Can I claim insurance if I reversed the car and hit it due to my own fault?
3 Answers
You can claim insurance if you reversed the car and hit it due to your own fault, but generally only about 70% of the damage will be compensated. Below is relevant information: 1. Vehicle Damage Insurance: Vehicle Damage Insurance is a type of commercial auto insurance where the insurer compensates within a reasonable range for damages to the insured vehicle caused by an accident while the insured or an authorized driver is operating it. 2. Insurance Clause Explanation: Vehicle Damage Insurance and Third-Party Liability Insurance are the basic coverages for auto insurance, mainly compensating for the loss of the insured vehicle and damages caused to third parties by the insured vehicle during use. Even damages caused by natural disasters are covered by the insurer, except for earthquakes.
Regarding whether you can claim insurance for reversing into a car due to your own fault, based on my years of automotive experience, it is indeed possible. The prerequisite is that you have purchased vehicle damage insurance, which covers damage to your own vehicle. When an accident occurs, I recommend first ensuring the scene is safe—park the car, turn on the hazard lights, and check for any dangers. Then, take photos as evidence, including the damaged parts of the vehicle and the surrounding environment. Next, call your insurance company to report the incident; they will usually send an adjuster to assess the damage. When claiming, there may be a deductible, such as covering 15% of the repair costs yourself, but the insurance will cover the majority. After filing a claim, your premium is likely to increase by 5%-20% the following year, as insurers view you as a higher risk. For minor scratches, such as repair costs below the deductible, it might be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket. To avoid similar accidents, I suggest practicing reversing skills or installing a reversing radar, especially for beginners who should take it slow. The key is to act promptly and weigh the costs, ensuring small issues don’t escalate into major problems.
From personal experience, you can file an insurance claim if you hit something while reversing. I once accidentally scraped a tree while backing up, cracking the front bumper. I called the insurance company, described the incident—who, when, where, and how it happened—and they logged it before assigning a claims specialist. The specialist came to take photos and ask for details, and the whole process took less than an hour. Later, 90% of the repair costs were reimbursed, but I had to cover the remaining 10%, which counted toward the deductible. Afterward, my premium increased slightly, probably by a few hundred dollars, which felt a bit unfair—had I known it was a minor issue, I would have settled privately. My advice is to calmly assess the damage after an accident: if it’s just small scratches or minor dents, it’s better to get it fixed cheaply at a small shop; only report major damage to insurance. Also, develop good habits, like using side and rearview mirrors more often or adding assistive devices to reduce accident risks. In short, you can file a claim, but consider the long-term impact.
