How to notify insurance of an accident?
Asked by: Valentin Murray | Last update: April 22, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (54 votes)
How do I report an accident to my insurance?
Reporting a Car Insurance Claim
If you're filing a first-party insurance claim, call the number on your insurance card or go online to report the accident. If you're filing a third-party insurance claim, you should obtain insurance information from the other driver to contact their insurer.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am not at fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
Do I call my insurance after an accident or theirs?
Even if you think you may be to blame, you should never admit fault after an accident. And even when the other driver is clearly at fault, it's best to call your insurance company first. Here's why calling your insurer first is usually the best approach.
Do I have to tell new insurance about an accident?
When you get a car insurance quote, you are typically asked to disclose any recent accidents or traffic violations you previously had. A pending or open claim with your current insurer could jeopardize your ability to get coverage with a new company until that claim is resolved.
What to Say to Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident
How to explain a car accident to insurance?
- Your name.
- The name of others involved in the crash.
- The date and time of the accident.
- The location of the accident.
- The insurance company of the other driver.
- The make and model of cars involved.
How long after an accident can you switch insurance?
You can switch auto insurance companies after an accident while your claim is still pending. It is important to consider your reasons for switching, ensure there is no gap in coverage, and be aware of the potential impact on your claim.
Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?
If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, even if it was not your fault, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk to insure and increase your rates. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent to see how much insurance could increase after an accident where you're not at fault.
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.
How does insurance work if it's not your fault?
You will file a claim with your auto insurance for damage to your vehicle, medical bills, property damage, and, potentially, lost wages due to injury. The car insurer collects money from the at-fault driver's coverage. Your claims might be limited by the other driver's coverage limits and the state where you live.
What to do if someone claims you hit their car?
- Evaluate the Situation.
- Speak to the Other Party Politely.
- Take Photos and Videos.
- Gather Witnesses.
- Check for Nearby Cameras.
- Report the Incident.
- Explain Your Side Clearly.
- When to Consult an Attorney.
Do you have to talk to another person's car insurance?
You are not legally required to speak with the other driver's insurance company or give a recorded statement. They often employ tactics to use your statements against you, potentially minimizing your payout. You should report the accident to your own insurance company.
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.
Will my insurance increase after a claim?
How much does car insurance increase after a claim? Although the amount will depend on who's to blame, the severity of the accident, and your own driving record, you should expect your car insurance to increase by about 20-50% after making a claim.
Can my husband drive my car if he is not on my insurance?
Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.
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.
Whose insurance company do I call after an accident?
Always call your insurance company first to inform them that you have been in an accident. This applies whether you live in a state with no-fault insurance laws or a state like Texas, which is an at-fault state.
Should I go through my insurance or the person who hit me?
If your vehicle received minor damage, it might be worth filing a collision claim with your insurance if the damage costs more than your deductible. If the other driver caused the accident, then you could file a claim with their insurance company instead.
How long does an accident stay on your record?
In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.
Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?
However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.
Do you have to tell new insurance about an accident?
Failure to disclose a recent accident when seeking quotes for a new policy constitutes insurance fraud, which can result in serious criminal penalties. If you are able to obtain a lower quote from another insurance provider, find out if your current insurance company will lower your current premium to match.
What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?
What should I do if someone falsely accuses me of hitting their car? First thing to do is have them make a police report. tell them you can't settle an insurance claim without it. Otherwise they can take a home.
How can I lower my car insurance after an accident?
- Raising your deductible, which is the amount reduced from a potential claim check from comprehensive or collision insurance. ...
- Adding discounts to your policy. ...
- Improving your credit.