{"id":2143,"date":"2024-11-10T19:53:11","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T03:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"\/wp-site\/?p=2143"},"modified":"2025-03-10T03:54:06","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T10:54:06","slug":"how-to-file-an-insurance-claim-against-another-driver","status":"publish","type":"car-insurance","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-insurance\/how-to-file-an-insurance-claim-against-another-driver\/","title":{"rendered":"How to File an Insurance Claim Against Another Driver"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Car accidents happen, but how does <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/\">car insurance<\/a> work when an accident is not your fault? Understanding this process will help you navigate the claims process efficiently and better ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses or damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"claim-steps\">Steps to file a claim with someone else&#8217;s insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Collect evidence that the other driver was at fault<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as possible after an accident, get to the side of the road or another safe place. Then, if you\u2019re able, begin collecting evidence about what happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take photos of the scene of the accident, including where the vehicles are located, any damage to the cars, skid marks on the road, weather conditions and traffic signs. Stay safe: Don\u2019t go into the road to take pictures of the accident scene.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the police arrive, write down the officer\u2019s name and badge number so you can follow up and get a copy of the accident report.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get the other driver\u2019s information, including their name, phone number, driver\u2019s license number, license plate number and insurance policy number.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write down the contact information of any eyewitnesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/at-fault-accident\/\">What is an at-fault accident?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Notify your own insurance company that you were in an accident<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you don\u2019t intend to file a first-party claim with your own insurance company, you should still notify them about the accident right away. They may be willing to help you with the claims process to collect from the other driver\u2019s insurance company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/car-insurance-claim\/\">How to file a car insurance claim<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, if the other driver doesn\u2019t have enough insurance to cover your damages and you need to file a claim under your own <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/collision-insurance\/\">collision coverage<\/a>, you may only have a certain amount of time to let your insurer know about the accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Gather medical bills and certified estimates of the damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you file your third-party claim against the other driver\u2019s insurance company, they\u2019ll expect a clear picture of what you\u2019re asking them to pay. Keep track of all of your medical expenses, including lost wages if you have to miss work due to your injuries. Also, get repair estimates from a few certified repair shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Contact the other driver\u2019s insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gather all of the information you collected about the accident. Then, look online for the insurance company\u2019s customer service or claims handling phone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you reach a representative, let them know that you need to file a third-party claim because you were in an accident with one of their drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Be prepared to wait<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the auto accident was clearly the other driver\u2019s fault, their insurance company may be eager to settle with you. That means they\u2019ll make an offer, and if you accept, the case will be closed and you likely will not be able to seek further damages from the other driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If fault is less clear, the other driver\u2019s insurance company will request an investigation to try to prove that their policyholder was not responsible for the accident. This can take time, so don\u2019t count on a speedy payout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Sue the other driver as a last resort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can\u2019t collect from either their insurance or your insurance, you may be able to take the other driver to court. If the damages are less than about $3,000 \u2014 the exact amount varies by state \u2014 you can sue them in small claims court, which may be faster than going through a traditional lawsuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just keep in mind that if the other driver doesn\u2019t have many assets, you may not be able to collect even if they\u2019re found responsible for the damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The statute of limitations to file a lawsuit after a car accident is usually two to four years, depending on the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-will-it-cover\">What will another driver\u2019s insurance cover?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Insurance companies vary on how they handle third-party insurance claims, but here are some of the expenses they may reimburse you for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Property damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/car-insurance\/property-damage-liability-car-insurance\/\">Property damage liability<\/a> is a standard coverage included in almost all car insurance policies. With this coverage, if another driver causes an accident, their insurance will pay to repair or replace your vehicle, up to the driver\u2019s policy limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Liability coverage limits vary by state<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each state has insurance laws that set a minimum property damage liability limit. In some states, that limit is as low as $5,000 \u2014 meaning if you\u2019re in an accident with a driver who only has the state-minimum liability insurance, the most their insurance company will pay for your vehicle damages is $5,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/what-is-liability-car-insurance-and-what-does-it-cover\/\">What is liability insurance and what does it cover?