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

What happens if someone makes a false car insurance claim against me?

I was in a car accident in a parking lot. Someone backed into my car while it was parked. I got their insurance information -- they admitted fault. I later got a call from their insurance company claiming I had hit them. This is ridiculous because my car was parked and it's clear they backed into me. 

What do I do?

Jan 16, 2024 Madison, WI

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

Thank you for your question. After an accident, I recommend taking pictures and recording as much information as possible. If the fault is difficult to determine, call 911 and file a police report. If you have any of this information currently, it can be helpful.

At this point, I recommend contacting your insurance company immediately. Give them all the important information -- pictures of the damage, the other driver's name, phone number, and the insurance company. They will negotiate on your behalf and investigate the claim. In this situation, the claims adjuster should be able to determine fault quite easily by looking at the damage on both vehicles.

Below are some articles you might find helpful. 

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...

Worth paying $1,800 out of pocket to avoid an increase in auto insurance premiums?

Paying out of pocket can be cheaper long-term than a rate increaseThere are a few things to consider.First, most insurance companies require you to report any incident, even if a claim is not filed.Filing a claim will impact your insurance rates. Check out our article on the claims process which wi…
Mar 2, 2026 San Diego, CA

Will my rate go up if I file a claim for a damaged side mirror?

A side mirror claim can increase your insurance ratePut simply, any time you file a claim, there is usually a rate increase. Since you don't know who it is that hit you, you would have to go through your coverage. Glass claims fall under a comprehensive claim, which tends to be small. However, even…
Mar 2, 2026 Houston, TX

Why is my third-party claim with Kemper taking forever?

Unfortunately, this is a very common complaint with Kemper (especially if you're not their customer). They don’t have the same urgency with third-party claims because you’re not paying them. Even if liability is obvious, they may still take their time while they “review” it.Here are a few ways to s…
Oct 23, 2025 San Antonio, TX

Why does Allstate count hail damage against you?

It might feel unfair, but yes, insurance companies like Allstate can decide not to renew your policy, even for things like hail damage. The bottom line is that insurance companies are businesses, and if your overall claims history signals too much risk, they may decide it’s no longer profitable to …
Mar 18, 2026 Amsterdam, NY