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Liability, partial or fully comprehensive: who pays after an accident?
Who covers the repair after a crash? A clear overview of liability and comprehensive insurance.
“Will the insurance pay?” – that's usually the first question after an accident. The answer mainly depends on two things: who caused the accident, and how is your car insured?
It wasn't your fault
Then the liability insurance of the person who caused the accident is usually responsible. It covers the damage to your car. It's important that the accident is well documented – for example with the European Accident Statement, photos and witnesses.
You caused the accident
Your own liability insurance pays for the other party's damage. For your own car you need comprehensive cover:
- Partial cover (Teilkasko) usually covers damage from natural events (e.g. hail, storms), collisions with game, glass breakage or theft – but not an accident you caused.
- Fully comprehensive cover (Vollkasko) usually also pays for damage to your own car that you caused – often minus an agreed excess.
Exactly what's covered is in your policy. Conditions differ between insurers.
What if fault isn't clear?
Then settlement can take longer. Good documentation matters all the more. We inspect the damage, record it and coordinate with the insurer.
How we help
You don't need to be an insurance expert. We clarify with you who is likely to pay, prepare a cost estimate and take care of coordinating with the insurer and assessors.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and the specific circumstances of the accident are decisive.