Why do I have to pay deductible when not at fault?

Asked by: Madison Dickinson PhD  |  Last update: March 15, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (6 votes)

Insurance companies collect deductibles every time they settle a claim, so they don't care who was at fault. You would not be at fault if your car was stolen from a secure facility, but you would still pay a deductible if you filed an insurance claim.

Do I have to pay my deductible even if it's not my fault?

Do I Have to Pay a Deductible If I Was Not at Fault for an Accident in California? If another driver caused your recent accident and you file a claim against their auto insurance policy, you do not have to pay a deductible because you were not at fault.

How to get deductible waived?

Fault determination: Most insurers require you to be not at fault for the accident. Some auto companies may require you to be 100 percent fault-free to have the deductible waived, while others may waive a percent of your deductible based on your percentage of fault.

What happens after a car accident that is not your fault?

Report the Car Accident to Your Insurance Company

If you had no fault at all in the car accident, the other driver's insurance company should be liable for your damages. You should be compensated for all of the costs of the accident.

Who is responsible for paying the deductible?

Simply put, a deductible is the amount of money that the insured person must pay before their insurance policy starts paying for covered expenses.

Do You Have to Pay Your Deductible if You Are Not At Fault For A Car Accident?

20 related questions found

How to avoid paying deductible?

How Can I Avoid Paying a Car Insurance Deductible?
  1. Choose not to file a claim until you have the money.
  2. Check your policy, as you may not have to pay up front.
  3. Work out a deal with your mechanic.
  4. Get a loan.

Do I have to pay my deductible if the accident wasn't my fault progressive?

If a driver hits you, your collision coverage will still cover the damage to your vehicle, but you won't have to pay your deductible. In some states, the driver must also be uninsured for a CDW to apply.

Does your insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault?

Some may raise your premiums by 10 percent, while others may charge you only 2 percent more. In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.

How long does a not at fault accident stay on your insurance?

The DMV will hold onto the record of the incident for around 3 years, depending on the severity of the accident. While you can try to get the accident removed from your record early, it can be a difficult process, and it is ultimately up to the DMV.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?

If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.

Is waiving deductibles illegal?

Providers sometimes waive patients' cost-sharing amounts (e.g., copays or deductibles) as an accommodation to the patient, professional courtesy, employee benefit, and/or a marketing ploy; however, doing so may violate fraud and abuse laws and/or payor contracts.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

Do you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car?

With both collision and uninsured motorist property damage coverage, you may be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance provider will help pay for the damage. Your coverage will also be subject to your policy limits, which is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for a covered claim.

Do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me in Geico?

Generally, when you have Geico collision coverage, an adjuster provides an estimate of damages. This allows the policyholder to go to a body shop, give it the insurer's estimate, and get the car repaired. The policyholder usually needs to pay a deductible.

Will insurance pay if deductible is not met?

If your deductible has been satisfied, your health insurance will pay for the service, minus any copayment or coinsurance you are required to cover. If the deductible has not yet been satisfied, you are responsible to pay for the services received—this is your contribution toward the deductible.

What is the average deductible for car insurance?

Average Car Insurance Deductibles

Generally, drivers tend to have average deductibles of $500. Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?

Most insurance companies do not raise their rates if your car was struck in a hit-and-run accident, struck when legally parked, or struck in a rear-end collision. Once you've been involved in a car crash, the insurance company changes your risk profile and affects a rate change of 50% or more.

What happens if you leave an accident that wasn t your fault?

Failing to report the collision may result in a violation of your insurance policy. Furthermore, it is crucial to grasp the concept of pure comparative negligence in the state of California. This legal principle allows individuals to seek compensation even if they bear some responsibility for their own injuries.

Does your insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault state farm?

If your rates rise after a no-fault accident, it's likely because State Farm assigned points in a particular category that increased your risk profile.

How does insurance work if it's not your fault?

In general, an accident where the other driver is at fault will not cause your auto insurance premiums to increase. Your insurer is not involved since the at-fault driver's insurer is responsible for your medical treatment and vehicle repairs.

What is accident forgiveness?

For drivers in California, accident forgiveness isn't an option. Proposition 103, which passed in the state in 1988, outlaws “excessive” insurance rates and accident forgiveness was deemed excessive as you're essentially paying for coverage on an accident that hasn't happened yet.

Does a denied claim increase insurance?

If a claim is denied, you will not receive compensation for damages to your home, meaning you will have to pay for repairs out of pocket. Filing too many denied claims can raise red flags with your insurer and cause higher rates or even a cancelled policy.

Should I pay deductible if not at fault?

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.

Can insurance deductible be waived?

In most situations, for coverages with a deductible, a deductible will apply - but there are some circumstances in which the deductible may be waived. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and make a claim to repair windshield glass damage, then your deductible may be waived.

Do you have to accept insurance offer on a totaled car?

You don't have to take an unfair offer; you can negotiate for more money. However, you can't just say that you want more money for your car. You must prove that your vehicle is worth more than the insurance company says it is.