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical bills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In many states, <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/bodily-injury-liability\/\">bodily injury liability<\/a> is also a standard insurance coverage \u2014 meaning an at-fault driver\u2019s insurance will pay for medical bills resulting from an accident, including doctor and hospital fees, pain and suffering, and lost wages if you miss work for your injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The state liability limits for bodily injury are set on a per person and per accident basis. So while the insurance company will pay up to a set amount for all of the injuries caused in a single accident, each individual involved in the accident will only be eligible to collect a certain amount under a bodily injury liability claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Some states limit bodily injury claims<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/no-fault-states\/\">no-fault states<\/a>, drivers are required to carry coverage called <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/personal-injury-protection-insurance\/\">personal injury protection<\/a>, or PIP, that will pay for their own injuries after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. In those states, you may only be able to sue the other driver (or their insurance company) for medical bills if the accident resulted in very serious injuries or fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rental car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, the other driver\u2019s insurance company will pay to arrange alternate transportation for you while your vehicle is in the shop for accident-related claims. However, this may vary by the provider, so double-check when you file your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the other company does not reimburse you for a rental car but you\u2019ve purchased rental reimbursement coverage, your own insurance will cover the rental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"use-your-own-insurance\">In some cases, it may be better to file under your own insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may want to avoid filing a claim with your own insurance company because you don\u2019t want your insurance rates to go up, but a not-at-fault accident claim won\u2019t always increase your rates \u2014 and there are situations where going with your own insurance company can actually get you a better payout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If you have your own medical coverage:<\/strong> PIP and medical payments coverage (<a href=\"\/car-insurance\/what-is-medical-payments-coverage\/\">MedPay<\/a>) are available in some at-fault states. If you have this type of insurance, it may be faster and simpler to have your medical expenses covered if you go through your own insurer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If the other driver is underinsured: <\/strong>If the driver\u2019s coverage limits are too low to cover all of your damages, you may be able to file a bodily injury claim if you have <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/uninsured-motorist-coverage\/\">uninsured\/underinsured motorist coverage<\/a> (UM\/UIM). If you have collision coverage, you can file a property damage claim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you want the process to be faster: <\/strong>Navigating the other driver\u2019s insurance can sometimes be time-consuming, but filing a property damage claim under your own collision insurance should be faster. You will likely need to pay your deductible, but that may be reimbursed later by the other insurance company.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you live in a no-fault state:<\/strong> No-fault states require you to file bodily injury claims under your own PIP insurance. You can still file a property damage claim with the other driver\u2019s insurance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if your rates do go up after an accident-related claim, you may be able to help bring them back down by shopping around for a new car insurance company. Be sure to get <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/car-insurance-quotes\/\">car insurance quotes<\/a> from multiple insurers as you shop to find the lowest rate for the right coverage. Some insurers are more forgiving of accidents than others \u2014 especially if you weren\u2019t at fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/best-car-insurance-companies\/\">Compare the best car insurance companies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jerry-cta\"><div class=\"flex flex-col items-start gap-4 rounded-xl border border-zinc-200 px-12 py-8 md:flex-row md:items-center md:gap-14\"><div class=\"flex-1\"><span class=\"text-xl font-black text-gray-900\">SIMPLIFY YOUR CAR INSURANCE IN MINUTES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"flex-1\"><a href=\"\/signup\/insured?service=insurance\" class=\"bg-primary block w-full rounded-full px-14 py-2 text-center font-black text-white hover:no-underline\">Find savings now<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"!mbs-12 !mbe-12 wp-block-jerry-faqs text-lg text-slate-500 wp-block-jerry-faqs\">\n  <!-- Title -->\n    <h2 class=\"medium-title text-black mb-1.5 pt-12 uppercase\">\n    FAQ  <\/h2>\n  \n  <!-- Accordion -->\n  \n<div class=\"max-w-screen-lg my-6 [&amp;_li:last-child]:border-b-0\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-jerry-accordion\">\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        Does a not-at-fault accident affect insurance? Will my insurance go up if I&#8217;m not at-fault?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>Not always, but oftentimes, yes. Whether or not your rates will increase after a not-at-fault accident depends on your insurance company, state laws and the specific details of the accident.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        How does insurance work when it\u2019s not your fault?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>If you\u2019re in an accident that\u2019s not your fault, you can file a claim with the other driver\u2019s insurance company. Depending on the coverage included in your own policy, you may also have the option to file under your own insurance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        What are some tips on filing an auto insurance claim?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>Before you file a claim, gather as much evidence about the accident as possible, including the name, driver\u2019s license number, and insurance information of the other driver, plus photos of the accident scene and the name and phone number of any witnesses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>If the police weren\u2019t called to the scene, you won\u2019t need a police report to file the claim. However, if they were called, a police report can be valuable evidence, so include it if one is available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?\u00a0      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>The exact amount of time a car insurance company has to settle a claim varies by state. Some don\u2019t have a set requirement, but most states do require insurance companies to pay in a prompt and reasonable time frame.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        Does the insurance company have to pay off my car loan?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>A car insurance company does not have to pay off your car loan, even if your car is declared a total loss. They only have to pay the actual cash value of the car. If you owe more on your car than it\u2019s worth, invest in <a href=\"\/car-insurance\/gap-insurance\/\">gap insurance<\/a> to ensure the difference will be paid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        How long do you have to file a car insurance claim?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>The amount of time you have to file a car insurance claim can vary by state and by insurance company. However, the sooner you can file, the better \u2014 your claim may be denied if you wait too long.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        Who do I have to call after a car accident?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>If an accident is a hit-and-run or results in serious injuries, call the police right away. You should also notify your car insurance company of the accident as soon as possible afterward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        Will the other driver\u2019s insurance company pay for my rental car?