What do I tell my insurance company about a minor accident?

We recommend that when you speak to your insurance company that you explain how the accident happened, who is involved, describe any property damage, and state whether there were any witnesses.

When to file a minor car accident report?

Find out when you’re legally or contractually obligated to report an accident. Some of the most common car accidents are minor “fender benders” that do not involve injuries. These accidents can happen in parking lots when cars are backing out from parking spaces, or when driving at an intersection as you’re trying to stop for a red light.

What should I do after a minor car accident?

1. Stop your car The law requires you to stop your vehicle at the scene of an accident, even if it was a minor fender-bender or just a scrape. Leaving the scene is considered a hit and run accident, which is punishable as a crime. 2. Stay safe Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.

Are there any injuries in a car accident?

Frequently these accidents do not cause any injuries to the drivers or passengers. However, the collisions can still result in minor property damage to the cars, whether it’s a dented bumper or fender, or scrapes and scratches on the paint.

What happens if you don’t report a car accident?

If you don’t immediately contact law enforcement to report the accident, and you discover at a later date that you were actually injured, the other driver might take the position that the accident never occurred. Without a law enforcement investigation of the accident, it is just your word against the other driver’s.

Why do people not report minor car accidents?

Reporting an Accident to your Insurance Company. People who are involved in minor collisions often try to avoid reporting these types of accidents to their insurance companies for two reasons: the driver assumes that things can just be “worked out” with the other driver without involving the insurance companies.

Can a minor car accident be settled without insurance?

If you have a minor accident, you don’t have to worry about the same amount of damages or having to pay for medical bills. Only the minor ones should be handled outside of the insurance system. Be sure that you set aside time to get some estimates from repair shops that you trust.

Do you call the police after a minor car accident?

However, your call to report the accident will be on the record. Even if you suspect the accident was your fault, it benefits you to notify the police. Most states require drivers to notify police for minor collisions, depending on the estimated amount of vehicle damage.

Frequently these accidents do not cause any injuries to the drivers or passengers. However, the collisions can still result in minor property damage to the cars, whether it’s a dented bumper or fender, or scrapes and scratches on the paint.