When Do I Pay My Collision Deductible?

If you decide the accident is not my fault do I have to pay my collision deductible? I hear this on a daily basis and as the question is coming out of the mouth of the auto accident participant I have my answer ready to go. The answer is never the answer that is wanted or expected and sometimes it can't even be considered an answer. The answer if you are in an auto accident and have an auto insurance claim is this: Yes...and, No.

What it all comes down to in the end is the route you intend to go in resolving the claim. If you go through your own insurance company and repair through your own auto insurance company, if you repair through the other party's insurance, or if you do a little of both! Here are the scenarios:

You don't file a claim with the other party's insurance and have decided to let your auto insurance company handle the entire claim. In this case you pay your collision deductible to your auto insurance company regardless of the decision. If the accident is determined to be your fault, you pay your deductible for your vehicle and it is over. If it is not your fault you pay your deductible and your insurance company will begin to legally pursue the other party or their auto insurance company to reimburse both of you. If your auto insurance company is successful, you get reimbursed.

You file a claim with both insurance companies and before your repairs begin both auto insurance companies agree that the other party is 100% responsible. The other auto insurance company will pay for all of your repairs without you paying your collision deductible.

You file a claim with both insurance companies and after your repairs are complete both auto insurance companies agree the other party is 100% responsible. In this case you do pay your deductible, with the understanding that your insurance company will bill the other auto insurance company and you will be reimbursed for your deductible.