Should I contact my insurance company over a fender bender?

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.

What do you do after a non injury fender bender?

What is considered a serious car accident?

The Differences Between Minor and Serious Car Accidents

Although there is no clear definition of what qualifies as a serious or a minor car crash, a good indicator that a person has been in a serious accident is if he or she suffers from the effects of an injury for weeks, months, or even years after the crash.

How much does a fender bender decrease value?

If your car is involved in an accident, it only makes the depreciation worse. Following a motor vehicle collision, you should expect your car's value to depreciate by another 20%—staggering figures for those who want to recoup money after losing their vehicle in an accident.

How do insurance companies determine fault?

If the police do not decide who is at fault, or the insurance company disagrees, your insurance adjuster will investigate the accident and use the details to determine fault. The insurance company will use photos, maps, witness statements, medical records, and special algorithms to calculate fault.

What happens with insurance if a crash is not your fault?

Even if you're not at fault, you can make a claim with your insurance company for payment of damages and injuries — if you have the right coverages. If you have collision insurance, file a claim with your own carrier. It will pay for the cost of repairs or total loss of your vehicle.

Do insurance companies talk to each other?

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). They will also use other similar statistics to assess your risk.

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

Avoid using phrases like “it was my fault,” “I'm sorry,” or “I apologize.” Don't apologize to your insurer, the other driver, or law enforcement. Even if you are simply being polite and not intentionally admitting fault, these types of words and phrases will be used against you.

Should you report accident to insurance?

California law does not require a driver to report an accident to an insurance company. But most insurance policies state that the insured driver should: report an accident, soon after it happens.

Do I pay excess if I am not at fault?

When you won't pay an excess

That's because your losses aren't covered and, when someone claims against you, your insurer covers it. If you're found not to be at fault, your insurer claims the excess back from the at-fault party's insurer, along with other costs.

How much does minor body damage affect car value?

For every $5,000 in repairs due to an accident, expect your vehicle value to be cut in half, by $2,500.

Do fender benders go on Carfax?

That fender-bender won't show up on a Carfax Vehicle History Report because there is no official record. ... Any accident will reduce a used vehicle's resale value, partly because it can be difficult to tell how severe the damage was.

Do car insurance companies report accidents to Carfax?

Yes. Some insurance companies report total loss information to CARFAX.

What is a serious accident vs fender bender?

Fender benders happen every day on the road. More serious car accidents are less frequent, but they can be life-threatening or life-changing, with significant impacts on victims and their families. They can leave you hurting physically and financially for quite a while.

What is fender bender accident?

In general, the term fender-bender is used to describe a minor collision or accident between vehicles. It can refer to a rear-end collision, a parking lot bump, or another seemingly minor collision in traffic or while driving.

What is considered minor accident?

Minor auto accidents typically involve slight damage to the vehicle that does not impede the vehicle's ability to operate or cause severe injuries. Examples of minor auto accidents may include: A slight fender bender. ... Small dent in the side of the vehicle.

What do you do if someone hits your car while parked?

Who's at fault in a fender bender?

Therefore, the majority of fault falls on the driver of the last car involved in the accident. If multiple cars are involved, each car that hit another car from behind may be found to have some fault responsibility for the accident.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits your parked car?

Yes, your insurance will go up after someone hits your parked car if you file a claim with your collision insurance or uninsured motorist coverage. ... Even if you're not at fault for an accident, most states allow insurance companies to raise your rate in order to recoup the cost of a claim.

Will my insurance increase if I'm not at fault?

Generally, a no-fault accident won't cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because the at-fault party's insurance provider will be responsible for your medical expenses and vehicle repairs. If your insurer doesn't need to fork out money, your premiums won't go up.