You may have options with which company handles the property damage to your vehicle.  You can always go directly through the insurance company for the at-fault driver.  But, sometimes the at-fault driver has a garbage insurance company that you might not want to deal with.  Or, they might be dragging their feet.  If you want your own company to handle the property damage, you must carry comp and collision insurance.  This is different from property damage (which covers damage that you cause to another).  Be aware that if you get your property damage handled by your own company, you will have to pay a deductible (usually $500) and then hope that your insurance company can recover it for you.