.sneedmitchell.com/post/what-do-you-say-to-someone-who-survived-a-bad-car-crash
- https://www.williamspa.com/faqs/what-to-do-if-your-insurance-company-ignores-you.cfm
- https://www.ridewithloop.com/blog/duplicate-car-insurance-coverage-explained
- https://vanlawfirm.com/blog/what-is-a-large-loss-claim-and-how-do-they-work/
- https://www.sdccd.edu/docs/HumanResources/benefits/forms/active_employee_plans/Dual%20Health%20Insurance%20FAQ's.pdf
- https://www.metlife.com/stories/benefits/can-you-have-two-health-insurances/
- https://centraljerseyins.com/homeowners-insurance-for-multiple-houses-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/homeowners-insurance-deductible
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/concurrent-insurance.asp
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/homeowners-insurance-skyrocketing-how-to-lower-premium/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/largest-car-insurance-companies/
- https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/individual-and-family/coordination-of-benefits
- https://www.peoples-law.org/homesharing-programs
- https://www.candsins.com/blog/insurance-for-unmarried-couples/
- https://www.ageco.co.uk/useful-articles/money/can-i-file-a-claim-with-two-insurance-companies/
- https://www.ahrq.gov/data/apcd/index.html
- https://udrc.lkouniv.ac.in/Content/DepartmentContent/SM_7ac7a5a6-29fb-41dd-bb97-a852241de68e_30.pdf
- https://www.johnfoy.com/faqs/can-a-car-insurance-company-request-my-phone-records/
- https://www.hippo.com/learn-center/types-of-homeowners-insurance
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/replacement-cost-vs-actual-cash-value/
- https://www.libertymutual.com/insurance-resources/auto/what-is-total-loss-in-car-insurance
- https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/how-medicare-works-with-other-insurance
- https://www.joestephenslaw.com/do-i-call-my-insurance-if-a-texas-car-accident-is-not-my-fault/
- https://theweek.com/business/insurance-company-largest-payouts
- https://www.oldmutual.co.za/personal/solutions/funeral/
- https://www.progressive.com/homeowners/faq/policy-types/
- https://www.doorloop.com/blog/homeowners-insurance-claims-adjusters
- https://www.johnsflaherty.com/blog/5-reasons-you-should-call-your-insurance-company-after-a-car-accident
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/types-of-homeowners-insurance/
- https://www.broadridgeadvisor.com/KT/trns.aspx?xd=INMOD-HO-04&il=ff&xsl=content
- https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/driver/status/married-vs-single-car-insurance/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/cheapest-homeowners-insurance-companies/
- https://www.ryanagency.com/is-it-possible-to-claim-insurance-from-two-or-more-companies
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/life-insurance/term-life-insurance/
- https://www.unit21.ai/fraud-aml-dictionary/double-dipping
- https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/5-residential/PropertyInsPolicyLocator_PrivacyNotice.cfm
- https://www.moneysupermarket.com/home-insurance/making-a-claim/
- https://mintgenie.livemint.com/news/personal-finance/tax-season-what-are-the-different-types-of-insurance-traps-and-how-to-avoid-them-151678701232799
- https://www.berryinsurance.com/blog/not-at-fault-car-accidents
- https://www.insurancecentermo.com/resources/blog/can-your-insurance-drop-you/
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/what-is-subrogation/
- https://www.bimakavach.com/blog/what-is-double-insurance-and-how-does-it-work/
- https://smartasset.com/insurance/pros-and-cons-of-having-two-health-insurance
- https://www.carecloud.com/continuum/how-to-handle-overpayments-patients-payers-and-paybacks/
- https://www.policybazaar.com/insurance-companies/liberty-health-insurance/claim-settlement-ratio/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/risks-of-not-having-homeowners-insurance/
- https://www.insurancewatch.com.au/can-you-have-multiple-life-insurance-policies/
- https://www.trustage.com/learn/property-insurance/how-do-car-tracking-devices-work
- https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/how-does-an-insurance-company-determine-car-value
- https://pedsone.com/collect-copays-patients-2-insurances/
- https://premierrisk.com/blog/does-every-person-in-your-household-need-to-be-listed-on-your-insurance-policy/
- https://www.trinet.com/insights/can-you-have-two-health-insurances
- https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/why-did-my-homeowners-insurance-rates-go-up/
- https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/liberty-mutual-agrees-to-repay-over-7-million-to-minnesota-policyholders-464825.aspx
- https://tabakinsurance.com/tips-for-having-multiple-businesses-under-one-insurance-policy/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/comments/b3dcdp/should_i_talk_with_the_other_persons_insurance/
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/what-to-do-after-car-accident/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/car-insurance/a36267347/can-you-have-two-auto-insurance-policies-on-one-car/
- https://www.derricklawfirm.com/library/what-not-to-say-to-an-insurance-adjuster-after-an-accident.cfm
- https://www.allstate.com/resources/home-insurance/home-sharing
- https://www.quora.com/How-do-insurance-companies-check-if-someone-has-filed-multiple-claims-with-them-in-the-past
