After a car crash, one of the first questions most people ask is:
Should I use my own insurance, or the other driver’s?
The answer might surprise you, because in many cases you can choose either.
Option 1: Use Your Own Insurance
Using your own insurance often means faster and easier repairs. Your insurer can help get your car towed, estimate the damage, and start the repair process right away, without waiting for the other driver’s company to accept fault.
And here’s some peace of mind:
In Georgia, your insurance rates can’t go up if you weren’t at fault. The law protects you from premium increases when you file a claim for a crash that wasn’t your fault.
The only downside? You’ll typically have to pay your deductible upfront, but your insurance company can often recover that money from the at-fault driver’s insurer and reimburse you later.
Option 2: Use the Other Driver’s Insurance
You can also file directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This may take longer since they’ll want to investigate before approving repairs or payments. However, it can save you from paying a deductible upfront.
Whichever route you take, it’s smart to compare estimates from both insurers to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
Tip: Know Your Car’s True Value
Most insurance companies use something called the “Black Book” to determine your car’s value, but not all companies come up with the same number.
To make sure you’re being treated fairly, check your car’s worth using free tools like Kelley Blue Book. This helps you negotiate confidently if your car is totaled or undervalued.
A Word of Caution
It’s fine to talk to the insurance adjuster about property damage, but don’t discuss how the accident happened or how you’re feeling physically. That’s where mistakes can cost you.
Let your lawyer handle those conversations. It protects your rights and strengthens your claim.
In a Crash? We Don’t Back Down.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you don’t have to handle the insurance maze alone.
At Morrison & Hughes, our car crash team is here to help you every step of the way.
Call Morrison and Hughes at 404-LAW-TEAM
Morrison & Hughes — Your Car Crash Legal Team.
We Don’t Back Down.
