My girlfriend was involved in an accident last Monday and just received the police report today. She rear-ended another vehicle that was stopped in the middle of the road during a whiteout because that driver had previously rear-ended someone else. The police didn’t issue any tickets because it was clearly a weather-related incident.
Her car only needs minor repairs that will cost me less than $100 for a new grill insert and license plate bracket. Unfortunately, the vehicle she hit may be totaled due to damage from the collision. Should she still notify her insurance company about the accident even if she’s not planning 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 you to report any accidents, regardless of whether you plan to file a claim. Failing to do so could potentially lead to issues with coverage in the future.
Documentation: Reporting the incident provides a formal record of what happened. This can be important if any disputes arise later, either with the other driver or their insurance company.
Potential Claims: The other driver may file a claim against her insurance later on, and if she hasn’t reported the accident, it could complicate matters.
Protecting Her Interests: If at any point the other party claims injuries or damages, having the accident reported can help protect her and her insurance company by providing them with the necessary details from the start.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep her insurance company informed.