What happens if you don't call your insurance after an accident on Reddit?

Asked by: Rahsaan Wuckert  |  Last update: October 18, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (22 votes)

If it says you must report an accident, then you risk losing coverage if you don't report it. Call or email your agent and give the basic details that appear in the information exchange document.

Should you report an accident to insurance reddit?

If you were to have hit someone or damage someone's property, then yes, but otherwise, negative.

Do I have to talk to the other insurance company after a car accident on Reddit?

You have no legal obligation to speak with the other party's insurance. If you get sued, turn it over to your 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.

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

Failing to contact your insurance company shortly after being in a car accident can lead to them denying your claim. Waiting to contact your insurance company can also make it more difficult for the insurance company to investigate your case, which could lead to you receiving a lower settlement amount.

Reddit Insurance Questions Answered

39 related questions found

What happens if I don't answer an insurance company after an accident?

Every modern auto liability insurance policy has a “duty to cooperate” clause, in which the insured driver has explicitly agreed to cooperate with their insurer's investigation and defense of a claim. Failure to cooperate may result in an insurance company deciding to deny coverage.

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 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 a non-reportable accident go on your record?

A non-reportable accident usually means there was minor damage and no one got a ticket. These accidents may not go on your driving record. Police might not even come to the scene. Most times, if police do not file a report, the accident stays off your record.

Should I report bumper damage to insurance?

Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage? While it's usually recommended to inform your insurance company about any damage to your car, you may choose not to file an insurance claim for bumper damage if you'd prefer to pay for repairs out of pocket.

Do I call the other person's insurance if they hit me?

You do likely have to talk to your own insurance company as they will need your account of what happened. There is, however, times when speaking to the other driver's insurance company will benefit you and will depend heavily on the specifics of your case.

What not to say when talking to an insurance adjuster?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”

Does your insurance pay if you are not at fault?

Who pays in a no-fault accident? If there's an accident between two drivers, each party's PIP coverage typically pays for their respective medical bills and/or wage loss up to their policies' limits, no matter who caused the accident.

Should I contact my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.

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.

When should you not file a car insurance claim?

“If your damages are minor, you're much better off just paying out of pocket.” Even if the repairs cost slightly more than the deductible, it's still not worth submitting a claim that gets added to your claim history and can negatively affect your premiums in the future.

Am I at fault if I didn't get a ticket?

So, what does it mean if no ticket is issued after a car crash? It could indicate that the police cannot definitely say that someone broke a law. If a police officer does not issue a ticket in your car accident, you can still take action to prove the other motorist involved in it was at fault.

When must an accident be reported?

NB: A report must be received within 10 days of the incident. For accidents resulting in the over-seven-day incapacitation of a worker, you must notify the enforcing authority within 15 days of the incident, using the appropriate online form.

Does a Fender bender count as an accident on Carfax?

Do fender benders show up on Carfax? The Carfax Vehicle History Report will not include the record of a minor accident like a fender-bender if there is no official documentation. However, there is a bigger concern if the accident was not just a fender-bender but caused significant damage to the vehicle.

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 was my fault?

Yes, you will want to call your insurance provider regardless of whose fault you believe it may be. Your insurance provider will be able to walk you through the next steps of filing a claim and finding out what your coverage does and does not cover.

What happens if I don't respond to insurance?

Insurance policies also have a “duty to cooperate” or “non-cooperation” clause. This clause basically states that the insured party is obligated to cooperate with the adjuster's investigation of the claim. If the insured person refuses or fails to cooperate, the company can then deny coverage.

When someone hits you, do you call your insurance or theirs?

For example, if your car repair damage is $19,000 and the other driver's insurance covers up to $15,000, you still have to pay $4,000 in repair bills. In this case, your car insurance company may cover the costs resulting from this underinsured driver. This is why you should call your insurance if someone hits you.

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?

What to Do If Someone Falsely Claims You Hit Their Car
  1. Evaluate the Situation.
  2. Speak to the Other Party Politely.
  3. Take Photos and Videos.
  4. Gather Witnesses.
  5. Check for Nearby Cameras.
  6. Report the Incident.
  7. Explain Your Side Clearly.
  8. When to Consult an Attorney.