Car accidents can be a hassle for everyone involved, especially when it comes to figuring out who is at fault. If you are in an accident and it is determined that you are not at fault, you may still have to pay a deductible on your car insurance. This can be frustrating and confusing, but it is important to understand how it works.
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before your insurance kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and you get into an accident that causes $1,000 worth of damage, you will have to pay $500 and your insurance will cover the other $500.
How does a deductible work when you are not at fault?
When you are not at fault for an accident, you may still have to pay your deductible if you want your car repaired quickly. Your car insurance company will then try to recover your deductible from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Can you avoid paying your deductible?
In some cases, you may be able to avoid paying your deductible. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company accepts liability for the accident and agrees to pay for your damages, they may also cover your deductible. However, this is not always the case and you should not count on it.
What if the at-fault driver does not have insurance?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may still have to pay your deductible. However, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company may cover your damages and your deductible.
What if the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not accept liability?
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not accept liability, you may have to pay your deductible and file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurance company will then try to recover your deductible from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
What if you cannot afford to pay your deductible?
If you cannot afford to pay your deductible, you may be able to work out a payment plan with your insurance company. However, this will depend on your specific insurance policy and your financial situation.
Conclusion
Being involved in a car accident is never fun, but understanding how your car insurance deductible works can help make the process a little bit easier. Remember to always contact your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident to get the process started.
