Latest News

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is, "Why does my personal auto insurance need to be involved in my case if the accident wasn’t my fault?" It seems counterintuitive at first, especially when the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. However, including your own auto insurance in your personal injury claim is often essential to ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries and damages.

Let’s break down why your own auto insurance is often part of the process, even when you aren't at fault, and how this benefits you in the long run.

Understanding the Role of Personal Auto Insurance

Even if you were not at fault for the accident, your personal auto insurance may need to be involved in the claim for several important reasons:

1. Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

One of the primary reasons your auto insurance becomes relevant is uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). If the at-fault driver either has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover the full extent of your damages, your own UM/UIM coverage can step in to make up the difference. This is especially important in cases where medical bills and lost wages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits.

In many states, including California, drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you from situations where the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Even if the other driver has the state minimum, it’s possible their insurance won’t cover the full extent of your injuries. In this case, your own policy acts as a safety net to make sure you're compensated fairly.

2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

Another reason your own auto insurance might be involved is if you have medical payments coverage (MedPay) on your policy. MedPay can cover immediate medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault. This type of coverage helps ensure you have the resources to receive necessary treatment while the liability of the at-fault driver is still being determined or negotiated.

3. Collision Coverage

If your vehicle is damaged in the accident and the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover repairs quickly, your own collision coverage can cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. This is often faster and more efficient than waiting for the at-fault driver's insurance to process the claim. Once your insurance company pays for the repairs, they may seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance through a process called subrogation.

4. Faster Access to Compensation

Working with your own insurance company can often expedite the process of getting your medical bills paid or your car repaired. While the at-fault driver’s insurance company may be dragging their feet or disputing the claim, your own auto insurance can step in to cover the necessary costs and then recover from the other driver’s insurance later.

5. Policy Requirements

Some auto insurance policies require you to notify them of any accidents, even if you were not at fault. Failing to include your insurance in the case could potentially result in the denial of certain claims or coverage if you need it later. It’s always wise to keep your insurer informed from the beginning to avoid complications down the road.

Why You Should Always Notify Your Auto Insurance

It’s important to understand that notifying your own auto insurance company and using your own coverage doesn’t mean you’re admitting fault for the accident. Instead, you are making sure you take full advantage of the protection you’ve paid for in your policy. In some cases, your insurance company may even assist in holding the at-fault driver accountable through their investigation process.

Additionally, involving your own insurance provides an extra layer of security. If any complications arise with the at-fault driver’s insurance, or if they dispute liability, your personal auto insurance can act as a backstop to protect you.

Common Concerns About Premium Increases

One concern many people have is whether including their own auto insurance in the claim will cause their premiums to increase. The good news is that if you’re not at fault, your insurance rates typically won’t go up as a result of filing a claim. Most policies are structured to protect drivers from premium hikes when they are involved in an accident through no fault of their own. However, it’s always a good idea to review the specifics of your policy or speak with your insurance agent to understand how your company handles these situations.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself With Full Coverage

In summary, even though you may not be at fault for an accident, including your personal auto insurance in your case is a smart and often necessary step. Whether it's to access uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments, or simply to ensure faster compensation for your damages, your insurance is there to protect you. By working with your personal auto insurance company, you maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

If you've been injured in an accident and need help navigating the complex world of insurance claims, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through the process. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS for a free consultation, and let us fight to ensure you receive the compensation and support you need after your accident.