My girlfriend was in an accident last Monday and just received the police report today. She rear-ended someone who was stopped in the middle of the lane during a whiteout because they had collided with the car in front of them. Thankfully, the police didn’t issue her any tickets since it was clearly due to the weather.
Her car only needs minor repairs, totaling under $100 for a new grill insert and license plate bracket. However, the vehicle she hit is likely to be totaled due to damage from the front-end collision, in addition to the back-end damage. Should she inform her insurance company about the accident even if she doesn’t plan to file a claim?
Yes, your girlfriend should definitely report the accident to her insurance company, even if she doesn’t plan to make a claim. Here are a few reasons why:
Transparency: Insurance companies prefer to have a complete record of any incidents, even minor ones. Reporting the accident can help avoid potential issues in the future if the other driver decides to file a claim later.
Legal Requirements: In some states, you’re legally required to report accidents to your insurance company, regardless of whether you plan to file a claim. It’s good to be aware of the local laws.
Protection: If the other driver decides to pursue compensation for damages or injuries later on, having reported the incident can protect her from liability. The insurance company will have a record of her side of the story.
Future Rates: While reporting the accident might lead to a slight increase in her premiums, it can be less impactful than waiting for the other party to involve their insurance without any communication from her side.
Encourage her to document everything related to the accident, including the police report and any communications with the other party involved. It’s better to be safe and keep the insurance informed.