Someone Hit Your Car—Should You Call Their Insurance or Yours? The Pros, Cons, and Price Tags

Car accidents happen fast—and what comes next can be confusing. If you are standing on the side of the road, shaken but okay, there is one question that might hit you almost as hard as the crash did: Someone hit my car—whose insurance do I call?

If the other driver caused the accident, it might seem obvious: call their insurance company. In many cases, that is the right step—but not always the easiest or fastest.

Let us walk through the two main options and what each one means for you.

Option 1: File a Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance (Third-Party Claim)

If the other driver is at fault, you have the legal right to file a third-party claim with their insurance company.

Pros

• You will not pay a deductible. Their insurer is responsible for covering your damages.
• It keeps your record cleaner. Your own insurer may not raise your rates if you did not file a claim through them.
• You may receive compensation for more than just repairs. This can include rental car costs, medical bills, and lost wages.

Cons

• It can take longer. Their insurance company will want to investigate liability before paying anything.
• They may deny fault. If the other driver tells a different story, your claim might get delayed or denied.
• You have less control. You are dealing with a company that does not work for you—and their job is to pay as little as possible.

When This Makes Sense

Filing directly with the other driver’s insurer may work well if fault is clear, the damage is minor, and you do not mind waiting a little longer. Just know that their adjuster is not on your side.

Option 2: File a Claim with Your Own Insurance (First-Party Claim)

Even if the other driver is at fault, you can still choose to file a claim through your own insurance provider—especially if you carry collision coverage.

Pros

• It is often faster. Your insurer wants to keep you satisfied, so they usually move quickly.
• They deal with the other company. Your insurer can seek reimbursement (subrogation) from the other driver’s company.
• You have more control. You are the customer, and they are working for you.

Cons

• You may have to pay your deductible upfront. You might get it back later if your insurer is reimbursed, but it is not guaranteed.
• Your rates could increase. Even if the accident was not your fault, some insurers raise premiums after any claim.
• Policy limits apply. Your insurance can only pay up to your coverage limits.

When This Makes Sense

If your car is undrivable, you need a rental quickly, or the other driver’s insurance is dragging its feet, filing with your own insurer may be the fastest way to move forward. Especially if you are dealing with injuries or lost time at work, getting the process started through your own provider can offer peace of mind.

Oklahoma Is an At-Fault Insurance State

In Oklahoma, the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damage. That means:

• If someone hit your car, their insurance should pay
• But until they accept liability, you may be waiting for them to act

That is why many people choose to start with their own insurance even if they eventually get reimbursed. It is a way to take back control and avoid getting stuck in limbo.

What About Uninsured Drivers?

Oklahoma has one of the higher rates of uninsured drivers in the country. If the person who hit you does not have insurance—or leaves the scene—your best option may be filing through your uninsured motorist coverage, if you carry it.

This coverage can help with:

• Vehicle repairs
• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

If you are not sure whether you have this coverage, check your policy or give your agent a call. At 222 Injury Lawyers, we can also help you review your coverage and explain your options.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Oklahoma gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident—but insurance deadlines are often much shorter. Most policies require prompt notification of any accident, even if you do not end up filing a claim.

Delaying can hurt your chances of recovering damages, especially if evidence disappears or memories fade. If you are not sure what to do, it is better to talk to an attorney early—even just to understand your rights.

When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer

If you are wondering “someone hit my car—whose insurance do I call?” and feeling overwhelmed, you do not have to handle it alone. Call a lawyer when:

• You were injured in the crash
• The other driver’s insurance is denying fault
• You are getting the runaround from adjusters
• Your vehicle was totaled or you missed time at work
• You are unsure whether your claim is being valued fairly

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we fight for injured drivers in Tulsa every day. We deal with the insurance companies so you do not have to. And we never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.

Know Your Rights—Call the Right People First

Car accidents are stressful enough. Figuring out whether to call your insurance, the other driver’s, or both should not add to the confusion. If you were hit and are not sure what to do next, remember:

• You have the right to file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance
• You can choose to file with your own insurer for faster results
• Your attorney can help protect your claim and maximize your recovery

At 222 Injury Lawyers, we are here to answer your questions—big or small—and help you make the right call for your situation.

Injured in a car accident in Tulsa? Someone hit your car and you are not sure which insurance company to call? Contact 222 Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.