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

Will I be able to get a new car after an accident?

I was involved in an accident yesterday where my vehicle was totaled. I do have full coverage and I have Bodily Injury:  25/ 50 Property Damage:  25 and my deductible is $1,000. The driver who was in front of the car I hit slammed on his brakes causing the SUV driver to do the same. I was going 35 mph and put my brakes on, but the car didn't stop fast enough and I slammed into the back of the SUV. The driver of the pickup in front of the SUV didn't have a valid drivers license or any insurance so he wasn't supposed to be driving at all. Will his insurance cover my vehicle or does my insurance company have to cover the damage?

May 16, 2017 Oklahoma City, OK

Answer
Author profile picture

The Zebra

The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

Unfortunately the license and insurance status of a driver does not play any factor in determining fault after an accident, so your insurance company should be the one covering your damage. If your vehicle was totaled then you should receive a payout for the value of your car minus your deductible. Whether that amount is enough to buy a new vehicle will depend entirely on how much your car was worth at the time of the accident.
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.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

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

Icon Agent

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!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

My liability only car was hit by a stolen vehicle

Unfortunately, the owner of the vehicle that was stolen isn't liable because the fact they didn't give permission to the driver negates any coverage. The individual who stole the vehicle and caused the damage is responsible. I would contact the owner of the vehicle to get the police repor…
Jun 18, 2018 Hutchinson, KS

Should I file a claim for damage that I caused to someone's bumper?

I would recommend having the other driver get an estimate first. This way, you can decide if the repair costs are affordable enough to pay for the damage yourself. If the repair costs are not feasible for you to pay on your own then you would need to file a claim with your insurance company. And wh…
Feb 1, 2017 Jackson, MS

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

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 …
Feb 14, 2018 Bakersfield, CA

If I have an accident in a company vehicle and the company's insurance policy is covering the damage, do I have to tell my personal insurance company?

Since the damage is being covered by the company's commercial or business policy then he doesn't have to notify his personal car insurance provider. However, the car accident is still likely to show up on his driving record if a police officer wrote an accident report and his information …
Aug 5, 2018 Geneva, IL