Do I need to file a claim if I have no damage?
Asked by: Kiara Little | Last update: May 11, 2025Score: 5/5 (59 votes)
Should you file a claim if there is no damage?
Even if it is a “no damage” incident, it is still in your best interest to report the accident to your insurance company. Especially if you live in a “no-fault” state.
What happens if you hit a car but there's no damage?
* Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. * Document the incident: Take photos of both vehicles, even if there's no visible damage. * Report the incident: If required by law in your area, report the incident to the police.
When should you not file a claim?
Any accident involving the health and safety of anyone and/or animal should be coupled with filing a claim. If the damage or loss resulting from an incident is less than or relatively near your deductible value, more often than not, it's in your best interest to not file a claim.
Can I report an accident without filing a claim?
You are not required to file an insurance claim after an accident, but you may need to file a police report. Not filing a claim can be risky, especially if there are any physical injuries involved that may result in a lawsuit.
When Not to File a Car Insurance Claim
What happens if you don t file insurance claim after accident?
If you fail to report a car accident and another party later makes a claim against your insurance for compensation, your insurance company could say that you never reported an accident and refuse to make good on your coverage. Then, you would have to pay out of pocket.
Is tapping a bumper considered an accident?
Yes, even a minor bumper tap is considered an accident.
These are often referred to as fender benders.
Will my insurance go up if I don't file a claim?
However, car accidents that cause injuries or property damage to other parties should be reported to the insurance company immediately, even if the other party wants to “keep insurance out of it.” Failure to report an accident — or to stay at the scene of an accident — can be a significant legal misstep and could cause ...
Should I file a claim if I'm 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 do I do if I hit someone's parked car?
- Don't Leave the Scene. Leaving the scene is one of the worst things you can do if you hit a parked car. ...
- Leave a Note. You should wait for a while to see if the owner shows up. ...
- Record the Scene. ...
- Alert the Authorities. ...
- Call Your Agent. ...
- What if Your Car Was Hit?
What does accident no damage reported mean?
No damage reported means it has had at least one accident but no damage recorded. No accident reported means it might have been in an undocumented accident but as there is no proof either way it is recorded as no accidents reported .
Whose insurance company do I call after an accident?
But perhaps you're unclear about the process. You might think that calling the other driver's insurance first makes sense since they hit you. Actually, you'll be better off contacting your insurance company first instead of depending on the other driver. Let's find out why.
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.
What happens if you don't call your insurance after an accident?
Failing to contact your insurance company shortly after being in a car accident can lead to them denying your claim. Waiting to contact your insurance company can also make it more difficult for the insurance company to investigate your case, which could lead to you receiving a lower settlement amount.
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.
When not to claim car insurance?
“If your damages are minor, you're much better off just paying out of pocket.” Even if the repairs cost slightly more than the deductible, it's still not worth submitting a claim that gets added to your claim history and can negatively affect your premiums in the future.
Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?
After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.
Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?
Yes, it is generally advisable to notify your insurance company even if the accident wasn't your fault. Most insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report any accidents or incidents, regardless of fault.
What happens if you don't file a claim after an accident?
You should always file an insurance claim after an accident involving injuries. This provides the opportunity for you and other injured individuals to obtain costly medical care. If you potentially caused the accident and do not file a claim, you open yourself up to an expensive lawsuit.
Will my insurance drop me if I file a claim?
Yes, your car insurance company can drop you if you file too many claims.
What to do if someone hits your car but no damage?
You Should Report Your Accident Even If There Was No Damage
It is important to obtain a copy as it serves as valuable evidence for your case. While the report attempts to document most of the issues related to the incident, it is never all-inclusive.
What happens if you don't report an accident within 24 hours in the UK?
If you don't stop at the scene or report an incident you could be committing an offence and be charged. The penalties include: a fine. up to six months in prison.
Can a black box detect a small bump on your car?
The simple answer is yes – if you have had a black box installed in your car then it will recognise if you've had an accident.