Quick Fix
Your own damage won’t be covered by the other driver’s insurance when you’re at fault. Use your collision coverage to pay for repairs. If you don’t have collision, you’ll need to cover costs yourself. Call your insurer within 24 hours to file a claim and grab your claim number.
What happens when you’re at fault in a crash?
When you cause an accident and damage your own car, your liability coverage—required in most states—only covers the other driver’s injuries and property damage Insurance Information Institute. To get your car fixed, you’ll need either collision coverage or comprehensive coverage. Without either, you’re stuck with the full repair bill. After an at-fault accident, many insurers hike your premium by about 31% on average, and that increase can linger for up to six years Consumer Reports.
How do you actually get your car fixed after an at-fault crash?
- Double-check your coverage: Flip to your policy declarations page and look for “collision” and “comprehensive” under “Coverage for Damage to Your Auto.” If they’re listed, you’re in the clear.
- File the claim ASAP: Dial your insurer’s 24/7 claims line. Have your policy number, accident date, location, and photos ready. You should get a claim number in about five to ten minutes.
- Get a repair estimate: Use your insurer’s preferred shop or pick your own. They’ll send over a digital estimate within 48 hours.
- Decide on parts: You can usually go with aftermarket parts if your policy allows; otherwise, they’ll use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
- Check rental coverage: If your policy includes rental reimbursement, make sure you know the daily limit—$30 to $50 per day is typical—and get your rental car authorization code.
- Pay your deductible: The shop collects it when you drop off your car. Say your deductible is $1,000 and repairs cost $4,500—you pay $1,000, insurance covers the remaining $3,500.
Where do you file the claim? (2026 options)
- Mobile app: Home > Claims > Report a Claim > At-Fault Accident
- Website: My Account > Claims > New Claim > Select “Collision” > Upload Photos > Submit
- Phone prompts: Press 1 for “Report an Accident,” then 3 for “My Car Is Damaged”
What if the insurer denies your claim?
- Appeal the decision: If your claim gets rejected, request a supervisor review. Toss in photos, the police report, and repair estimates. Most denials get overturned on appeal FINRA.
- Try a direct repair program: Pick an insurer-approved shop. They handle all the paperwork, but parts and labor are capped. You can still choose a non-DRP shop, but you’ll likely need to cover the difference out of pocket.
- Pay privately to avoid a rate hike: If repairs cost $3,000 and your deductible is $1,000, you can skip filing a claim and pay cash instead. Just ask your insurer for a cash-pay discount first.
How can you avoid this headache in the future?
Aim for a deductible you can actually afford—$500 or $1,000 is pretty standard. Review your policy every time it renews to confirm you have both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Snap photos of your car’s condition every year to make future claims smoother. Drive like you mean it—speeding tickets can jack up your premium by 20 to 30% NHTSA. Parking on the street? A dashcam is a smart move—it slashes at-fault disputes by about 60% IIHS.
