How to File an Insurance Claim When You Hit Someone Else's Car?
2 Answers
If you hit someone else's car while driving, this situation is considered your responsibility. You should immediately contact your insurance company by calling their customer service hotline to report the incident. Wait for the claims adjuster to arrive at the scene for investigation and damage assessment. If there is a need for liability determination, you should also contact the traffic police to assign responsibility. Below are the functions of car insurance: 1. Accident Compensation: Purchasing car insurance provides the owner with financial or cash compensation in case of accidents or other incidents. 2. Risk Transfer: By purchasing insurance, daily operational errors or unforeseen risks can be transferred to the insurance company, offering significant protection to the owner. 3. Loss Reduction: Various risks and potential losses during the use of motor vehicles are difficult to resolve solely through risk avoidance, prevention, dispersion, suppression, or retention. Whether it's a new or used car, purchasing insurance is necessary after obtaining the license plate.
When I accidentally hit another car while driving, my first reaction is to stop the car, turn on the hazard lights, and get out to check if anyone is injured. If there are injuries, I must call 120 immediately to help—safety is the top priority. If there’s no major issue, I take photos of the scene with my phone, including the positions of both cars, damage details, and the intersection environment, as these can serve as evidence. Next, I exchange information with the other driver—name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance policy number—preferably written down on paper or saved in my phone. I also ask if there are any witnesses nearby and get their contact information. After handling these steps, I immediately notify my insurance company, reporting the accident on the same day or within 24 hours, clearly stating the time, location, and details of the incident. The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess who is at fault and how compensation will be handled. Once the results are finalized, they will contact a repair shop to arrange for repairs. Throughout the process, I stay calm and avoid arguing with the other party to prevent escalation. It’s important to remember the types of insurance coverage—third-party liability covers the other party’s losses, while collision insurance handles my own car’s damages. Afterward, I reflect on the cause and remind myself to stay focused while driving, avoiding distractions like looking at my phone, to prevent my insurance premiums from rising again.
