After an accident in Israel: who pays what under your car insurance

After an accident, the first question is not "who is at fault", it is "which policy do I have". The three levels of car insurance in Israel respond very differently to the same collision.

If you are at fault and someone is injured

Bituach Hova (compulsory insurance) applies, whatever level of policy you have above it. It covers bodily injury caused to third parties, passengers included. It is the only cover required by law, precisely because it protects people before property.

If you are at fault and only the other car is damaged

Here, the Hova does nothing. Without Tsad Shlishi (third-party insurance) or Mekif (comprehensive insurance), these repairs are entirely at your expense. This is the scenario drivers anticipate worst, as they wrongly think the Hova covers "the essentials".

If your own car is damaged, at fault or not

Only Bituach Mekif

pays for damage to your own vehicle, whether the accident is your fault, the fault of an unidentified third party, or caused by theft, fire or a natural disaster. Tsad Shlishi never covers your own car.

In all cases

Document the scene with photos, note the details of the other parties involved, and contact your insurer quickly: the longer the claim is delayed, the more complicated it can be to handle. If someone is injured or there is a disagreement about who is responsible, involve the police.

This direct comparison shows why the choice of policy matters more than its advertised price. We help you choose the one that really fits your situation .