When should you not call car insurance?

Asked by: Lauren Dach  |  Last update: April 1, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)

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.

Is it bad to wait to call insurance?

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.

What should I not tell my insurance company?

The insurance adjuster doesn't need to hear your entire life story. Sharing personal anecdotes or irrelevant experiences might even hurt your claim. Stick to the facts and avoid extra details about your family, job history, prior injuries, or unrelated accidents.

What happens if I don't call my 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. 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.

Should I call insurance if I'm 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.

Should You Report Your Car Accident To Your Own Insurance Company?

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

You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am 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.

Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?

Yes, it is generally advisable to notify your insurance company even if the accident wasn't your fault. Most insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report any accidents or incidents, regardless of fault.

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.

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 do insurance companies fear the most?

It's simple: Insurance companies' legal teams hate having to go before juries. Naturally, it's up to juries to apply the law in a fair and even-handed manner. However, it never helps insurance companies to be seen as the villains who are trying to get one over on people in genuine need.

What not to say when filing a claim?

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

How to deal with insurance after a car accident?

How to Deal with Insurance After a California Car Accident: 7 Essential Tips
  1. Don't Admit Fault. ...
  2. Contact an Attorney. ...
  3. Beware of Recorded Statements. ...
  4. Watch Out for Speedy Settlement Offers. ...
  5. Don't Give Too Much Detail About Your Injuries. ...
  6. Remember: Insurers Are Not on Your Side. ...
  7. Document the Accident and Your Injuries.

Should you report an accident that wasn't your fault?

You must also report the accident to both your own insurer and theirs. Generally, this will start the claims process with the at-fault party's insurer. Next, seek immediate medical attention—even if you don't think you were injured—and follow up on any suggested treatment.

Should I pay for a car accident out of pocket or let insurance pay?

If the damage to your car is significant or more than the cost of your deductible, it may make sense to file an auto insurance claim with your insurer. If the damage is minimal and the repairs will cost less than your car insurance deductible, then it may not make sense to file a claim.

How soon should you report an accident to your insurance company?

In California, reporting an accident to your insurance company as soon as possible is generally advisable.

Do you call your insurance or theirs?

If you get into a car accident, you are under no obligation to call another driver's insurance company to work out the claim. All you need to do is talk to your insurance provider when you get into an accident or if someone else hits your car, and they will handle the claim on your behalf.

What to do if someone hits your car but no damage?

You Should Report Your Accident Even If There Was No Damage

It is important to obtain a copy as it serves as valuable evidence for your case. While the report attempts to document most of the issues related to the incident, it is never all-inclusive.

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.

Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

No matter the circumstances, you should contact your insurance if you were in a car accident that was not your fault. Then contact Morelli Law Firm. Our legal team has the resources and staff necessary to handle your case. We fight to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages.

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.

Should I call my insurance if it wasn't my fault Geico?

Depends, but always tell us about any accident that happens. If the other person is at fault and there is no dispute you may be able to file directly with them.

Should I talk to the other person's insurance company?

After an accident, it's advised not to speak with the other driver's insurance company. You are not legally required to speak with the other driver's insurance company or give a recorded statement. They often employ tactics to use your statements against you, potentially minimizing your payout.

What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?

What should I do if someone falsely accuses me of hitting their car? First thing to do is have them make a police report. tell them you can't settle an insurance claim without it. Otherwise they can take a home.

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.