Hi, I’m Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law.
One of the most common questions clients ask is:
👉 “If the accident wasn’t my fault, why would I use my own insurance?”
The answer depends on your situation, but here’s a clear breakdown to help you understand your options.
Using Your Health Insurance After a Car Accident
Many people hesitate to use their health insurance because someone else caused the accident. That’s understandable, but here’s the reality:
When it makes sense to use it:
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It gives you faster access to treatment
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It allows you to see better or more convenient doctors
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It avoids delays while liability is being sorted out
What about reimbursement?
In many cases, your health insurance company has a right to reimbursement. That means:
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They may get paid back from your settlement later
Even with that, using health insurance is often more affordable and efficient than:
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Paying cash
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Treating on a lien
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Using credit-based medical providers
When it might not make sense:
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Your deductible is very high
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Your plan limits which doctors you can see
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Your co-pays create financial strain
Every case is different, so this is a conversation you should have with your attorney.
Using Your Own Car Insurance
Even if the accident was not your fault, your own auto policy can still help you in key ways.
Property Damage Coverage
If there is a dispute about fault:
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You can use your own coverage to get your car repaired quickly
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Then let the insurance companies fight it out afterward
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This is where your own policy can be extremely important.
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Uninsured Motorist (UM): When the other driver has no insurance
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Underinsured Motorist (UIM): When they don’t have enough coverage
Using this coverage can:
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Get you compensation faster
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Provide additional recovery beyond what the at-fault driver has
Common Concern: Will My Rates Go Up?
This is one of the biggest fears.
In most states, including many situations we handle, using your UM or UIM coverage for a no-fault accident should not increase your rates.
And more importantly:
👉 If you are paying for this coverage every month, it is there to be used when you need it.
A Simple Way to Think About It
You pay your insurance premiums every month whether you use them or not.
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Health insurance
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Car insurance
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UM/UIM coverage
If you never use them when you actually need them, then what are you paying for?
The Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The right approach depends on:
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Your injuries
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Your coverage
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Your financial situation
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The facts of your accident
That’s why it’s important to get guidance early and make informed decisions that protect both your health and your case value.
If you want a deeper understanding of how to protect yourself after an accident, you can request our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents here:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
And remember, in pain, call Shane at 980-999-9999 or visit:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/
We’re here to help you make the right decisions from the start.
