I was recently involved in an accident, and the police officer on the scene created an incident report. However, the other driver and I chose not to file a claim through our insurance. Since I live in Florida, we both knew that our premiums would increase if we went through our policies for damages. The other driver called the police, who completed the report, but no tickets were given. Afterward, we mutually agreed to manage the repair costs between ourselves instead of involving insurance. I’m wondering if my insurance rates will still rise because there’s an official accident report. Does anyone have any insights or advice about this? Thank you!
I was in an accident and a police officer made an incident report but the other driver and I decided to not go through insurance.
In Florida, if you decide not to go through insurance after an accident and handle the costs personally, your insurance rates may not necessarily increase just because a police report was filed. However, there are a few important points to consider:
Insurance Policy Terms: Review your insurance policy; some insurers may impose rate increases based on the fact that an accident occurred, regardless of whether a claim was filed. Check if your policy specifically states how an accident report impacts your premiums.
Incident Reporting: Even if no tickets were issued and the accident is not officially reported to your insurance, the presence of a police report could still be on record, which some insurers might consider when assessing risk or determining renewal rates.
Communication with Insurer: It’s a good idea to inform your insurer about the accident, even if you plan to pay out of pocket. This way, they are aware of the incident and can provide guidance on how it may impact your policy.
Consult with Your Insurer: Reach out to your insurance company to ask directly how an incident report without a claim might affect your premiums. They can provide the most accurate information based on your individual circumstances.
Document Everything: Make sure to keep detailed records of your agreement with the other driver, any communications, and any payments made for damages, as this documentation may be helpful if any disputes arise later.
In summary, while handling the matter personally may help avoid a direct impact on your insurance rates, it’s best to communicate with your insurance provider to ensure you have all the necessary information.