Can I Claim Insurance If I Crash My Own Car?
2 Answers
If you cause damage to your vehicle by crashing it yourself, whether unintentionally or due to negligence, and it's a single-vehicle accident resulting in losses, then this qualifies as a normal insurance incident and falls under the coverage of auto damage insurance. If you only have compulsory traffic insurance and third-party liability insurance, you won't be eligible for compensation. However, if you have purchased auto damage insurance, you can receive compensation. Related information: 1. Compulsory Traffic Insurance: Officially known as Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles, it is a mandatory liability insurance where the insurance company compensates for personal injuries, deaths, or property losses of victims caused by the insured vehicle in a road traffic accident, within the liability limits. 2. Auto Damage Insurance: Auto damage insurance refers to a commercial auto insurance where the insurance company compensates for damages to the insured vehicle caused by an accident while the vehicle is being used by the insured or an authorized driver, within reasonable limits.
Of course, you can file an insurance claim if you crash your own car. Last year, I hit a tree once and was really scared—the front of the car was badly dented. I immediately stopped the car, ensured safety, and then called my insurance company’s customer service. They asked for details about the accident, such as the time, location, and extent of the damage, then guided me to take photos of the scene and scheduled an appointment at a designated repair shop for assessment. The whole process went fairly smoothly, and I only had to pay the deductible, which was a few hundred dollars. However, my premium increased slightly afterward because the insurance company considered me a high-risk client. Fortunately, it was a minor accident, so the impact wasn’t significant. Now, I drive extra carefully, especially in areas with poor visibility when turning—I always slow down. The lesson is to file an insurance claim promptly and not delay, and after an accident, it’s also important to report it at a proper police station to avoid disputes.