- https://www.credit.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-owe-more-on-your-car-than-its-worth-144669/
- https://www.leekelaw.com/faqs/do-i-have-to-pay-deductible-if-not-at-fault/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/ci/cancel-progressive-insurance-1000074-2140701951/
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/getting-a-vehicle-repair-estimate-after-a-car-accident-3-tips.html
- https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/personal-injury/car-insurance/how-to-file-a-claim/
- https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-share-apple-music-library-mac-ios/
- https://www.dummies.com/article/technology/electronics/tablets-e-readers/ipads/how-to-set-up-home-sharing-on-your-ipad-145126/
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/dropped-from-home-insurance/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/best-car-insurance-companies/
- https://www.victimslawyer.com/how-do-i-get-insurance-information-in-california-if-the-driver-r.html
- https://margcompusoft.com/m/double-insurance/
- https://qz.com/advisor/auto-insurance/can-you-have-two-car-insurance-policies/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-insurance-birthday-rule-5114133
- https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/hr-glossary/secondary-insurance
- https://www.perrycarroll.com/homeowners-insurance/transferring-a-deed-dont-forget-homeowners-insurance-too/
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/secondary-health-insurance
- https://cressmanlaw.com/how-insurance-companies-spy-on-car-accident-victims/
- https://www.insuranceopedia.com/definition/3618/primary-insurer
- https://therapybrands.com/blog/how-to-streamline-the-secondary-insurance-billing-process/
- https://www.humana.com/medicare/medicare-resources/hmo-vs-ppo
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/most-expensive-car-insurance/
- https://www.gmlawyers.com/faq/what-is-the-unfair-claims-settlement-practice-act/
- https://www.kansascityinjuryfirm.com/personal-injury-guides/5-things-you-should-do-if-you-witness-a-personal/
- https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/03-res/res-prop-claim.cfm
- https://www.medicalbillersandcoders.com/resources/article/Managing-Payer-and-Patient-Overpayments.pdf
- https://bullucklawgroup.com/auto-accident-settlement-formula/
- https://www.fairhealthconsumer.org/insurance-basics/your-health-plan/having-more-than-one-health-plan
- https://mycoitracking.com/what-is-the-difference-between-an-insurance-certificate-holder-and-an-additional-insured/
- https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/what-is-secondary-health-insurance
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/how-moving-impacts-car-insurance/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/cheap-car-insurance/
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/best-home-insurance-companies/
- https://www.irmi.com/term/insurance-definitions/twisting
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/largest-auto-insurance-companies
- https://www.aetna.com/health-guide/secondary-health-insurance.html
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/1445437/india-car-insurance-claims-settlement-ratio-by-insurer/
- https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/individual-and-family/can-you-have-two-health-insurance-plans
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/best-car-insurance-in-california
- https://www.investopedia.com/insurance/insurance-policies-you-dont-need/
- https://www.bhartiaxa.com/be-smart/life/is-claim-settlement-ratio-the-only-factor-to-measure-the-insurance-policies
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/which-home-insurance-companies-best-paying-claims/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/ci/is-progressive-good-at-paying-claims-1000258-2140778948/
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/homeowners-insurance-after-nonrenewal/
- https://www.infarmbureau.com/inside-story/articles/if-someone-hit-my-car-whose-insurance-should-i-call
- https://www.autoinsurance.com/faqs/whose-insurance-to-call-first-in-a-car-accident/
- https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/health/can-you-have-two-health-insurances/
- https://gentem.com/blog/when-and-how-to-bill-secondary-insurance-claims/
- https://www.huduser.gov/portal/casestudies/study-09282016-1.html
- https://wallethub.com/answers/ci/what-insurance-company-has-the-most-complaints-2140768313/
- https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coordination-benefits-recovery/beneficiary-services/reporting-other-health-insurance
- https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/clue-report/10595
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/health-insurance-claim-denials-and-appeals
- https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/financial-literacy/xa6995ea67a8e9fdd:insurance/xa6995ea67a8e9fdd:supplemental-insurance-and-warranties/a/supplemental-insurance
- https://www.johnfoy.com/faqs/do-insurance-companies-settle-accident-claims-before-they-go-to-court/
- https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/home/articles/types-of-homeowners-insurance
- https://camargoinsurance.com/blog/understanding-the-impact-of-marriage-and-divorce-on-home-insurance
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/secondary-health-insurance/
- https://www.reputationdefender.com/blog/privacy/how-protect-your-online-data-insurance-companies