Should I call insurance after small accident?

Asked by: Dr. Tamara Simonis  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (16 votes)

Getting into an accident can be scary. ... But if the accident does not result in major damage or injuries, you might wonder, “Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident?” 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.

What happens if I don't call my insurance after an accident?

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.

Should I report minor damage to insurance?

The California Vehicle Code requires a driver to report an accident to law enforcement within 24 hours if anyone was injured or killed. ... Put another way, the State of California does not require you to notify your insurance company about a minor accident.

How soon should I call my insurance after an accident?

When a car accident claim comes into the insurance company, the insurer assigns an adjuster to a case. The insurance adjuster will then contact you, usually by phone, but sometimes by mail or email. Under California law, the insurer must contact you within 15 days of receiving notice of a claim.

Should I call my insurance if the accident wasn't my fault?

Yes, you should call your insurance company if you were in a car accident that was not your fault. ... First, your insurance company may require you to contact them as outlined in your policy. Second, you may discover available coverage to help you with your damages, even if the accident is not your fault.

Car Insurance Explained, & What to Do After a Car Accident!

45 related questions found

When someone hits your car do you call their insurance?

If someone hits your car, you should call your insurance company. But first, you'll probably want to call the police, especially if the damage is severe, there are any injuries, or the accident was a hit-and-run. Even if you don't think you are at-fault, you're required to report potential claims to your insurer.

Should I contact the person who hit my car?

It's especially important to call the police if anyone is injured, the damage to your car is severe, or other property has been damaged. ... If you can, try to obtain a copy of the police report or the report number so that your insurance company can easily obtain it.

What do I say when I call my insurance company after an accident?

Give Only Limited Personal Information

You need only tell the insurance adjuster your full name, address, and telephone number. You can also tell them what type of work you do and where you are employed. But at this point you need not explain or discuss anything else about your work, your schedule, or your income.

Do you pay deductible if not at fault?

You do not have to pay a car insurance deductible if you are not at fault in a car accident. ... You will have to pay a deductible for collision coverage and personal injury protection, but your insurance company will eventually recoup your costs through subrogation with the at-fault driver's insurer.

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me?

Naturally, most injured victims that contact our firm want to know about the financial consequences of the collision. A common question that potential clients ask us when they call is whether their car insurance rates will increase as a result of the collision – even if they weren't at fault. The answer: no.

Should I tell my insurance company about a minor accident?

Insurance Disclosure

But if the accident does not result in major damage or injuries, you might wonder, “Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident?” 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.

Is it better to go through insurance or pay out of pocket?

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 do you do after a minor car accident?

What to do when you get in a car accident?
  1. Stop the car or find a safe refuge area nearby. ...
  2. Check for injuries and call an ambulance if required. ...
  3. Assess the situation and call the emergency services if required. ...
  4. Exchange details with individuals involved. ...
  5. Gather information on the incident. ...
  6. Contact your insurance company.

What happens if at fault driver won't Contact insurance company?

If you don't know the other person's insurance company and have no way of contacting the at-fault driver, get a “declarations page” from your insurance company to see the extent of your coverage. In the very least, you may find that your coverage will be enough to fix all of your damages and pay any medical bills.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

A $1,000 deductible is better than a $500 deductible if you can afford the increased out-of-pocket cost in the event of an accident, because a higher deductible means you'll pay lower premiums. Choosing an insurance deductible depends on the size of your emergency fund and how much you can afford for monthly premiums.

Why do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me?

How Do Car Insurance Deductibles Work? ... Once you pay this amount, your insurance company will then step in to help cover the remaining cost for damages (up to your policy limit). A deductible is commonly required with collision coverage, which is coverage that would protect you in an accident that's not your fault.

When someone hits your car who pays the deductible?

You do not have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car, that person is identified, and they have property damage liability insurance. If you file a claim with your own collision insurance or uninsured motorist coverage after someone hits your car, then you will likely have to pay a deductible.

What should I not tell an insurance adjuster?

As a car accident attorney, I recommend you don't say these 6 things to an insurance adjuster when they're investigating your case.
  • "Sorry" or "It was my fault" ...
  • "I'm OK" or "I'm Fine" ...
  • "They Came out of Nowhere" ...
  • "I Think…" ...
  • "Sure, You Can Record a Statement" ...
  • "I'm thinking about seeing a doctor…"

What should you not say when making an insurance claim?

Never say that you are sorry or admit any kind of fault. Remember that a claims adjuster is looking for reasons to reduce the liability of an insurance company, and any admission of negligence can seriously compromise a claim.

What should you not say when filing an insurance claim?

5 Things You Shouldn't Say to an Insurance Adjuster
  1. Admitting Fault. Never admit fault or use apologetic language during conversations with claims adjusters. ...
  2. Speculating About What Happened. ...
  3. Giving Information About Your Injuries. ...
  4. Making a Recorded Statement. ...
  5. Accepting the First Settlement Offer.

What should I do if someone hits me?

Call 911

Even in minor accidents, you should still call 911. Calling the emergency line will notify the police to investigate the scene. As mentioned earlier, the police officer will complete a police report detailing the scene of the accident.

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me Geico?

With Accident Forgiveness on your GEICO auto insurance policy, your insurance rate won't go up as a result of your first at-fault accident. We waive the surcharge associated with the first at-fault accident caused by an eligible driver on your policy.

Who recovers my car after an accident?

If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to claim for free vehicle recovery, at the expense of the party responsible for the accident. ... This means the insurance company will record the accident, but will not take any action such as charging an excess or increasing your premium.

What is a minor impact?

August 25, 2021. Minor impact collision is a phrase used by liability insurance adjusters to describe an automobile accident where the visible property damage to the vehicle is such that it either cannot be seen by the naked eye or appears to be indicative of a low-velocity collision.

Which four types of injuries are classified as minor?

Examples of minor injuries include the following.
  • Shallow cuts or abrasions.
  • Sprains and muscle strain.
  • Bruises and skin lesions.
  • Minor burns covering only a small area of skin.