Yes, you absolutely can file a claim on your own insurance policy in various situations, especially when another party is involved but their coverage is insufficient or unavailable.
When to File a Claim with Your Own Insurer
While it's common to file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company after an accident, there are specific circumstances where turning to your own insurance provider is not only possible but often necessary. Doing so ensures your damages are covered, even if the other party's insurance isn't sufficient.
You might need to file a car insurance claim against your own policy if:
- The At-Fault Driver is Uninsured: If the driver who caused the accident does not have any car insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) would kick in to cover your medical expenses and property damage, depending on your policy.
- The At-Fault Driver is Underinsured: In cases where the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are not high enough to cover all your damages (e.g., extensive medical bills or vehicle repairs), your underinsured motorist coverage can help bridge the gap.
- The Other Insurer Denies Liability: Sometimes, the other driver's insurance company may deny that their policyholder was at fault, or they may dispute the extent of the damages. In such instances, you can file a claim with your own insurer to get your repairs and medical bills covered.
- You Are At Fault: If you are determined to be at fault for an accident, you would typically file a claim with your own insurance company to cover damages to your vehicle (collision coverage) and injuries to others or damage to their property (liability coverage).
- No Other Party is Involved: For incidents like hitting a deer, a tree, or damage from a severe storm, you would file a claim directly with your own insurance under your comprehensive coverage.
How Your Own Insurer Helps
When you file a claim with your own insurance company in scenarios involving another at-fault driver, your insurer will process your claim based on your policy's coverages. After paying out your claim, your insurance company may then seek to collect reimbursement from the at-fault driver or their insurer. This process is known as subrogation, where your insurer essentially steps into your shoes to recover the money they paid out on your behalf.
Here's a quick overview of common scenarios:
| Scenario for Filing Your Own Claim | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Other Driver Uninsured | You use your uninsured motorist coverage. |
| Other Driver Underinsured | You use your underinsured motorist coverage to cover costs exceeding their policy limits. |
| Other Insurer Denies Fault | Your collision or other relevant coverages can cover your damages while the liability dispute is ongoing. |
| You Are At Fault | Your liability and collision coverages come into play. |
| No Other Party (e.g., acts of nature) | Your comprehensive or collision coverage handles damages from non-collision events or single-vehicle incidents. |
Understanding your own car insurance policy and its coverages is crucial, as it dictates what protection you have in various situations.
