What happens if you don't call insurance after an accident?
Asked by: Afton Hessel | Last update: November 4, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (74 votes)
Should I always call insurance after an accident?
Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident? Yes. It's essential to contact your insurer if you're in an accident with another vehicle because it's not always possible to determine how severe someone's injuries are or how much damage a car sustained in the crash.
What happens if you don't contact your insurance after an accident?
There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract.
What happens if I don't answer my insurance about a claim?
If he doesn't respond to his insurance company they won't cover it and your insurance company will utilize a subrogation process to recoup the money from either his insurance company or him. That could include a lawsuit against him personally if he won't report/respond to his insurance company.
What happens if I ignore my insurance claim?
When a claim is left unaddressed, it may lead to the insurance company assuming that you're at fault. This could result in you paying higher amounts than if you had addressed the claim promptly. Not responding to a claim can be seen as a breach of your insurance contract. This can lead to legal actions against you.
What Happens If I Don't Have Collision Insurance After A Car Accident?
Do I call the other person's insurance if they hit me?
Even in at-fault states, where the other driver's insurer pays, there are several reasons why you should always call your own auto insurance company first, including: Some insurers will help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company.
How long do I have to report an accident to my car insurance?
In terms of deadlines for reporting car accidents to insurance companies in California, the specific requirements vary from one insurance company to the next. Most insurance companies require their policyholders to report accidents within 30 days of 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.
Should I file a claim with my insurance 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.
What happens if you don't tell insurance?
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.
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.
What happens if you don't call your insurance after an accident on Reddit?
If it says you must report an accident, then you risk losing coverage if you don't report it.
When should you not call car insurance?
The only time you do not need to call your insurance company is when the accident happens on your own property, involves no other drivers (so no one else may be at fault) and the damage to your vehicle is minimal or at least of an amount you can afford to cover on your own or lose altogether.
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.
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.
What is the downside of filing an insurance claim?
It could increase your premiums
When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.
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.
Is it worth repairing minor bumper damage?
While minor bumper damage might not seem like a big deal, it could affect how your insurance company pays for future repairs. If you have bumper damage and don't get it fixed, any other claims could be denied, especially if they find out that the bumper could have prevented additional damage.
Should I file a claim with the other person's insurance?
When the other driver is at fault, and you have a police report that documents that, you can and should gather information about the other driver's insurance. We do not recommend that you contact that insurance company directly because they will try to reduce their claim and shift the blame to you.
Should I call their insurance or mine?
Should I call my insurance provider even if it wasn't my fault? Yes, you will want to call your insurance provider regardless of whose fault you believe it may be.
What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?
You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)
Do I get paid if someone hits my car?
If you can prove that a specific vehicle/person was responsible for the crash, and they have insurance, or money for damages, yes.