Will Insurance Cover Damages If You are At Fault in a Car Accident?

Getting into an accident is stressful. And it’s even more confusing when the accident was your fault. You might ask yourself, “If you are at fault in a car accident, does insurance cover it?” The short answer is: sometimes it does, but it depends on what type of car insurance you have and where you live.

But how do people know who’s at fault? After the accident, police often come and file a report. Insurance companies also look at things like pictures of the accident, statements from each driver, any witnesses, and even the police report to figure it out. This process helps decide the percentage of fault, especially in Texas, where comparative negligence applies.

If You Are At Fault, Does Insurance Cover Damages?

This is a big question: if you are at fault in a car accident, does insurance cover it? The short answer is yes, but it depends on your insurance policy.

In Texas, basic liability insurance will pay for the other driver’s damages. That means their car repair, medical bills, or even pain and suffering if they were hurt. But here’s the catch: basic liability insurance in Texas does not cover your car damage or injury. So if the accident was your fault, and you don’t have extra coverage, you may have to pay for your costs.

So yes, insurance will pay—but only for the other driver, unless you bought more than the bare minimum.

Types of Insurance That Help When You’re At Fault

Even if the accident was your fault, different types of at-fault accident insurance coverage can help. Let’s go over them.

Liability Insurance (Texas Specifics)

Texas law says all drivers must have liability insurance. This covers:

• Bodily injury and property damage to others if you’re at fault
• Medical bills for the other driver or passenger
• Repair or replacement of the other person’s car

Texas requires a minimum of 30/60/25 coverage, which means:

• $30,000 for injuries per person
• $60,000 for total injuries per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

This sounds like a lot, but if serious injuries happen, those limits can run out fast.

Liability insurance in Texas doesn’t pay for your car or medical bills. For that, you need other coverage.

Collision Insurance

Collision coverage pays for your car if you crash, no matter who caused it. So even if the accident was your fault, this type of car insurance will help you repair or replace your vehicle. That’s a big difference between collision vs liability coverage.

This is optional in Texas, but very helpful, especially if your car is newer or still under finance.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments

PIP and Medical Payments coverage help pay your medical bills, even if the fault in the accident is yours. In Texas, PIP is optional, but highly recommended. It may also help cover lost wages or other costs.

These are great add-ons to have in your auto insurance to help after an at-fault accident.

What to Do After an At-Fault Accident

If you’re in a car accident, here’s what to do—especially if you think the accident was your fault:

1. Check for injuries.
2. Call the police and report the accident.
3. Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
4. Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
5. File a police report if needed.
6. Contact your insurer and start your insurance claim.

When speaking to your insurance adjuster, be honest, but don’t admit fault for an accident. Let the facts speak. Avoid phrases like “I didn’t see them,” or “It was my mistake.” That might increase your percentage of fault.

Will Your Premiums Increase After an At-Fault Accident?

Most likely, yes. If the car accident was your fault, your car insurance rates could go up. Insurance companies see you as riskier.

Some offer accident forgiveness, but not all do. Ask your insurer if this is part of your car insurance policy. With accident forgiveness, your first at-fault accident might not raise your rates.

Still, even with this, your insurance costs could go up if you’ve had more than one accident or if you were negligent (like texting while driving).

Legal Help After an At-Fault Accident

Even if you were partially at fault, a lawyer can help. Sometimes, it’s not clear who caused the accident, or the other driver may share the blame. In Texas, laws on partial fault vary, and you may still get compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for an accident.

At Austin Accident Lawyer, we don’t charge you unless we win. We cover the costs up front—including negotiation, gathering medical records, and hiring experts. If you’re involved in the accident, even if it seems like your fault, reach out.

And the best part? We help you recover your property damage for free.

Conclusion

So, if you are at fault in a car accident, does insurance cover it? Yes, but only in certain ways. Liability insurance in Texas will cover the other driver’s costs, but not your own. To protect yourself, think about getting collision coverage, PIP, or medical payments.

Knowing your insurance policy before an accident happens can save you time, stress, and money.

And remember—if you need help figuring out your coverage or fighting a claim, a good car accident lawyer can make all the difference.