How do you file a claim on someone else’s car insurance?

Several states require drivers to have liability coverage as a part of mandatory insurance minimums. This policy type provides coverage when you’re found at fault for an accident that results in property damage or personal injury. You can file a claim against someone else’s insurance or your own policy, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the tort laws in your state.

With a third-party claim, you can seek compensation for personal injuries or property damages from another driver’s insurance after an accident that isn’t your fault. 

How to File a Claim Against Someone Else’s Insurance

Knowing the process for filing a claim will help you know what to do when an accident happens. There’s a lot of information to gather for your car insurance claim while you’re still at the scene of the collision that will speed up the insurance company’s investigation. 

For example, accurate information, documentation, and timely filing can reduce the potential for a denied claim. You can work independently to contact the insurer of the other driver, but you will need the insurance company name and policy number to get the claim started.

Make Direct Contact

While insurance companies have different processes for filing a claim, it starts by contacting the insurer. After an accident, make sure to get the policy number and the name of the driver’s insurance company as soon as possible. You can call to speak with a claim representative over the phone, but you should always follow up with a formal written claim. 

Submit Requested Documentation

It’s common for the claim representative to ask several questions and request photos or other documentation. The insurer isn’t going to take your word about the incident and any expenses incurred, so don’t ignore their requests or expect the insurer to do their own research. 

While they will investigate the accident, you can help avoid some of the more common reasons for claim denial by providing as much information as possible. It’s important to keep track of all your medical bills, lost wages, police reports, photos, and receipts for expenses related to the claim.

Further, respond only to emails or phone calls made by the claims representative. Never deal with the other driver directly.

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When to File a Third-Party Claim

A third-party claim happens when a non-policyholder files a claim against someone else’s insurance. There are several reasons when this would be appropriate, though there can be exceptions to these situations:

• You’re not at fault for an accident and sustained vehicle damage and bodily injuries.
• You’re a passenger injured in an auto accident.
• You sustained injuries while driving a company vehicle.
• You got into an accident in your personal vehicle while using it for work-related purposes.

In each situation, you can use someone else’s insurance policy to cover any damages or losses you experience. 

For example, when another driver hits your car, you can file a claim against their insurer for compensation. You can also file a claim on the driver’s insurance if you’re an injured passenger. Finally, you should file against your employer’s auto insurance policy for work-related accidents in a company or your own personal vehicle.

What to Know About No-Fault Insurance States

Some states require drivers to have auto insurance that provides personal protection regardless of who is at fault. No-fault insurance is a policy that will compensate a policyholder for damages regardless of who is at fault for the accident. 

Third-party insurance claims are difficult in these states, given the insurance requirements. In no-fault states, drivers should carry property damage liability and personal injury protection.

When state-wide fault standards exist, third-party claims are often more successful. State law wouldn’t require the injured policyholder to use their own insurance company for initial compensation. If you live in one of these states, your insurance company will pay your claim when the other driver is at fault, then seek compensation from the other insurer.

What to Know About Filing a Claim Against an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver 

Even though many states have minimum insurance laws, you may get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. If another driver causes an accident, but they don’t have insurance, you will probably have to file a claim on your own policy. 

Unfortunately, you may not have the necessary coverage to cover the costs. For example, basic liability addresses the damages to another driver but not your personal damages. You will need collision coverage to pay for personal damages after an accident.

Personal Insurance Coverage

For accidents involving people with inadequate coverage, you would either need uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage or collision coverage. 

Some states have car insurance coverage requirements that include uninsured and underinsured coverage. Such coverage will help pay for a claim when the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Collision insurance covers damages to your vehicle but won’t help with injury claims.

To file a claim, follow your insurance company’s guidelines. You will contact a representative by phone or electronically to formally file a claim for damages. You will want a copy of the police report, pictures of the incident and damages, and any contact information or insurance information for the other driver involved.

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What You Need to Know to File a Claim Against Someone Else’s Insurance

The process to file a claim against someone else’s insurance is like filing a claim on your own policy. You will want to contact a representative soon after an accident and provide all the information you can to support your claim. 

Should the other driver not carry the insurance you need, there are options for filing the claim with your personal insurance policy.

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