Should I file an auto claim with my insurance company or the insurance company of the person who hit me?

It depends on a few factors, but generally, you have two options:

1. File with Your Own Insurance (Collision Coverage)

• When to consider it: If the other driver is at fault and you want to get your car repaired as quickly as possible, you might want to file a claim with your own insurance. If you have collision coverage, your insurance will cover the repairs to your car regardless of who’s at fault. Afterward, your insurance company will usually go after the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover the costs.

• Pros:

  • Faster processing (depending on your insurer).

  • You don’t have to wait for the at-fault driver’s insurance to process your claim.

• Cons: You may need to pay your deductible upfront, and your insurance rates could rise.

2. File with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance (Third-Party Claim)

• When to consider it: If the other driver is clearly at fault and you want to avoid paying a deductible or dealing with a potential rate increase, you can file a claim with their insurance company directly. They should cover your damages, assuming they accept fault.

• Pros:

  • You don’t pay a deductible.

  • Your insurance premiums shouldn’t be affected.

• Cons: The other insurance company might try to dispute fault or offer a lower settlement. It can also take longer to process, and if the other driver is underinsured or uninsured, this can cause issues.

Things to consider:

• If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file through your own insurance (if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage).

• Fault: If the other driver disputes liability or isn’t clearly at fault, your insurer may get involved anyway to sort things out.

• Your deductible: If you go through your own insurance, your deductible will apply, but you may get it back if the other insurance company eventually covers the costs.

Do you have collision coverage? Or is the other driver’s fault clear-cut?

We recommend filing your claim with the at fault parties insurance company to avoid your future insurance premiums from being impacted for having a claim on your insurance policy.  Or if you have liability only on your vehicle then your only option to repair or replace your vehicle would be through the other parties insurance company.