In states with no-fault insurance

If you have no-fault insurance, you would file a claim with your own insurer for your medical expenses after a car accident. Your personal injury protection (PIP) helps cover your medical expenses, up to the coverage limits on your car insurance policy. Personal injury protection (i.e., no-fault insurance) is required in some states and optional in others.

In states with no-fault insurance, you typically file a third-party claim for property damage after an auto accident.

In states without no-fault insurance

If you live in a state that doesn't offer no-fault insurance, you can typically file third-party insurance claims for property damage and medical expenses.

Third-party property damage claims

When you file a third-party claim for property damage after a car accident, you may draw upon the at-fault driver's auto property damage liability coverage to help pay for repairs to your vehicle.

Keep in mind that the at-fault driver's policy will only help pay for your repairs up to their coverage limit. For instance, say your vehicle is declared a total loss by the other insurance company, and it's valued at $30,000. If the at-fault driver's coverage limit is $25,000, you may have to pay $5,000 out of your own pocket to replace your vehicle.

If this were to happen, you may be able to use your own car insurance coverage. Underinsured motorist property damage coverage may help pay the difference, if it's available in your state.

Another option is to file an auto claim with your own insurance carrier if you have collision coverage on your policy. Your collision coverage helps pay to repair damage to your vehicle, regardless of who's at fault. Keep in mind you'll have to pay your deductible. If you're hit by another driver who is at fault for the crash, your insurance company may pursue the other driver or their insurance company to collect the funds paid out under your collision coverage and your deductible.

Third-party injury claims

If you have injuries or related medical expenses after a car accident, the at-fault driver's auto bodily injury liability insurance may come into play (in states without no-fault insurance). Again, the at-fault driver's policy will only pay up to their coverage limit. Your medical bills that exceed their coverage limit may become your financial responsibility.

You may have coverage on your own auto insurance policy that helps cover your injuries after an accident. If you have medical payments coverage, it helps pay for your (and your passengers') medical bills after an accident. And, underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage may help with your medical bills if the at-fault driver is underinsured.