Yes, your deductible always applies!

This is truly something we never think of as consumers of insurance. So much so, that I as an actual agent forget it all the time myself. Every single time you file an auto insurance claim with your carrier, unless you have a zero deductible or diminished, your deductible will always be applied to any loss you file with your carrier. Now, the carrier if you are not at fault for the loss can attempt to get your deductible back on your behalf though a process known as subrogation, but there is no guarantee you will get your deductible back. If you really want to avoid your deductible and you are not at fault you should file with the driver's insurance carrier. That typically means things like, getting a police report, or obtaining the insurance information from the other driver. Once you have that information you can call your insurance agent who can file the claim for you, or you yourself can file a claim with the other carrier.