How do car insurance companies determine fault when both drivers are giving conflicting stories?

The claims adjuster is a professional. They determine liability on hundreds of claims a year. When conflicting versions are provided, they base their decision on numerous facts. The actual point of impact, the credibility of each party, the police report, witness statements etc.

Remember your insurance company has a duty to defend and indemnify you. They have no duty or obligation to the other party. They will often side with their insured. If you have Collision coverage, you file a claim against your own company. They will then subrogate against the other insurer to attempt to recover what they paid out. You can file a claim against the other party, but chances are liability will be assessed as 50/50. Depending on what state the loss occurred, 50% unfortunately could be a bar to recovery.

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Ah another no-fault question from my beloved home state. The phrase "No-Fault" is very confusing for the general public. As three people have already pointed out "No-Fault" pertains ONLY to the medical bills. When the lawmakers of MN decided to come up with the no-fault statute they picked a horribly confusing name. Under the statute the phrases "no-fault" means that no matter who is at-fault for an accident that any medical bills are paid by your own company. So even if the other person is at-fault your own auto insurance company HAS to pay the bills. So since "no-fault" refers to only the medical bills the companies still have to investigate to determine who caused the accident. Depending on the factors both drivers can be held partially at fault for an accident. The investigation will determine percentage of fault which should lead to one party getting at least part of their collision deductible reimbursed.

The insurance company will base it on if there was a ticket issured at the scene of the accident. The person issued a ticket has the responsiblity to pay for the accident through their insurance company.

If no ticket was issued then its a 50 50 split where each insurance company is responsible for their part. Unless you have lots of money and want to war it out in court for a while, then much of the battle will rely on the police report.

Luna is correct.

Although if the insurance companies cannot reach an agreeable decision, the claim can go into arbitration where a neutral party will examine the facts, take statements, etc. Then a judgment will be made.

Insurance companies determine fault based on police reports, witness statements and drivers statements. Nope as far as insurance goes, it, really doesn't matter but almost everyone thinks fault is a big deal. It isn't as long as both parties have insurance. one or both insurance companies will pay.

They rely on the police report then ask both drivers for their side of the story.

Somewhere in the middle lies the truth.