What should you expect if you’re in an at-fault accident with no other cars, people, or property involved? We have collision insurance for our car, which may be totaled.
If you have collision coverage and accidentally drive into something, how does the process unfold?
Do weather conditions play a role? I assume our insurance rates will increase, but will the circumstances affect the payout amount?
My son recently had a significant car crash, and it looks like his car might be totaled. Thankfully, he’s okay and there were no injuries to anyone else. We’re beginning the claims process, and I’m curious about what lies ahead.
I expect his insurance rates to rise, but how will being at fault impact the payout if the car is indeed totaled? The conditions were quite poor—foggy and icy—which caused him to slide while turning.
He didn’t file a police report because the car was still drivable and no one was hurt at the scene. I hope that wasn’t an oversight. Without a police report, I’m wondering how the insurance company will verify the details of the incident.
It sounds like a stressful situation, but it’s good to hear that your son is okay. Here’s how the process generally works with collision insurance when it comes to at-fault accidents without other parties involved:
Filing the Claim: Since you have collision insurance, you can initiate a claim through your insurance provider. They will guide you through the necessary steps and documentation needed.
Insurance Payout: If the car is deemed a total loss, the insurance company will typically assess its actual cash value (ACV) and provide a payout based on that amount, minus any deductible you may have. The fact that your son is at fault generally does not affect this payout, as collision insurance covers damage regardless of fault.
Conditions Matter: While driving conditions (like fog and ice) can play a role in determining fault, they do not typically affect the payout amount for a collision claim. However, they might be taken into consideration if there were any disputes about the claim’s circumstances or if liability were questioned.
Rate Increases: It is quite likely that filing a claim for an at-fault accident will lead to an increase in insurance rates. Each insurer has its own policies regarding premium adjustments after an accident, and they usually take into account factors such as driving history and the nature of the incident.
Police Report: Not calling the police can complicate matters, especially if the insurance company wants to verify the circumstances. Without an official report, it may be more challenging to establish the details of the incident. However, you can still provide your insurance company with a detailed account of what happened, including any evidence like photos or witness statements.
Documentation: Even though there’s no police report, be thorough in documenting the incident. This includes writing down your son’s account of what occurred, taking photos of the damage, and any relevant weather conditions. The insurer will work with this information.
While the process may feel overwhelming, your insurance company should be able to provide the necessary support and clarify any specific questions about your policy or payouts. Good luck with the claims process, and I hope everything works out smoothly.