If you own, lease (long term) or finance your vehicle then you will file a claim with your insurance company. Your deductible is the first portion of your responsibility of any loss.

For example, if your car has $800 worth of damage and your policy has a $1000 deductible, you will not file a claim because your deductible is greater than the damage. Another example is when your car has $2500 worth of damage, and your policy deductible is $1000. You can make a claim in this scenario and your $1000 responsibility will be paid when you pick your car up from the auto repair shop.

Payment for your loss will include payment to the finance or leasing company, if any. If you cause damage to other vehicles or property, your insurance company will handle that with little or no involvement on your part, in most cases.