Can you file an insurance claim without an incident report?
Asked by: Johnpaul Herzog | Last update: July 22, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (67 votes)
Do you need an accident report to file a claim?
Police reports are helpful tools for documenting an accident and establishing fault. However, even though insurance companies consider police reports important when investigating a claim, they are not required in California. You can still file and succeed on an insurance claim without a police report.
How long do I have to report an accident to my insurance in CA?
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident to Insurance In California? Report accidents to your insurer within the stipulated period, often 72 hours, to avoid claim denial. The California statute of limitations for auto accidents is two years.
What happens if I don't report my accident to insurance?
There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.
Can I file an insurance claim if I hit something?
Hitting an Object Lying in the Road
To make a collision claim, you need to have opted for collision coverage before experiencing your accident. Collision coverage is optional, and if you opted for state-minimum coverage, you might not have collision coverage. Expect to pay a deductible when filing a collision claim.
Can You Claim A Car Accident Without A Police Report? - CountyOffice.org
What should you not do when making an insurance claim?
While temporary repairs are a good idea, don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected. If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster.
Will my insurance go up if I hit an object?
Insurance companies consider hitting an object in the road to be an accident. Unfortunately, that means you will need to use your collision coverage, the incident will be considered your fault, and you'll likely see an increase in premium.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?
If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.
What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?
Report the Incident
You don't want them to hear from the other party first. Be detailed: Provide them with all the information you've gathered—photos, videos, witness names, and details about the incident. Ask for advice: Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed and whether further action is needed.
Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage?
It may not make sense to file a claim if the bumper damage is minor and the repair cost is lower than your auto insurance deductible. If you have a low deductible, it may be worthwhile to file a claim, even for minor repairs.
Do I have to call my insurance to file a claim?
Yes, you will want to call your insurance provider regardless of whose fault you believe it may be. Your insurance provider will be able to walk you through the next steps of filing a claim and finding out what your coverage does and does not cover.
How late can you file a police report after an accident in the Philippines?
There is no specific statute that imposes a strict, universal deadline for filing an incident report for vehicle property damage in the Philippines. However, several practical considerations and procedural rules can affect whether a delayed filing, such as nine days after the incident, is still acceptable.
Who is at fault in a non-reportable accident?
Non-reportable just means the damage was below a certain $ determined by your state/county/city/etc. to be reportable. This does not mean you aren't financially liable for the damage you caused to the other. The other driver certainly has every right to file a claim against your insurance.
What happens when someone files an insurance claim against you?
Once the other party files their claim, your insurance company will have their insurance adjusters speak to you, investigate the accident, and handle the entire claims process from thereon.
Can you sue someone if you hit their car?
Yes, you can sue someone for property damage after a car accident even if you haven't suffered any injuries. In some cases, auto accidents can lead to sizable property damage, resulting in overwhelming expenses.
What to do if someone lies about a car accident?
Yes, you can sue someone for lying about a car accident. To do so, gather evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and the police report, to challenge their false statements. Additionally, you may file a lawsuit for defamation or fraudulent misrepresentation, depending on the situation.
Can you file an insurance claim without a police report?
Can you still file a claim with the motorist's insurance company if you do not have a police report? Yes, but you may have a harder time obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries under California law.
How to file an insurance claim when not at fault?
If you have the information from the other person involved in the accident, you may call his or her insurance company to file your claim. Some companies may also offer online claim reporting. If you have an insurance agent, he or she may be able to help you through this process or provide you with more information.
Will my insurance go up if I file a claim and its not my fault?
Some may raise your premiums by 10 percent, while others may charge you only 2 percent more. In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.
Will insurance pay if I hit my own car?
If you damage your own car, can you claim it on your insurance? If you have collision coverage, you're typically covered for damaging your own car. For instance, if you run into an object or other vehicle (even another of your vehicles), you can claim it on your insurance like any other car accident.
How long does an at-fault accident affect insurance?
In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.
Is hitting an object considered an accident?
A car accident is a collision involving at least one vehicle and any other object. While there are several definitions of what is considered to be an actual car accident, an actual car accident is generally considered to be one that results in property damage, injury, or loss of life.
What is the downside of filing an insurance claim?
It could increase your premiums
When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.
What not to say when filing a claim?
- “I'm sorry.”
- “It was all/partly my fault.”
- “I did not see the other person/driver.”
What is one of the most common reasons for a claim being rejected by an insurance company?
- Incomplete information. Claims often get denied due to incomplete information. ...
- Service not covered. ...
- Claim filed too late. ...
- Coding or billing error. ...
- Insurer believes the procedure wasn't necessary. ...
- Duplicate claim filed. ...
- Pre-existing condition not covered. ...
- Lack of pre-authorization.