Whose Insurance Pays for the Repair?

After a two-car accident there are usually two policies in play: yours and the other driver's. Which one pays for your repair depends on fault, coverage, and timing. Here's the plain-language version.

Claiming on the other driver's insurance (third-party claim)

If the other driver was at fault and their insurer accepts liability, their liability coverage pays for your repair — typically with no deductible for you. The trade-off is control: you're not their customer, so the pace of the claim depends on their process, and they won't accept liability until they've finished investigating.

Claiming on your own insurance (first-party claim)

If you carry collision coverage, you can claim on your own policy regardless of fault. You'll pay your deductible, and your insurer handles the repair claim under the terms of your policy. If the other driver is later found at fault, your insurer may pursue their insurer to recover what it paid — including your deductible — through a process called subrogation. Reimbursement isn't guaranteed and can take time.

When liability hasn't been accepted yet

This is the situation that stalls the most repairs. Until the other driver's insurer accepts liability, it generally won't authorize or pay for anything. Your options while you wait:

• Use your own collision coverage now (pay the deductible, possibly recover it later through subrogation), or
• Wait for the liability decision before repairing — which can leave you without your vehicle longer.

Neither choice is right for everyone; it depends on your coverage, your deductible, and how badly you need the vehicle back. We're happy to talk through the practical side — and our in-house insurance specialist can communicate with either insurer on your behalf once your claim is moving.

A note on fault

Fault is determined by the insurance companies based on their investigation (and occasionally by a court) — not by the body shop. What we contribute is complete, well-documented evidence of the damage, which supports an accurate claim no matter which policy ends up paying.

Read next: what to do after an accident and your right to choose your shop.