Marissa Hayes is a technical editor and contributing writer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in history, and she was the editor of the literary magazine, The Bluestone Review.

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Dan Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has been working in his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for 15 years. He is licensed as an agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com.

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Reviewed by Daniel Walker
Licensed Car Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Nov 18, 2020

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Filed under auto insurance claims questions.

How can I settle my car accident claim without the insurance company?

If you are in a situation where the accident was not your fault, you don’t have to file a claim with your insurance provider. You can have the other party file against their insurance provider. This person will also have to cover the cost of the deductible.

You will have to settle the question of where to bring the car for repairs. You can insist on your choice of repair shop but you should provide the other party with at least 2 options as a general courtesy.

In case the other party is at fault but does not have insurance, you will need to request for a cash settlement rather than file a claim and pay a deductible to your insurance company.

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To do either of these options, it is important to follow these steps:

  • Get information from the other party such as name, address, contact details, car registration details.
  • Get the other party to state in writing his agreement to cover the repairs on your car including payment details and amount. If there is an witness present, have that person sign the document as well.  Get copies of his driver’s license, car registration papers, and insurance policy.

For cash settlements, never agree on the spot to an amount unless you are an expert on car repairs.

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