Should I File a Claim Against Another Driver?
If you believe you're not at fault for the damage to your vehicle, you have the option to file your claim with the other driver's insurance company or with Travelers. Here are some things to consider when making a decision:
- You will not be required to pay a deductible if you file with the other company. If you file with Travelers, you may be required to pay a deductible and then wait for a possible reimbursement from the other driver's insurance company.
- The other company will likely provide you with alternative transportation or a rental while your vehicle is being repaired. Travelers may not provide a rental if you don't have that type of coverage.
- The other company may not agree that their driver is 100% responsible and may only offer to pay a portion of your damages.
- If you file a claim with the other company, we will not be able to assist you with your claim against that company. However, if you change your mind, you can come back to us and we will process your claim.
Every insurance carrier is different, but the information below may help you understand how to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company and what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
If you have the information from the other person involved in the accident, you may call his or her insurance company to file your claim. Some companies may also offer online claim reporting. If you have an insurance agent, he or she may be able to help you through this process or provide you with more information.
Each company has a different process for managing claims. In general, less complex claims, where everyone cooperates and there are no concerns about who caused the accident or the value of the damages being claimed, usually take the least amount of time.
No, you do not. Regardless of who pays for your vehicle damages, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the repair facility of your choice. If your vehicle is not safe to drive, you should notify the other driver's insurance company as soon as possible so they can begin their claim process.
If the other driver's insurance company has accepted responsibility for your damages, they may provide you with a rental vehicle or alternative transportation. Generally, there are guidelines around how long vehicle repairs will take, so please check with the other driver's insurance company to determine if there are any requirements they may have prior to you renting a vehicle.
For instance, some insurance companies may want you to drop off your vehicle for repairs after all of the repair parts have arrived at the repair facility, and that is when you would receive a rental vehicle.
If your vehicle is not safe to drive, let the other driver's insurance company know so they may expedite the inspection of your vehicle. You may also want to let them know as soon as possible if your vehicle was towed to a storage facility. Because storage charges accrue on a daily basis, it may be best to move your vehicle to the repair facility of your choice to avoid any potential delays or additional charges.
If the other driver's insurance company has accepted responsibility for your damages and you have an estimate from a repair facility of your choice, or your vehicle is not repairable and you have done research to understand your vehicle's value, share that information with the other driver's insurance company as soon as possible. In circumstances where your vehicle is repairable, the other driver's insurance company may negotiate the price of the repair with your shop.
If your vehicle is not repairable and you believe that the vehicle's value is greater than the settlement offered by the other driver's insurance company, you may attempt to negotiate the amount with them. If you are unable to reach an agreement, there may be resources available to help you, including your state's department of insurance.
Yes, you can. If you are unhappy with the other driver's insurance company, please feel free to contact Travelers. If we find that your Travelers policy covers your loss, we will be happy to handle your claim and then seek reimbursement from the other driver's insurance company. We will also attempt to recover your deductible from the other driver's insurance company.
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Additional resources
Manage your claim experience
Tools and resources to help make the process more manageable.
Claim next steps
Find out what you can expect after filing your claim.
Claim guide library
A collection of materials designed to help you navigate the claim process.