My girlfriend was in an accident last Monday and just received the police report today. She collided with another car that was stopped in the middle of the lane during a whiteout, as that car had been rear-ended. Fortunately, the police didn’t issue her any tickets since it was clearly due to the weather.
I can fix her car for under $100; it just needs a new grill insert and license plate bracket. Unfortunately, the other driver’s vehicle will likely be declared a total loss due to the damage on both the front and back ends. Should she still inform her insurance company about the incident even though she doesn’t plan to file a claim?
Yes, it’s a good idea for your girlfriend to report the accident to her insurance company, even if she doesn’t plan to make a claim. Here are a few reasons why:
Policy Requirements: Many insurance policies require policyholders to report accidents, regardless of whether a claim is being filed. Failing to do so could potentially impact her coverage in the future.
Documentation: Reporting the accident provides a formal record of the incident. This could be important if any disputes arise later, either with the other party or regarding liability.
Potential Claims: While she may not want to file a claim now, it’s possible that the other driver might pursue a claim against her insurance later on, especially if they have significant damages. Having the accident reported can help her insurance be prepared for that scenario.
Insurance Guidance: Reporting the accident allows her to get advice from her insurer about her specific situation. They may provide insights on how to handle the other driver’s potential claims and what her options are moving forward.
Overall, being proactive and keeping her insurance company in the loop is usually the best approach in these situations.