My girlfriend got into an accident and is wondering if she should notify her insurance. The accident happened last Monday, and she just received the police report today. Basically, she rear-ended a car that was stopped in a lane during a whiteout, as that car had just collided with another vehicle in front of it. The police didn’t issue her any tickets since it was clearly weather-related.
Her car only needs a new grill insert and license plate bracket for under $100, so I can fix it easily. Unfortunately, the car she hit is likely going to be considered a total loss due to damage from both the front and rear collisions. Should she still inform her insurance company about the accident even if she doesn’t plan to file a claim?
Yes, she should definitely report the accident to her insurance company, even if she doesn’t plan to file a claim. Here are a few reasons why:
Policy Requirements: Most insurance policies require policyholders to report accidents, regardless of whether a claim is being made. Failure to do so could lead to complications down the road.
Documentation: Reporting the accident creates a formal record within the insurance company. This can be crucial if any claims or disputes arise later on, especially since the other party’s vehicle was significantly damaged.
Legal Protection: Informing the insurance company can help protect her legally. If the other driver decides to pursue a claim later, having the incident on record can be beneficial.
Potential Liability: Even if she doesn’t anticipate a claim, it’s wise to have her insurer aware of the situation in case the other party tries to hold her liable for damages.
Overall, it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep her insurer informed.