Auto Insurance Forum

I was involved in an auto accident in which the other driver was found at fault. The other driver's insurance company told me they were accepting most of the liability. I want to avoid filing a claim with my own insurer because I don't want to pay my deductible and increase my rates, but I'm worried that the other insurer will make me a poor offer and I'll have to pay more than my deductible to make the repairs. Is it a better idea to deal with the other driver's insurance company by myself, or should I file a claim on my policy and have the two insurance agencies hash it out?

Chris, Wisconsin

Dear Chris,

John Eager, senior director of claims for the National Association of Independent Insurers, says that you rarely get a better offer for your loss from the other insurance company if you have your insurer deal with them directly. Ideally, the other insurance company makes its offer based on the facts of the case, regardless of whom is negotiating the claim.

Still, it's probably a good idea to contact your own insurance company just to let them know what happened. You don't necessarily have to file a claim with them, but it shows good faith on your part and lets them know you may turn to them for help if you run into problems with the other insurer.

Keep in mind that if you make a claim on your own policy, you will have to pay a deductible. It is unlikely you would see a premium increase solely because you were in an accident in which another person was at fault, but you may receive a premium increase if that accident was one of several you have had throughout the year or in recent years.

For more information, read What to do after an auto accident.

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Disclaimer: We are journalists, not financial planners or insurance brokers. Nothing we say should be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance product, or to provide other financial or legal advice.