Even a small mistake could cause them to call the police, exchange information with the other driver, and notify their insurance company (regardless of whether you intend to file a claim). It's also a good idea to take pictures of the vehicles and properties involved; you may need documentation if the other driver files an insurance claim. If you have rental vehicle reimbursement coverage under your own policy, you will have coverage for a rental car regardless of fault, within the limits of your policy. If you are not insured by Progressive or are a Progressive customer without logging in to your account, you can report or view an existing claim here.
Keep in mind that while police officers sometimes determine fault, it can be a difficult and time-consuming task to prove to the insurance company that your insured driver caused the accident. For example, if you have reimbursement coverage for a rental vehicle, you may be entitled to a rental vehicle while it's being repaired. Understanding how the claims process works, including reporting an accident, working with an insurance adjuster and repairing your car, if necessary, can make filing a claim easier and less stressful. You can also tell your own insurance company about the accident in case you need to file a claim against your own policy because the at-fault driver had no insurance, was underinsured, or was denied liability by your insurance company.
You file a collision claim against your own insurance policy because you need a new car as soon as possible. Filing a car insurance claim can be a difficult process, and you're not the only one with questions about how things work. The amount of your policy's auto insurance deductible indicates how much you pay out of pocket for a covered claim, while your coverage limits represent the maximum dollar limit that your insurer could pay in a given category. Don't expect the at-fault driver to contact your insurance company; it's up to you to report the accident to the other driver's insurance company.
This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provision, limitation, or exclusion that is expressly stated in any insurance policy. In certain situations, your insurance company has the legal right to “subrogate,” meaning that it can ask the at-fault third party for reimbursement for an insurance loss. While the payment was meant to compensate you for the costs of repairing the car, your insurer doesn't require you to repair your vehicle. Through subrogation, your insurance company can now try to recover the payment you made to the insurer that originally denied fault.
Car insurance is a rare product that you buy in the hope of never using it, but if you're involved in an accident or your vehicle is damaged, you may need to file a claim.
