Do I need to notify my insurance company if I have an accident?

Asked by: Ignatius Rolfson  |  Last update: February 3, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (1 votes)

But when it comes to whether you should call your car insurance company after minor car accidents, the short answer is yes — it is always a good idea to let your insurance company know when you have been involved in a collision.

Do I have to call my insurance after an accident?

Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involved injuries or property damage. A common myth is that you do not need to contact your insurance company if you were not at fault.

Should I notify my insurance company if it wasn't my fault?

You may be wondering why you should call your insurance company if you're not at-fault for an accident — this is an important step in connecting your future claim to the accident. This way, you can explain the incident and get your claim started as soon as possible, helping you to get back on the road more quickly.

Is it better to pay out of pocket or use insurance?

You should file an insurance claim when you can't afford to pay cash for damages or medical bills that your insurance policy will cover. You should pay out of pocket instead of filing an insurance claim if the repairs or medical bills incurred in an accident that you cause will cost less than your deductible.

What happens if I don't call my insurance?

Consequences of Failing to Notify Your Insurer

If you fail to notify your insurance company of an accident but then you later make a first-party claim under your policy, your claim could be denied. Failing to give notice may eliminate the insurer's duty to cover the damage or injuries caused by the accident.

Do I Notify my Insurance Company After an Accident?

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What happens if I don't tell my insurance company about an accident?

If you don't tell your insurer about the accident, or if you tell them too late, then they may cancel your policy and refuse to insure you in the future.

Do I need to tell insurance about minor accident?

Insurance policies usually say in the small print that it's your responsibility to inform them of any accident, however minor, even when a claim seems unlikely. This is because: Third parties may say they won't make an insurance claim against you at the time, and then change their mind later on.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.

When should you not submit an insurance claim?

If the repair cost is lower than your insurance policy's deductible, it's probably not worth filing a claim. For instance, if your deductible is $1,000 and there is no property damage, or the damage is less than the deductible, then consider paying for the damage outside of your insurance company.

How long do I have to report an accident?

The police need not be called to the scene of such an accident, but it must be reported - by both drivers - at a police station within 24 hours.

Do insurance companies talk to each other?

Answer provided by

While car insurance companies don't talk directly to each other, they do share information. All car insurance companies can access your claims history through a database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE).

How much does insurance increase after an accident?

Your premium increase will also depend on other factors such as whether you've made a claim on your insurance before, the cause and severity of the accident, and your overall driving history. However, you'll usually be looking at an increase of between 20%-50%.

What to do after an accident that is not your fault?

A. STOP Immediately and move only if it is safe to do so.
  1. Call 911 if there are injuries.
  2. Call the police. ...
  3. Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers from all drivers.
  4. Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers.

What do I do if I have a minor car accident?

Switch the hazard lights on. Check for any injuries to yourself or your passengers. If it's a minor collision and there are no injuries, make a note of it just in case the other people later try to claim for an injury. Call the police and an ambulance immediately if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked.

What do you do in a minor car accident with no damage?

Essential Steps in Any Car Accident
  • Stay Calm and Clear the Road.
  • Exchange Contact and Insurance Information.
  • Take Photos of the Accident.
  • Call the Police and Report the Accident.
  • Stay At the Accident Scene Until a Police Officer Arrives and a Files a Police Report.
  • Double Check for Damage.
  • Inform Your Insurance Company.

How can I settle my car accident privately?

How to settle without insurance
  1. Always exchange contact information with the other drivers. ...
  2. Get a record of the damage. ...
  3. Obtain a police report. ...
  4. Get quotes from more than one mechanic for damages. ...
  5. Keep a paper trail. ...
  6. Draft a legally binding agreement when you settle.

How long do I have to report a car accident to my insurance company?

You must notify your insurance company of an accident within 7 days. Your insurance company will look for your policy number or your name, address and car registration number as well as the registrations of any other cars involved, the name and contact details of the other driver, passengers or witnesses.

Is it worth claiming on car insurance for a dent?

In a nutshell, small dents/scratches on your car's surface does not require a car insurance claim. In fact, it is best to refrain from raising a claim in such a scenario, as you may otherwise lose a lot of money.

How long do you have to declare accidents for car insurance?

Usually, you will need to declare any incident that's happened in the last five years. For some insurance providers, this could be between three and five years, so it's best to check. When you're applying for car insurance, the insurer will tell you the length of time they require information.

What should I not tell insurance?

9 Things Not to Say to Your Insurer After an Accident
  • It was my fault. This may be common knowledge for many, but it's worth reiterating that you should never admit fault. ...
  • I think. ...
  • I'm fine. ...
  • Names. ...
  • Recorded statements. ...
  • Unnecessary details. ...
  • I don't have an attorney. ...
  • I accept.

How do I inform my insurance company about an accident?

Call your insurance company immediately after the accident and inform them about the damage. Intimate the police about the incident and obtain an FIR. Record the details of the car, the driver, and the witnesses in the FIR. File a claim with your insurance company and ask them to assign a surveyor to evaluate the loss.

Why has my insurance gone up after accident not my fault?

In many cases, your premiums will go up after you've declared a non-fault claim to your insurance provider. This is because certain circumstances surrounding the accident, even if it wasn't your fault, may lead to more accidents in the future.

Do I need to report a car accident if no damage?

Always notify your insurers if you are involved in an accident, however minor it may be and regardless of whether there is any damage. If you are involved in an accident and do not wish to make a claim on your policy you can simply advise your insurers about the accident 'For notification purposes only'.

Why does my insurance go up when someone hits me?

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me? After an accident caused by another driver, you may have concerns about the impact on your auto coverage premium rates. Your auto insurance company will decide whether to raise your rates or not based on the circumstances of the accident.

What happens if you lie about car accident?

At best, you will have to remember your lie the entire time you are dealing with your insurer. They will most likely record calls and other interactions with you to uncover any discrepancies in your claim. At worst, you could face criminal penalties leading to fines and even jail time.