What counts as an accident for car insurance?
Asked by: Mrs. Amelie Wuckert | Last update: June 24, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (63 votes)
What counts as an accident for auto insurance?
A chargeable accident is an at-fault accident in which you caused damage to another person's property or bodily injury, whether a simple fender bender or a more severe accident in which you totaled someone else's car.
How do insurance companies define accident?
Insurers use the word “accident” to describe an event that happens unintentionally, and which is unexpected or unforeseen. Accidental means may involve acts that caused damage or harm, but which were themselves accidental. Both the injury and the event have to be considered accidents in order for a claim to be covered.
What is legally considered an accident?
An accident is an unplanned, unintentional event that causes damage or injury. Accidents are unpredictable and occur without any intent or negligence. For example, a tree branch falling on a parked car during a storm in California would be considered an accident - there was no intent or negligence, just bad luck.
What is an example of a 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. Busted headlight/ taillight.
Should you drop collision coverage on car insurance?
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.
Do minor accidents affect insurance?
How much your insurance will go up after a fender-bender will depend on your auto insurance policy, as multiple factors may affect how much your rates will go up. In some cases, a fender-bender might not affect your insurance rates if your driving history is good, and you were found not at fault for the accident.
Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage?
It may not make sense to file a claim if the bumper damage is minor and the repair cost is lower than your auto insurance deductible. If you have a low deductible, it may be worthwhile to file a claim, even for minor repairs.
Does a no-fault accident affect insurance?
In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.
How do you classify an accident?
The classification of the severity of an accident (as fatal, serious or slight) is determined by the severity of the injury to the most severely injured casualty. The police usually record this information soon after the accident occurs.
How do you describe a car accident for insurance?
How to Describe a Car Accident for Insurance. Your insurance company will probably have a few questions. All you are required to give them is basic information in this first call such as where it happened and how many vehicles were involved or if someone was injured. If you are not sure of any answer, just say so.
What happens if insurance can't fix my car?
You can keep the money from an insurance claim without fixing your car — if you own the vehicle and the insurer hasn't paid the mechanic or body shop for repairs directly. But your insurer might remove comprehensive and collision coverage or deny a future claim.
What is defined as a car accident?
The definition of a car accident is an event where two or more vehicles collide, or a motorist crashes into a pedestrian or object. In both situations, a car accident can result in serious injuries or death.
How does insurance define accident?
Unlike most other modern liability policies, the commercial auto liability insuring agreement continues to apply to injuries or damages caused by an "accident." In this case, the policy includes a definition, of sorts, of the term "accident"—that is, "[a]ccident" includes continuous or repeated exposure to the same ...
How long do accidents stay on your record?
In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.
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.
Should I file a claim if I'm 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.
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.
Should I call my insurance if it wasn't my fault progressive?
Start the claims process
Regardless of who's at fault, it's a good idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred.
What should you not do when making an insurance claim?
While temporary repairs are a good idea, don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected. If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster.
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 hit a bumper?
An at-fault accident can increase your auto insurance rates for at least three years, depending on your state and insurer. A driver with a recent at-fault accident pays more a year on average for a full coverage policy than a driver with no traffic violations.
Should I pay for a car accident out of pocket or let insurance pay?
If the repair costs are less than your deductible (or even slightly more) you should pay for the repairs out of pocket. For example, if the damage to your car costs $300 to fix, and your deductible is $200, you would save $100 by filing a claim.
What happens if you don t tell your insurance about a minor accident?
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.
How can I lower my car insurance after an accident?
Opt For Higher Deductibles
This could lower your comprehensive coverage and collision costs by anywhere between 15% and 30%. If your deductible were raised to $1,000, it would save you at least 40%, or possibly even more!