N
The Daily Insight

How does car insurance work when you are not at fault?

Author

Emma Johnson

Updated on April 27, 2026

When you are not at fault in an accident, the other driver’s car insurance typically pays for your expenses. If it takes a while to determine fault, you can file a collision claim with your insurer, which will then try to recover the cost of the claim and your deductible from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

Will my car insurance go up after accident not my fault?

Generally, a no-fault accident won’t cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because the at-fault party’s insurance provider will be responsible for your medical expenses and vehicle repairs. If your insurer doesn’t need to fork out money, your premiums won’t go up.

Do you file a claim if it’s not your fault?

Should an uninsured driver cause an accident where you’re not at fault, you can make a claim as usual. Comprehensive car insurance, as well as some Third Party Fire and Theft policies do cover you if your car is damaged by an uninsured driver – though you need to provide some details to identify the other driver.

Do I have to pay my deductible if I’m not at fault?

You do not have to pay a car insurance deductible if you are not at fault in a car accident. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance will usually cover your expenses after an accident, but you may want to use your own coverage, in which case you will likely have to pay a deductible.

Do accidents go on your record?

Yes, a car accident always appears on driving records, even in a no-fault state. Accidents can stay on your driving record from three to 13 years, depending on factors like the state where you live and the severity of the accident. In many states, a bad driving record often translates to high auto insurance rates.

What happens after a car accident that is not your fault?

If you weren’t at fault in an accident, you also have the choice to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, called a third-party claim. In a third-party claim, the other insurance company will pay for your car repairs once it determines their driver was at at-fault.

Do I pay excess if not at fault?

When you won’t pay an excess That’s because your losses aren’t covered and, when someone claims against you, your insurer covers it. If you’re found not to be at fault, your insurer claims the excess back from the at-fault party’s insurer, along with other costs.

What to do if you are not at fault in a car accident?

Try not to make auto accident claims to your insurance company first if you were not at fault. Find a good mechanic, insist on OEM car parts, and get a good warranty. This way, your car doesn’t have to suffer more than necessary for a car accident where you weren’t at fault.

Who pays for a rental car after an accident?

Adding Rental Coverage Pays Off Rental coverage pays for the cost of a rental while your vehicle is repaired after an accident. This coverage, available through your insurance company, costs about the same as renting a car for just one day but is not always included in your auto policy.

What is a non fault accident?

A non fault car accident is an accident involving a car that does not appear to have been anyone’s fault. This type of accident does indeed occur. However, there are many accidents that may initially appear to be a non fault car accident, but are actually someone’s fault.