Should I inform my auto insurance about a minor accident?
I was involved in a minor accident where the other driver was at fault. They reported it to their insurance but aren’t making a claim. If I’m not filing a claim myself, do I still need to report it?
Initially, I considered not reporting it since it happened a few weeks ago, but now I’m questioning if there might be any repercussions for not notifying my insurer. I received a call from the other driver’s insurance, which I chose to ignore, but I haven’t heard anything from my own insurance company.
It’s generally a good idea to report any accident to your insurance company, even if you don’t plan on making a claim. Here are a few reasons why:
Policy Requirements: Check your insurance policy. Many insurers require you to report any accidents, regardless of whether you plan to file a claim. Failing to report may violate your policy terms.
Documentation: Reporting the incident provides a record of the accident. This can be useful in case any disputes arise later, particularly if the other driver decides to change their story or if you discover hidden damages.
Potential Future Claims: Even if you’re not currently making a claim, injuries or damages from minor accidents can sometimes become apparent later. Reporting ensures you’re covered if that happens.
Liability Considerations: Since the other driver was at fault, their insurance may reach out again. Reporting keeps your insurance informed and could help protect you if they try to claim something against you later.
Since you’ve received a call from the other driver’s insurance, it might be a good idea to call them back at least to clarify your situation. Also, consider contacting your own insurance company to discuss what happened; they can guide you on whether you need to officially report it. It’s better to err on the side of caution.