I got into a minor accident today and I’m starting to second-guess my decision. Here’s what happened: while driving, a girl crossed the crosswalk, and the car in front of me suddenly slammed on its brakes, which made me hit him from behind. My car has some minor damage, but his only received a small dent on the license plate. He said he didn’t mind since his car is in rough shape, so I felt there was no need to exchange insurance information, especially since I was the one who caused the accident.
I thought that since I was at fault, my insurance wouldn’t cover my damages and might even increase my rates (please correct me if I’m wrong). I mentioned this to my mom, and she’s upset that I didn’t at least get his license plate number because she thinks we should report it to the insurance company. I’m trying to explain that reporting it might raise my premiums without covering my damages.
This is my first time dealing with a situation like this on the road, and I’m unsure about what I should have done. Any advice?
It sounds like a stressful situation, and it’s understandable to feel uncertain afterward. Here’s what you should consider:
Insurance Reporting: You’re correct that if you’re at fault, your insurance could potentially increase your premium, and they may not cover damages to your car if you don’t have coverage for that specific incident. However, it’s important to remember that most insurance policies require you to report any accidents, regardless of fault. Not reporting an accident could lead to complications later on, especially if the other driver decides to file a claim after the fact.
Collecting Information: It’s generally a good idea to exchange insurance information, even if both parties agree to handle it informally. This protects you in case the other driver decides to make a claim later. Not having their information could come back to haunt you if they do.
Consider Your Mom’s Advice: While it might be tempting to avoid involving insurance to prevent a potential hike in rates, your mom’s concern is valid. Having a record of the incident can be important if anything comes up later.
Next Steps: You might want to contact your insurance company and explain the situation, even if you don’t want to file a claim right now. They can guide you on what to do next and help you understand how it could affect your premiums.
Learning Experience: Accidents happen, and this can be a learning experience. In the future, remember to always gather information from the other driver, regardless of the circumstances.
Ultimately, it’s best to be proactive about these situations to protect yourself in the long run. Take a deep breath; you’re not alone in dealing with this—many drivers have experienced similar situations!