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>Many insurance companies will pay third-party claims for a rental car, but ask just to be sure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"font-circular flex cursor-pointer list-none flex-col items-start gap-1 border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 md:flex-row md:gap-5 wp-block-jerry-accordion-item font-circular flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-start border-b border-zinc-200 py-6 text-lg text-slate-500 is-style-accordion-item-box wp-block-jerry-accordion-item\" data-wp-interactive=\"accordion-item\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onInit\">\n  <!-- Accessory -->\n  \n  <div class=\"flex flex-1 flex-col text-gray-600\">\n    <div class=\"flex flex-row items-start justify-between gap-4\">\n      <!-- Title -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-q align-middle text-black font-medium\">\n        What if I don\u2019t agree with the amount the other driver\u2019s insurance company offers me for damages to my vehicle?      <\/span>\n\n      <!-- Icon -->\n      <span class=\"accordion-i text-black font-medium mr-4 mt-1 shrink-0 align-middle transition iconify i--chevron-down\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Content -->\n    \n<div class=\"jerry-block-content accordion-a mt-5 hidden\">\n<p>If you disagree with a settlement offer in a third-party insurance claim, you can reject the offer or request an appraisal. Each party in the accident chooses an appraiser who will independently assess the damage and attempt to negotiate a settlement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n  <!-- Contact link -->\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jerry-meet-experts\" data-wp-interactive=\"jerry\/meet-experts\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;modalVisible&quot;:false}\">\n  <div class=\"font-circular text-2xl font-extrabold text-slate-900\">Expert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-3\">\n    <div class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-3 border-b border-neutral-200 cursor-pointer font-semibold text-gray-900\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.toggleModal\">\n  <button class=\"text-left text-base\" type=\"button\">\n    Why you can count on Jerry&#8217;s articles  <\/button>\n\n  <div class=\"transition data-[visible=true]:md:rotate-180 text-xs iconify i--chevron-down text-gray-500\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"modal-backdrop fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-50 overflow-hidden overscroll-contain bg-black\/70 font-body transition-transform delay-100 duration-0 md:relative md:z-auto [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:translate-y-full [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:bg-black\/0 [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:md:hidden\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onModalInit\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.hideModal\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\">\n  <div class=\"modal-view fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 flex max-h-[75%] w-full flex-col rounded-t-3xl bg-white pb-7 pl-7 pt-3.5 transition md:relative md:rounded-none md:pl-0 md:transition-none [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:translate-y-full [&amp;:not([data-visible=true])]:md:hidden\" data-wp-bind--data-visible=\"context.modalVisible\">\n    <div class=\"modal-header md:hidden flex justify-between items-center pb-1 mb-1 border-b border-zinc-200\">\n      <div class=\"modal-title text-base font-semibold\">Summary<\/div>\n\n      <div\n        class=\"modal-close-btn wp-block-group w-11 h-11 mr-2.5 content-center text-center\"\n        data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.hideModal\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"iconify i--close text-gray-500 cursor-pointer\"><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"modal-body pr-7 overflow-y-auto\"><div class=\"wp-block-template-part\"><div class=\"flex flex-row items-center gap-2.5 rounded-lg bg-gray-pink px-4 py-5\">\n  <span class=\"iconify mt-0.5 shrink-0 self-start text-xs text-primary i--shield-check\"><\/span>\n\n  <div>\n    <div class=\"font-body text-xs font-bold text-primary\">Our goal is clear, trustworthy information.<\/div>\n    <div class=\"mt-1 font-body text-xs text-gray-600\">\n      Our content is created, edited and fact checked by a team of licensed insurance agents, automotive pros and\n      experienced journalists who know the industry inside and out. Facts are thoroughly researched, verified and kept\n      current, and our editorial team is separate from our business partners, so our opinions &#038; tips are unbiased. All\n      insights drawn from Jerry\u2019s proprietary, aggregated customer auto insurance quotes data provide unique, real-world\n      guidance.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"text-base font-semibold text-gray-900\">Our experts<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-8 flex flex-col gap-8 items-center justify-center\">\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Megan-Lee.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Megan-Lee.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Megan-Lee-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Megan-Lee-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Megan-Lee-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Megan Lee            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News &amp; World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Everett-Cook.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Everett-Cook.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Everett-Cook-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Everett-Cook-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Everett-Cook-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Everett Cook            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett&rsquo;s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He&rsquo;s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re in an accident where another driver was at fault, you should gather evidence, medical bills, and repair cost estimates, then contact their insurer to file a claim.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":54553,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"single-advice","meta":{"jerry_authors":"[{\"id\":\"366\",\"type\":\"main-author\"},{\"id\":\"115\",\"type\":\"editor\"},{\"id\":\"187\",\"type\":\"reviewer\"}]","jerry_author_ids":[366],"jerry_idx_page_label":"","jerry_meta_desc":"If you\u2019re in an accident where another driver was at fault, you should gather evidence, medical bills, and repair cost estimates, then contact their insurer to file a claim.","jerry_related_posts":"[9427,35451,34811,24074,7994]","jerry_summary":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[36,92,31,103],"class_list":["post-2143","car-insurance","type-car-insurance","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-accidents","tag-car-accidents","tag-car-insurance","tag-car-insurance-claims"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-insurance\/2143","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-insurance"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/car-insurance"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2143"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-insurance\/2143\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55997,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-insurance\/2143\/revisions\/55997"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2143"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2143"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2143"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}