Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

I was in an at-fault accident and don't have collision insurance

I was at-fault in an accident and totaled my vehicle. I tried to talk to my insurance about getting a payout or something but they said because I don't have collision insurance I won't receive anything. I need my vehicle for transportation and everything. What options do I have?

Apr 20, 2023 Bakersfield, CA

Answer
Author profile picture
Ava Lynch
Director of Insurance Content

Ava joined The Zebra in 2016 as a licensed insurance agent and writer. She now serves as director of insurance content, leading coverage strategy and…

Credentials
  • 9+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Unfortunately, you don't have a lot of options here unless you had specifically asked for collision and comprehensive coverage and your insurance representative never applied it or charged you for it. Collision and comprehensive is the coverage that offers physical protection for your vehicle whereas your basic liability is what protects you from being financially responsible for the damages you cause to other vehicles. So, in an at-fault accident, your liability insurance paid for the damage to the other person's vehicle but because you didn't have collision coverage, your insurance won't be able to help you. If you own the vehicle, you might be able to sell the salvaged vehicle and use that money as a down payment for another vehicle. That might be your only option at this point.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

If my car was hit by a family member, can I claim the damage with my insurance company to help them avoid a higher rate?

You could claim the damage as a hit-and-run, but that's technically not what happened so I would avoid lying to your insurance company. I would recommend getting a repair estimate first so you can factor that into your decision. The only way to avoid causing an increase to your family member's poli…
Apr 8, 2022 Sacramento, CA

An automated security gate hit my door, should I file a claim or get them to pay for the damages?

It's unlikely the company will pay for damages to your vehicle because, as you stated, you misjudged where the gate would open to. In terms of filing a claim with your insurance company, I recommend getting an estimate first to see how much the damage will cost. Especially because this type of clai…
Apr 21, 2022 Portland, Oregon

Does Chubb insure homes in California?

Yes, Chubb does write homeowners insurance in California, though availability can vary depending on your location, property value, and fire risk. Because California has seen so many wildfire-related losses, a lot of carriers have scaled back coverage in higher-risk ZIP codes. Chubb is one of the in…
Oct 9, 2025 Anaheim, CA

Will my insurance company reimburse me for a window I paid to replace?

I'm sorry to hear about the damage (and the sweater!). The good news is that since you are in California, glass claims should not impact your premium. In most locations, it's up to the discretion of the insurer to raise rates based on glass claims but in California, specifically, not-at-fault claim…
Aug 8, 2025 Santa Monica, CA